2012 NURSES WEEK Nurses: Advocating, Leading, Caring In this month's newsletter, Ruth Hansten, RN PhD FACHE, discusses two concepts that she sees as integral to expert point of care practices, so that nurses can be better patient advocates, leading patients to better health. Click on the player below for Ruth's comments on how to create and enhance healing moments through self management and outcomes focus: Those of you who have attended the RROHC courses about the Relationship & Results Oriented Healthcare's (RROHC�) 10 Best Practices know that the cornerstones of healing are those moments in which RNs or other providers develop a relationship with patients and families, so that they "know" them well enough to safely help them navigate to the results they would want to achieve for their health. In those private and sacred moments, the patient's story is heard and he is respected and validated. In those healing interactions, the patient engages in his/her own healing process by helping discuss both short-term and longer-term goals or outcomes, and care becomes person-driven, rather than provider-pushed. Let me elaborate on the two key concepts discussed in the video above: 1. Self-Management: Expert practitioners know how to use their appreciative or emotional intelligence to place on hold the myriad of other patient-related nursing concerns while they perform their outcomes-focused interviews with their patients. Some use the "gel in" or hand-washing moments to collect their thoughts, breathe deeply, and center themselves as they enter the rooms of their patients. Most effective care providers sit at eye level so that there is power equality and the patient feels less threatened and anxious. The RROHC team would love to hear from more of you about your expert self-management techniques. What do you do to help yourself focus, so that you can be present and connected and authentic in the midst of what is often a chaotic environment? We welcome your comments on our RROHC Blog. 2. Outcomes Focus: Service orientation programs that teach employees to introduce themselves, explain care, and durations of waits, gratitude, and commitment to care, such as the Studer programs, are excellent and we applaud them for assisting healthcare workers in creating a trusting environment. However, since our patients are often very ill, we must move beyond service language to address the serious health issues confronting our patients and families. We know that results-orientation, or vision of success, helps humans achieve our goals with fluidity and creativity. Asking health coaching questions related to the culture and acuity of the person receiving care allows patients to take ownership. Questions such as "What's most important to you now?" "What's on your mind right now about your care?" "What's your suspicion about what's getting in the way of getting well?" will be help the patient determine shorter term goals. For the longer-term outcomes, other questions about where they see themselves in a week or a month, or about what they are hoping for post-hospitalization, would provide a spring board for navigation through the confusing healthcare system. The RROHC team would also like to hear about what questions you find are most helpful in your area of practice, to help the patient/family discuss short and longer term results with the interdisciplinary care team. Send me a quick Email to share your best tips on the right questions to ask. |