Cardiothoracic nursing, a specialized field specialized to the care of patients with heart and lung conditions, goes beyond clinical expertise to encompass a profound emotional dimension. This article explores the emotional aspect of cardiothoracic nursing, discussing in detail on the pivotal role nurses play in providing emotional support to both patients and their families. Patients undergoing cardiothoracic procedures grapple with fear, vulnerability, and pain, necessitating compassionate care. Cardiothoracic nurses can alleviate emotional distress through empathetic communication, supportiveness, patient education, and empowering patients to be active participants in their care. Equally important is the support provided to families, who often experience significant stress and anxiety. Effective communication, coping strategies, and a family centred care approach are vital to assisting families during this challenging journey. Other than those, nurses themselves must employ coping strategies and self care to manage the emotional toll of their profession. Acknowledging and addressing the emotional needs of patients, families, and nurses alike is essential for holistic and compassionate cardiothoracic care. Dr. (Prof.) Jomon Thomas | Sherin P Shaji | Santhya Kunjumon | Priyanka Rajak | Arun James "The Emotional Aspect of Cardiothoracic Nursing: Supporting Patients and Families" Published in International Journal of Trend in Scientific Research and Development (ijtsrd), ISSN: 2456-6470, Volume-7 | Issue-4, August 2023, URL: https://www.ijtsrd.com/papers/ijtsrd59809.pdf Paper Url:https://www.ijtsrd.com/medicine/nursing/59809/the-emotional-aspect-of-cardiothoracic-nursing-supporting-patients-and-families/dr-prof-jomon-thomas
2. International Journal of Trend in Scientific Research and Development @ www.ijtsrd.com eISSN: 2456-6470
@ IJTSRD | Unique Paper ID – IJTSRD59809 | Volume – 7 | Issue – 4 | Jul-Aug 2023 Page 881
and respecting their autonomy, thus reinstating a
sense of control.
3. Pain and Discomfort: Pain management is a big
concern in cardiothoracic nursing. Nurses must be
vigilant in assessing and managing pain
effectively, ensuring that patients are as
comfortable as possible during their recovery
process.
Supporting Patients
1. Compassionate Communication: Effective
communication forms the bedrock of emotional
support. Cardiothoracic nurses should not only
communicate clearly and efficiently but also
approach patients with empathy. Active listening,
acknowledging their feelings, and providing clear
and honest information about their condition and
treatment are vital components of compassionate
communication.
2. Patient Education: Educating patients about
their condition and treatment options can
significantly reduce anxiety levels. Nurses should
employ straightforward language, visual aids, and
repetition to ensure patients fully comprehend
their care plans, thus empowering them to
actively participate in their recovery.
3. Empathy: Empathy is the cornerstone of
emotional support. Putting oneself in place of
others and experiencing how they actually feels is
a very crucial task. Cardiothoracic nurses should
step into the patient's shoes, demonstrating
understanding and compassion for their emotional
experiences. This empathetic approach fosters
trust and rapport.
The Impact on Families
1. Stress and Anxiety: Family members of
cardiothoracic patients often experience
heightened stress and anxiety. Witnessing their
loved ones go through such challenging medical
procedures can be emotionally overwhelming.
Nurses should be attentive to the needs of family
members, offering information and emotional
support to help them navigate these trying times.
2. Communication: Effective communication with
family members is essential. Keeping them well-
informed about the patient's progress, treatment
plan, and potential complications can significantly
alleviate their anxiety. Furthermore, involving
them in care decisions, where appropriate, can
provide a sense of control and inclusion.
3. Coping Strategies: Cardiothoracic nurses can
offer families coping strategies to help them
manage the emotional burden of their loved one's
illness. Referrals to support groups, counseling
resources, or social workers can be invaluable in
aiding families in their journey of supporting the
patient.
Supporting Families
1. Family-Centred Care: In cardiothoracic nursing,
adopting a family-centred care approach is
paramount. Recognizing that the patient's family
is an integral part of their care team, nurses
should involve them in the decision-making
process and provide a supportive environment
where questions and concerns are welcome.
2. Psychosocial Support: Nurses should be
adequately trained to offer psychosocial support
to families, which may include referrals to social
workers or therapists. This comprehensive
approach recognizes the emotional well-being of
both the patient and their support network.
3. Respect and Compassion: Treating families with
respect and compassion can make a significant
difference in their experience. Small gestures of
kindness, such as offering a listening ear or
providing a comforting presence, can go a long
way in helping families cope with the emotional
challenges they face.
Coping Strategies for Nurses
1. Self-Care: Cardiothoracic nurses must prioritize
self-care to prevent burnout. The demanding
nature of their work can take an emotional toll,
and thus, it's crucial for nurses to take breaks,
seek support from colleagues, and engage in
stress-relieving activities outside of work. This
help the nurse to utilize and reach their full
potential.
2. Debriefing: Regular debriefing sessions can help
nurses process the emotional challenges they
encounter in their profession. Sharing experiences
and emotions with peers in a supportive setting
can provide valuable and strong emotional
support and foster resilience.
Conclusion
In the realm of cardiothoracic nursing, the emotional
aspect is as vital as the clinical aspect. Cardiothoracic
nurses are not only healthcare providers but also
pillars of emotional support for their patients and
families. By acknowledging and addressing the
emotional needs of those in their care, these dedicated
professionals contribute significantly to the overall
well-being and recovery of their patients, making the
journey through cardiothoracic procedures a more
compassionate and human-centred one.
3. International Journal of Trend in Scientific Research and Development @ www.ijtsrd.com eISSN: 2456-6470
@ IJTSRD | Unique Paper ID – IJTSRD59809 | Volume – 7 | Issue – 4 | Jul-Aug 2023 Page 882
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