Helping a Patient Focus on the Positive Aspects - Essay Example

Several years ago Klubler/Ross identified the grief stages everyone goes through when we experience a traumatic loss.  First is denial, "this really can't be happening”. Next is anger, "Why is this happening”. This gives rise to anger, outrage, and blame. Blame also shifts to guilt as helplessness takes over. Then comes bargaining, an attempt to make deals with the situation. It’s begging, wishing, praying for the pain to cease. It is wishing for things to be normal like they were before the intruding loss. Finally, depression sets in, overwhelming feelings of hopelessness, frustration, bitterness, and self-pity over the loss. As an individual works through these emotions, finally, acceptance becomes the new reality. There is a difference between resignation and acceptance. The individual has to accept the loss, not just try to bear it quietly. 

A patient with a post-surgery stoma is highly dependent on the hospital and health care staff as well as family members. Maslow has depicted the hierarchy of needs as a five-level pyramid. The four lower levels are grouped as deficiency needs which comprise mostly physiological needs and the apex represents growth needs which refer to psychological needs. The concept is that the higher needs are realized only when the needs lower to them are completely met.

The role of the stoma nurse has many facets- that of an expert clinical nurse, teacher, counselor, researcher, and manager. As a clinical nurse, she provides expert individual care for as long as required, to enable a patient to achieve maximum rehabilitation and regain her place in society within the limits of her diagnosis and prognosis. Along with patient education and counseling, a stoma nurse also holds the responsibility of providing physical, emotional, and psychological support to patients post-surgery. A stoma nurse is an individual bearing closest proximity to the patient while he/she undergoes various phases of depression and dependency. For instance, in the case of Mrs.X, a stoma nurse can help her rebuild her confidence and body image along with teaching her how to take care of her family, children, and her job once she recovers. a patient can also be introduced to other patients in the same medical establishment who have undergone stoma surgeries so that coping with the condition becomes easier for all of them through discussions and shared experiences. Group talk helps overcome isolation and accelerates the process of acceptance. Helping a patient focus more on the positive aspects of his/her being and making the most of the situation can speed up both physical and psychological healing.