Mental Health Nursing

Avoiding judgments of the person, no matter what the behavior.

General feelings or a frame of reference around which a person organizes knowledge about the world. Ex: hopeful, optimistic, positive, negative

Ideas that one holds to be true. Ex: All old people are heard of hearing.

Ability of the nurse to perceive the meanings and feelings of another person and communicate that understanding to that person. (putting yourself in another’s shoes)

Truly paying attention to the client, caring about what he or she is saying; only possible when the nurse is comfortable with him/herself and aware of his/her strengths and limitations.

Communication technique that indicates that the nurse has heard and followed the train of thought. Ex: “Yes” or “I followed what you said”.

Technique used to help examine an issue more fully. Ex: “Tell me more about that.”

Technique indicates that the nurse is listening and following what the client is saying without taking away the initiative for the interaction. Ex: “And then?”.

Technique used when clients are unable to verbalize or make themselves understood. Ex: “You appear tense.”

Technique which repeats what the client has said in approximately or nearly the same words that the client used. This restatement lets the client know that he or she communicated the idea effectively.

Technique that implies that only the nurse knows what is best for the client. Ex: “I think you should…” or “why don’t you”

Applying the belief that the nurse can prove unrealistic ideas. Ex: “If your dead, why is your heart beating?”

Attempting to dispel the client’s anxiety by implying that there is not sufficient reason for concern, which completely devalues the client’s feelings. Ex: “Everything will be OK” or “I wouldn’t worry about that.”

Saying that what the client thinks or feels is “good” implies that the opposite is “bad.” Ex: “I’m glad that you were able to get dressed this morning.”

Social conversation contains many clichés and much meaningless chitchat. Such comments are of no value in the nurse-client relationship. Ex: “Just have a positive attitude and you’ll be better in no time.”

Component of a nurse-patient relationship that builds when the client is confident in the nurse and when the nurse’s presence conveys integrity and reliability.

When words and actions match.

Shows unconditional, non judgmental attitude that implies respect for the person.

Revealing personal information such as biological information and personal ideas, thoughts, and feelings about oneself to clients. Helps the client feel more comfortable and gain insight.

Nurse uses themselves as a tool to establish the therapeutic relationship with clients and to help the clients grow, change, and heal.

Concentrating exclusively on what the client says, refraining from other internal mental activities.

Nonverbal form of communication: gestures, postures, movements, and body positions.

Process that people use to exchange information.

All nonverbal messages that the speaker uses to give meaning and context to the message.

Words that are as clear as possible when speaking to the client so that the client can understand the message; these are important for accurate information exchange.