RUNNING HEAD: Importance of Psychology in Nursing Practice

Importance of Psychology in Nursing Practice

Roles & Perspectives
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It is very important to understand the psyche and thought process of the individuals for the people in Health related profession. Thats why Psychology plays a major role in the professional development of the nurses. This document is a study of the important perspectives of Psychology which are incorporated in Nursing practices.

Importance of Psychology in Nursing Practice

Table of Contents

Table of Contents ..................................................................................................................... 1 Psychology ............................................................................................................................. 2 Nursing ................................................................................................................................... 2 The Relationship ...................................................................................................................... 2 Significance ............................................................................................................................... 3 References ................................................................................................................................. 5

Importance of Psychology in Nursing Practice Importance of Psychology in Nursing Practice

Although both fields differ from each other apparently but still Psychology is interlinked with nursing practices, to a great extent. Before believing the stance of similarity or difference, it is very important to understand both fields separately.

Psychology
According to Pastorino & Portillo (2012), Psychology is the scientific study of behaviour and mental processes. Ciccarelli & Meyer (2006) further explain that behaviour incorporates all our overt actions and reactions and mental processes refer to our covert activity of mind (cited Barker 2007).

Nursing
Nursing as profession is considered to assist the individual (usually patient) in performance of activities contributing towards the recovery of their health (Barker, 2007).

The Relationship
Working in the health related profession provides the opportunity to work with other people and a key part in such professions is to promote the health and well-being of people. In this case, it is very important to be well aware of the attitude and behaviour of people point where Psychology comes in (Walker, Payne, Smith, & Jarrett, 2007). Byrne & Byrne (1992) describe that in its most elementary form the practice of nursing involves the application of medical science to the management of people with physical illness. Both nurses and psychologists try not only to understand the health related issues of people but also to change their thoughts and attitude to enhance their well-being. There are

Importance of Psychology in Nursing Practice

times when nurses are required to provide very basic care to the people they work with but the effort is always to change the thought process in a very positive manner (Barker, 2007).

Significance
Byrne & Byrne (1992) state that psychological factors play an important part in the development and course of many illnesses and in the processes of recovery from them. Russell (1999, p. 180) solidify the importance saying that accurate identification of ones problems and needs is critical to the process of effective nursing care, as it defines both the significance and quality of the nursing actions. Second important consideration for nurses is regarding the focus on the external symptoms and management of physical pathology. The focus must also be on the patients response and reaction to illness. Different individuals have different reactions towards the entire process of illness. Byrne & Byrne (1992, p. 29) say that nurses enter into the system soon as they get involved in the interpersonal interaction with the patient and in result this creates an environment for the care of patient. In this environment, nurses become part of a complex social psychological system which comprise of patient, medical staff and any relatives of patient. Walker, Payne, Smith, & Jarrett (2007) present some very solid facts showing the importance of psychology in nursing profession. They are as follows: It is important to consider that how peoples thoughts and needs vary and what best can be done to ensure these needs satisfied.

Importance of Psychology in Nursing Practice

It helps in establishing the communication processes in order to improve the therapeutic relationship and work more effectively in inter-professional and interagency contexts.

Understanding can be built on how people react in different situations of illness, pain and distress. This also helps in meeting their demands in a better way.

Psychological factors inform the health care professionals about the lifestyles of people and how certain health-related behaviours i.e. smoking, dietary change and exercise, can affect that.

Logical steps can be taken in order to improve the health and well-being of these individuals.

In a nutshell, psychology provides an opportunity for nurses to understand their responsibilities in a better way and perform exactly as what is expected of them. Psychology plays a vital role in understanding the health-related matters of the individuals and nurses need to know them.

Importance of Psychology in Nursing Practice

References
Barker, S. (2007). Vital Notes for Nurses: Psychology. Wiley-Blackwell. Byrne, A., & Byrne, D. (1992). Psychology for Nurses: Theory and Practice. Macmillan Education. Pastorino, E. E., & Portillo, S. D. (2012). What is Psychology? Essentials. Cengage Learning. Russell, G. (1999). Essential Psychology for Nurses and other Health Professionals. Routledge. Walker, J., Payne, S., Smith, P., & Jarrett, N. (2007). Psychology for Nurses and the Caring Professions. McGraw-Hill International.