Nurse Patient Engagement And Nursing What is Nursing Patient Engagement?
Nursing patient engagement refers to the process by which nurses and patients build a positive, mutually beneficial relationship characterized by active involvement, communication, and shared decision-making. Engagement is about creating a strong, positive connection between nurses and their patients, which enhances the quality of care and patient outcomes. Faculty in nursing education are expected to cultivate a commitment to engagement among students, preparing them to become professional nurses who work effectively with patients and collaborate with other healthcare staff.
The concept of engagement can also be viewed from the patient’s perspective. The Center for Advancing Health (2010, p. 2) defines patient engagement as the “actions individuals must take to obtain the greatest benefit from the health care services available to them.” This definition can be extended to encompass the engagement of professional nurses, nurse educators, and student learners. Additionally, the Commission on Community-Engaged Scholarship in the Healthcare Professions defines community engagement as “the application of institutional resources to address and solve challenges facing communities through collaboration” (nd, p. 12). Thus, nursing patient engagement involves fostering a positive relationship and collaboration with patients, colleagues, and the broader community to enhance health outcomes.
History of Patient-Nurse Engagement
Patient-nurse engagement has been a focal point in various studies, particularly within Magnet hospitals, which are known for their commitment to creating positive practice environments. Nurses who work in Magnet hospitals tend to be more engaged than those in non-Magnet organizations. Engaged nurses are typically more effective in their roles and maintain good relationships with nursing management, benefit from a supportive work environment, and achieve a good work-life balance. They also actively participate in decision-making and professional development (Carter & Tourangeau, 2012; Fasoli, 2010).
Factors that contribute to a nurse’s sense of engagement in the workplace include workload, control, rewards, fairness, community, and value. Positive practice environments that promote engagement are characterized by elements such as shared governance structures, leadership support, adequate staffing, professional development opportunities, autonomy, and strong collegial relationships (Twigg & McCullough, 2014). Studies show that engagement is positively associated with self-transcendence, suggesting that when nurses are fully engaged in both their personal and professional lives, their growth and development are enhanced (Palmer, Griffin, Reed, & Fitzpatrick, 2010). Another determinant of engagement is the perception that one’s work is meaningful, which drives motivation and productivity (Rivera, Fitzpatrick, & Boyle, 2011).
Complexities of Patient-Nurse Relationships
The concept of engagement in nursing is complex and encompasses multiple meanings from various perspectives. Literature from nursing and other fields suggests a strong relationship between engagement and productivity: the more engaged nurses are, the more productive they become. The American Organization of Nurse Executives highlights practices that create an environment where nurses feel fully engaged. These practices include collaboration, accountability, shared decision-making, competent leadership, having qualified nurses and expert practitioners, and recognizing the value of nursing’s contributions to practice.
The Institute of Medicine’s (IOM) report, “The Future of Nursing” (2010), has urged schools of nursing to redesign undergraduate nursing curricula to include critical components such as judgment, inquiry, commitment, and voice (D’Antonio, Brennan, & Curley, 2013). In “Educating Nurses: A Call for Radical Transformation,” Benner, Sutphen, Leonard, and Day (2010) stress the need to restructure nursing curricula to actively engage learners and promote clinical reasoning.
Engaging students in both the classroom and clinical settings allows them to envision themselves as professional nurses. Activities that foster interprofessional collaboration and communication help students develop confidence and practical skills. Strategies that promote student and new graduate engagement in interprofessional collaboration are associated with improved patient outcomes (Plaff, Baxter, Jack, & Ploeg, 2013; Pollard, 2009).
Faculty Role in Training Nurse-Patient Relationships
Faculty members, including educators, direct care nurses, advanced practice nurses, and nurse leaders, play a crucial role in fostering strong nurse-patient relationships by creating an environment that promotes engagement. Their role includes teaching, mentoring, and providing opportunities for students to practice and develop essential skills for effective patient engagement.
Nurse educators are responsible for embedding the principles of patient engagement into the nursing curriculum. This involves teaching students the importance of building trust, demonstrating empathy, practicing active listening, and involving patients in their care decisions. Nurse educators must provide students with opportunities to practice these skills in both classroom and clinical settings, helping them understand the complexities of patient interactions and how to navigate them effectively.
Additionally, educators should encourage reflective practices, where students evaluate their interactions with patients and identify areas for improvement. This reflection can help students develop a deeper understanding of their communication styles, emotional responses, and the impact of their behavior on patient outcomes.
Strategies for Promoting Nurse-Patient Relationships
- Incorporate Patient-Centered Care Principles: Teaching students about patient-centered care, where the patient’s preferences, values, and needs guide all clinical decisions, is crucial for fostering engagement. Educators should emphasize the importance of understanding the patient’s perspective and building a collaborative care plan.
- Use Simulation and Role-Playing: Simulation and role-playing are effective tools for teaching students how to handle complex patient interactions. These methods allow students to practice their communication and interpersonal skills in a controlled environment, receive feedback, and refine their approach.
- Promote Interprofessional Education (IPE): IPE initiatives that involve students from various healthcare disciplines working together on case studies or clinical simulations can help nursing students understand the value of teamwork and collaboration in patient care. This experience prepares them for real-world settings where effective communication and cooperation with other healthcare professionals are essential for successful patient outcomes.
- Encourage Reflective Practice: Nurse educators should incorporate reflective practice into the curriculum, prompting students to critically analyze their patient interactions and identify strengths and areas for improvement. Reflective journaling or group discussions can help students process their experiences and develop a more profound understanding of the patient-nurse dynamic.
- Facilitate Mentorship Programs: Pairing students with experienced nurse mentors can provide invaluable insights into patient engagement. Mentors can model effective communication, empathy, and professionalism while guiding students through challenging situations and offering constructive feedback.
- Implement Evidence-Based Teaching Strategies: Educators should use evidence-based strategies to teach communication and relationship-building skills. Research-backed methods, such as motivational interviewing, therapeutic communication techniques, and conflict resolution skills, can enhance students’ ability to engage with patients effectively.
- Create a Supportive Learning Environment: A supportive environment where students feel safe to ask questions, make mistakes, and learn from them is essential for fostering engagement. Educators should encourage open dialogue, provide regular feedback, and celebrate successes to boost students’ confidence and competence in patient interactions.
Conclusion
The role of nurse educators in training students regarding nurse-patient relationships is crucial for developing the next generation of competent, compassionate, and engaged nurses. By fostering a culture of engagement, emphasizing patient-centered care, and implementing innovative teaching strategies, educators can help students build the necessary skills to create meaningful connections with their patients. Through effective training and mentorship, nursing students can learn to navigate the complexities of patient relationships, ultimately leading to improved patient outcomes and a more dynamic and effective healthcare environment.