Nursing Care and Caring Concepts: A Personal Experience and Reflection

This report presents a reflective account of a nursing student's personal experience caring for an elderly patient with diabetes and osteoarthritis. The student describes the challenges faced, including the patient's initial withdrawal and lack of communication. The report details the student's approach to building a therapeutic relationship through empathetic communication and active listening, which led to the patient's increased participation in care. The student connects the experience to key concepts of caring, including Jean Watson's theory, person-centered care, and the importance of holistic assessment. The report discusses the significance of establishing therapeutic relationships, adhering to professional standards, and empowering patients through informed consent and shared decision-making. The student emphasizes the importance of considering patients' psychological, emotional, and social needs, in addition to their physical health. The report also includes a discussion on the benefits of effective communication, empathy, and compassion in fostering positive patient outcomes. The student concludes by highlighting the necessity of patient inclusion in their own care processes to foster trust and promote better quality of life.