Title: Enhancing Nurse Wellness and Relational Nursing Practice: Insights from a PHN-PREP Webinar
Introduction:
The Public Health Nursing Practice, Research & Education Program (PHN-PREP) organizes webinars to support nurses working with pregnant individuals and families with young children. These webinars focus on nurse wellness and relational nursing practice in a trauma- and violence-informed manner. This report aims to summarize the content of one such webinar and discuss the new knowledge gained, its relevance to community health nurses, and the potential impact on future nursing practice.
Content of the Webinar:
The webinar explored the importance of nurse wellness and relational nursing practice within a trauma- and violence-informed framework. It emphasized the significance of self-care for nurses to ensure their own well-being, which directly impacts their ability to provide effective care to patients. The session also addressed the concept of trauma-informed care, highlighting the need to recognize and respond to the effects of trauma on individuals’ health and well-being. Additionally, the webinar discussed strategies for building therapeutic relationships with patients by creating safe and supportive environments.
New Learnings:
During the webinar, several new insights were gained. Firstly, I learned about the importance of recognizing the signs of burnout and compassion fatigue in nurses and the necessity of implementing self-care practices to prevent these issues. This highlighted the significance of prioritizing my own well-being as a nurse to ensure I can provide optimal care to patients. Secondly, I gained a deeper understanding of trauma-informed care and how it can positively impact patient outcomes by promoting a sense of safety, trust, and empowerment. Lastly, the webinar highlighted the value of establishing therapeutic relationships with patients, fostering trust, open communication, and collaboration.
Relevance to Community Health Nurses:
The webinar’s content is highly relevant to community health nurses who often work with vulnerable populations, including pregnant individuals and families with young children. These nurses play a crucial role in promoting health, preventing disease, and addressing social determinants of health within communities. By adopting trauma- and violence-informed practices and prioritizing nurse wellness, community health nurses can create safe spaces for patients, build trusting relationships, and provide culturally sensitive care that addresses individuals’ unique needs.
Impact on Future Practice:
This webinar has significantly influenced my perspective on nursing practice moving forward. I now recognize the importance of self-care as an essential component of being an effective nurse. By prioritizing my own well-being, I can maintain resilience, prevent burnout, and provide high-quality care to patients. Additionally, understanding trauma-informed care principles will enable me to approach patient interactions with greater sensitivity and empathy. Building therapeutic relationships based on trust and collaboration will facilitate open communication and enhance the holistic care I provide as a nurse.
Conclusion:
The PHN-PREP webinar on nurse wellness and relational nursing practice in a trauma- and violence-informed manner has provided valuable insights into essential aspects of nursing practice. The emphasis on self-care, trauma-informed care principles, and building therapeutic relationships has highlighted the significance of nurse wellness and its direct impact on patient outcomes. As a future nurse, I am committed to implementing these learnings in my practice to promote the well-being of both patients and myself while delivering compassionate and patient-centered care.
