Importance of psychology in Nursing

Importance of psychology in Nursing

Psychology helps the nurses to

i. understand and help the patient

Nurses must understand the patients to provide quality nursing care. The study of psychology helps nurses to understand the individual differences found in behavior and personality traits of the patients and the meaning of their behavior at different circumstances.

ii. understand and help the relatives

Nurses in the process of providing holistic care, they encourage the relatives and well wishers to participate in the patient care. It’s a challenging task for the nurses to get their cooperation and make them understand why certain actions are performed for the patients. The study of psychology helps nurses to understand the genuine demand of the relatives and concern for the patient.

iv. provide needed advice, guidance and support to the patient

Nurses by studying psychology they understand the principles of guidance and counselling and its techniques. Understanding the techniques of guidance and counseling helps nurses to provide individual or group guidance as well as counseling services whenever they need it.

iv. provide quality nursing care

Any individual is the combination of the body and mind. If something goes wrong with the body, it affects the mind and vice versa. Individuals get admitted to the hospital for their problems in the body or mind. The study of psychology helps nurses to understand the importance of body mind relationship and apply the principles of psychology in the care of the patients. The knowledge on psychology gives a nurse awareness about the attitude, conflicts, positive thinking, crisis intervention which in turn helps to provide quality nursing care.

v. adjust to the professional environment

Nursing is a team work and has to work together with other health care team members including her colleagues. She should understand the psychology of people around her to work effectively. She is expected to work in collaboration with other health team members and face the challenges in the professional environment. The knowledge on psychology helps nurses to overcome these challenges in their profession.

vi. understand oneself

The nurse must understand them that is her attitude, way of thinking, coping abilities, mental mechanisms, overall strength and weakness. Understanding self helps to adjust to the personal and professional life and to lead a well balanced life.