Nursing Code of Ethics With Interpretive Statements, Essay Example

I understand that health outcomes are influenced by emotional health and well-being. This also indicates that addressing patients’ emotional and spiritual needs can improve health outcomes.  Going against one’s beliefs would create extra stress and increase the symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder. I understand that providing books, resources, spiritual guidance and participation in patient support groups would help patients overcome difficulties during their stay at the hospital. However, it is also important that the above needs are assessed and addressed by the nursing care team and empathy is shown in order to meet them. A caring and empathic environment would positively affect health outcomes, reduce stress and the number of complications. In my practice, I have seen patient outcome improvement in several cases, when faith-based support was offered.

Helping patients to communicate their needs is important in  physical and emotional, spiritual and social level, equally. I understand that nurses need to assess these needs using open-ended questions designed to find out about patient preferences. Health care plans need to be personalized based on the answers to the questions regarding spiritual, emotional and social needs. Appropriate options have to be offered, such as prayer books, participation in spiritual or disease-specific groups in order to improve patient outcomes. The care plan and hospital environment needs to be adjusted to the needs of patients. Family visitation and communication with fellow patients, in my experience, can reduce recovery time and improve patient satisfaction.