Posted: May 1st, 2025

discussion response

Discussion response
TAYLOR KOVACH
ThursdayJul 18 at 3:12pm
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Question 1 Reflect on how you, as a provider, care for patients who may have similar
situations, diagnoses, or illnesses as yourself or a significant other. How do you deal with
parallel personal issues when caring for patients?
There have been a few patients that I have taken care of that have had similar illnesses as
a family member. During that process, I had both positive and negative thoughts about the
situation. As a nurse taking care of a patient with a similar illness as a family member, it did
allow me to become more aware of my patient’s feelings and what they were experiencing
while still being able to deliver professional medical care to my patient. Having this
experience also allowed me to show empathy and understanding for what my patient and
their family may be going through, instead of just providing general nursing care. I was
able to listen, relate and provide other insight for the patient that may not have been
considered before. When dealing with a patient with parallel personal issues, there a few
things that I have learned can help. First, it is important to empathize with all patients
regardless of our personal beliefs. This is important for the patient as it helps them feel
comfortable with their care and does not further stress the patient. If faced with a difficult
situation, it is important to step back, reevaluate the situation and find a different
approach. Doing this can allow you to consider multiple points of view and can prevent the
patient from further stress. You could also initiate relaxation techniques to help avoid
possible burnout. Lastly, you can use the help of other nurses, providers, and employee
programs that are offered.
JERRICA DANIELLE COOPER
ThursdayJul 18 at 9:09pm
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Question 2 Since you have knowledge about these issues how may this affect the
decisions you make in life?
Understanding the real-life struggles and emotions of patients like Carole Bailey, as
depicted in the video segment ‘Knowing It’s the Right Thing’ (Calvary Hospital, n.d.),
significantly influences my professional and personal decision-making. This understanding
instills in me a deep sense of compassion for patient care, particularly in the context of
end-of-life care. As a nurse, I am keenly aware of the need to provide care that respects
the dignity and autonomy of all individuals. These insights reinforce the importance of
advocating for patients’ desires and ensuring that each patient is treated with dignity and
respect. They also highlight the crucial role of active listening to patients and their families
to understand their fears, hopes, and preferences. My goal is to be honest, build trust, and
provide support that aligns with the patient’s values and wishes, making them feel
acknowledged and understood. This understanding significantly influences my ethical
decision-making in nursing, highlighting the importance of considering the patient’s
quality of life and the potential benefits versus burdens of continued aggressive
treatments. This drives me to engage in challenging discussions about prognosis and care
goals with my patients, enabling them to better inform their treatment preferences. This
knowledge also impacts how I perceive my health and the health of my loved ones,
emphasizing the importance of advance care planning and discussions about end-of-life
care preferences. Understanding the emotional and physical toll of terminal illnesses
motivates me to advocate for palliative care options that prioritize comfort and quality of
life. The lessons learned from individuals like Carole Bailey serve as a guide for my nursing
practice, offering new perspectives. This understanding further underscores the pivotal
role of empathy, communication, and patient-centered care within nursing practice. It also
shapes my health beliefs regarding illness and end-of-life planning, highlighting the human
aspect of healthcare.