Walker, J., et al (2005), defines psychology as "the study of human behavior, thought process and emotion. It can contribute to our understanding of ourselves and our relationships with other people, if it is applied in an informed way." Sharing the same sentiments is the definition of the Oxford Collocations Dictionary for Students of English (2002) which sees psychology as "a study of the mind, the way people behave, and the type of mind that person or group has". Nursing Practice not only involves the physical relationship between patients and nurses but also an enormous emotional touch that is always inevitable and so natural. This essay seeks therefore to explain the need and the importance of Psychology in Nursing Practice.
Generally, Psychology as a study aims to explain, predict, describe, and control the behavior and the mental processes. Either in the Wards or in Lecture Theatres, nurses are sure to confront an endless list of incidences that are bound to stir their emotions. Our emotion is a major sphere of Psychology as a study and thus very crucial in Nursing Practice. Wood, S.E., et al, (2006) defines emotion as "an identifiable feeling state involving psychological arousal, a cognitive appraisal of the situation or stimulus causing that internal body state, and an outward behavior expressing the state."
[...] The above-mentioned emotions call for a ‘psychologically intelligent' nurse. Through the study of Psychology, nurses will acquire what Psychologists refer to as ‘Emotional Intelligence'. Goleman (1998) states that “emotional intelligence includes abilities such as being able to motivate oneself and persist in the face of frustrations, to control impulse and delay gratification, to regulate one's moods and keep distress from swamping the ability to think, to empathize and to hope”. An emotionally Intelligent Practicing Nurse is thus in a good position to easily perceive an emotion, use such perceptions to their advantage, grasp emotional changes and manage them effectively. [...]
[...] If a nurse does not properly manage their emotions, say of anger and frustrations, they might easily end up messing with their work (endangering their patients in the process) and definitely risking their jobs as well. In conclusion, it is evident that Psychology plays a vital role in the Nursing Practice. It not only enhances the results (that is the effectiveness in medical care providence), but also helps the nurses take control of their emotions. By being in charge of one's emotions and being able to understand their patients' emotional needs as well, nurses will always be in a good position to offer their level best. [...]
[...] References Runcia, M. (2002). Oxford Collocations Dictionary for Students of English. (1st Ed.) United States of America : Oxford University Press Walker, J., Payne, S., Smith, P., Jarrett, N., (2004). Psychology for Nurses & The Caring Profession. (2nd Ed.) United States of America : McGraw Hill Education Woods, S.E., Wood, E.G., Boyd, D. (2006) Mastering the World of Psychology. [...]
[...] This essay seeks therefore to explain the need and the importance of Psychology in Nursing Practice. Generally, Psychology as a study aims to explain, predict, describe, and control the behavior and the mental processes. Either in the Wards or in Lecture Theatres, nurses are sure to confront an endless list of incidences that are bound to stir their emotions. Our emotion is a major sphere of Psychology as a study and thus very crucial in Nursing Practice. Wood, S.E., et al, (2006) defines emotion as identifiable feeling state involving psychological arousal, a cognitive appraisal of the situation or stimulus causing that internal body state, and an outward behavior expressing the state.” First-time practicing nurses usually exhibit emotions such as nervousness, anxiety, and even fear. [...]
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