Getting In and Getting Out Whole: Nurse-Patient Connections in the Psychiatric Setting

Abstract

As a strong component in patient healing, interpersonal connection in the psychiatric/mental health setting can threaten nurses’ health. Participant observation on four behavioral health and addiction units revealed a process of connecting with patients’ emotional pain, delineating strategies applicable to nurses’ multiple world views and practice styles. Findings from 12 nurses highlighted connectedness as a process and personal decision that, with self-awareness and individualized self-protective/self-separating strategies, can enhance patient healing as well as nurse satisfaction and growth. The evolved model may help nurses ease emotional labor, combat compassion fatigue, enhance performance, and preserve their self in today's complex acute care setting.