92012 Nursing Relationships

Subject level: Undergraduate

Handbook description

This subject contributes to the objectives of the Bachelor of Nursing by recognising the centrality of interpersonal processes to the practice of nursing. Two curriculum themes are developed: becoming and being a nurse; and the interrelationships between law, ethics and resources in nursing practice. The process of critical reflection is developed and used to foster a beginning nursing identity, effective relationship skills and therapeutic agency. Aspects of law and ethics are introduced to students as frameworks within which nursing relationships are conducted. This subject enables students to broaden their understanding of nursing as a relationship-based profession that is enhanced by the thoughful and therapeutic application of 'self'.

Subject objectives/outcomes

On successful completion of this subject, students should be able to:

1. understand the impact of interpersonal and group skills on nursing work especially in challenging situations (ANMC competencies: 9.1)
2. develop an awareness of how nurses' value systems, personal character and nursing role expectations affect interactions with patients and the nursing team (ANMC competencies: 2.1 10.2)
3. recognise the impact of culture and cultural difference on interpersonal relationships and group dynamics (ANMC competencies: 2.3 7.3)
4. appreciate the interactive nature of nursing health assessment (ANMC competencies: 5.2)
5. evaluate interpersonal effectiveness and competence during interactions with patients and members of the nursing team (ANMC competencies: 6.4 10.1)
6. understand what is meant by 'emotional intelligence' and its impact on capability (ANMC competencies: 9.2)
7. understand the relationship between self-awareness and therapeutic agency (ANMC competencies: 9.5)
8. develop beginning interviewing skills (ANMC competencies: 5.2)
9. develop critical reflective skills (ANMC competencies: 4.2 4.4).

Content

• Relationship skills: students will be introduced to a nursing perspective on helping and the interpersonal skills that facilitate helping, such as listening, empathetic understanding and responding appropriately. Assertiveness, 'emotional intelligence' and therapeutic actions will be related to caring, particularly in challenging nurse–patient situations. These situations include cultural difference, patient distress and the impact of disability on interpersonal communication in the clinical setting.
• Self-awareness and reflection: self-awareness and reflection will be developed concurrently with interpersonal skills so that students gain an increased awareness of 'self' and what they as unique individuals bring to relationships with others. Students are encouraged to view these skills as essential building blocks in their professional nursing development.
• Group dynamics: relationship skills will be applied to teamwork and group dynamics in the clinical learning context. Topics of particular interest are assertiveness, leadership and conflict.