Self-Care Plan, Essay Example

In order to accomplish my objectives of physical, mental and spiritual wellbeing in the professional nursing role, I must identify the possible alternative solutions and resources that are available that will have a favorable impact on patient care. These perspectives provide a basis for the exploration of alternative therapies, such as those offered by Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM). For my patients, I will employ different uses of CAM that address pain management and other symptoms that require this form of therapy. In addition, it is possible that CAM therapies might be beneficial for other types of symptoms or complications. I will consider these treatments as a means of improving health and wellbeing for my patients who require them. However, I must also consider how my own strengths as a nurse will support my use of CAM therapies in this manner because my needs are critical to me wellbeing and strength as a professional nurse.

For my patients in need, I would consider the application of CAM therapies as a means of treating different types of pain (Saquib et.al, 2011). The types of CAM that are in use vary; therefore, I must recognize the importance and potential severity of different interactions that may occur with these therapies in conjunction with traditional treatments (Saquib et.al, 2011). When I administer these treatments, however, I must consider not only how my patients feel but how I feel as I treat them so I do not become overstressed or overtired as I perform my regular nursing duties. This is a critical component of my wellbeing and requires my regular attention to ensure that I preserve my own health and wellbeing in conjunction with that of my patients.

CAM therapies such as supplements, acupuncture, and massage therapy might be considered safe on their own; however, I would exercise caution when recommending these therapies and enabling their patients to adopt these therapies for their own use (Saquib et.al, 2011). With any treatment plan, I would evaluate the adoption of CAM therapies and determine which method was most appropriate to administer to my patients to achieve optimal results. Establishing a balance between the needs of my patients and my own needs must be a key priority in my own plan of self-care so that I am able to provide the best possible outcomes for my patients at all times.

For all patients, I will utilize my practical and knowledge-based skills because CAM therapies may constitute a high-risk approach; therefore, I must consider these risks in determining whether or not this type of treatment is feasible (Birdee and Yeh, 2010). Under these conditions, I must reflect upon my own demeanor with my patients and if I see any signs of fatigue or other stressors, I must take a step back and determine how to best move forward in order to provide my patients with much-needed support and guidance without hesitation.

I believe that it is possible for my patients to be more receptive to CAM treatments and to recognize their potential benefits. I must consider the physical, mental, and spiritual benefits of CAM and discuss them with my patient so that the he or she is aware of all possible treatment alternatives and is able to make an informed decision. However, during this process, I must also address my own needs and my own self-care as a nurse working with patients facing any number of debilitating conditions. I must also conduct my own form of personal reflection on a regular basis in order to accomplish these objectives and to demonstrate the importance of new perspectives in order to continue to provide my patients with much-needed care and the focus that they deserve.

As a professional nurse, I must recognize that treating patients with cancer and other serious diseases may be stressful on many levels. Therefore, as I consider the adoption of CAM therapies as part of the treatment plan, I must consider myself as part of this process and demonstrate my ability to remain fresh and focused, in spite of the stressors of this role and the potential burnout that may occur. I must learn how to balance my needs as a human being with my role as a nurse in order to accomplish the goals of the profession. If I am experiencing any form of burnout, I must take time for myself and develop a strategy that will allow me to take time for myself as necessary. This will enable me to provide optimal care and treatment to my patients as necessary. Furthermore, the compassion that I provide to my patients may sometimes be difficult to sustain, particularly when the nursing role involves working with patients who endure extreme pain and suffering. Therefore, it is necessary to find time to heal and to overcome any challenges that I face so that I am able to positively contribute to my patients as a listener, care provider, and compassionate human being.

Summary

Complementary and Alternative Medicine has become increasingly common in many communities and provides a basis for the exploration of new ideas and approaches to improve patient care outcomes. The patients I treat that suffer from a variety of diseases such as cancer or diabetes, and as result, they might be willing to try these treatments to alleviate pain or obtain improved glycemic control, respectively. However, I must realistic in that the desired treatment outcomes might not be effective in all cases, which requires an open discussion with patients in order to determine the most feasible course of action. I believe that CAM therapies might be beneficial to some patients, but the physical, mental, and spiritual wellbeing of patients is at stake; therefore, I must explore these challenges with them so that they recognize the benefits and risks of these treatments. I must also exercise my own level of self-care in order to accomplish the objectives of the nursing profession as best as possible, including taking time for myself as necessary in order to achieve success in this role for all of the patients that I treat at all times.

References

Birdee, G.S., and Yeh, G. (2010). Complementary and alternative medicine therapies for diabetes: a clinical review. Clinical Diabetes, 28(4), 147-155.

Saquib, J., Madlensky, L., and Pierce, J.P. (2011). Classification of CAM and its correlates in early stage breast cancer patients. Integrative Cancer Therapies, 10(2), 138-147.