Chat Room helps you dig deeper into JCN content, offering ideas for personal or group reflection with other nurses-great for Nurses Christian Fellowship student chapters on campus or nurse fellowship groups!
Mental Health: Recovery as a Journey
Read Neathery, 86-93.
1. Regarding mental healthcare, discuss the differences between the medical model and the recovery model.
2. In addition to the recovery model, what other terms are used to describe this journey?
3. Discuss the importance of hope in the recovery process. What are the benefits of hope? What are the threats of hopelessness?
4. What are the four dimensions of the recovery-oriented model?
5. Review Table 1. Process the questions to assess the status of your recovery-oriented mindset. What surprised you? Where are your strengths? How might you set out to overcome your weaknesses?
6. Read the sidebar: Implementing Components of Recovery. How does Jana address recovery? What components of recovery does she get right? What is missed?
7. Reflect on Psalm 42. Describe the mental state of the author. How does faith offer hope (v. 11)? Review other biblical references noted in Table 2. Where do you see the four components of the recovery model reflected in these verses?
Incivility
Read Thomas, 106-111.
1. Describe incivility as outlined by the author.
2. Have you been on the receiving end of uncivil comments or actions while in nursing school or in your practice setting? Did this cause you to reconsider nursing as a profession? To what degree?
3. Students commented regarding open shaming and covert criticism. What did the author indicate as the most common form of shaming?
4. How did the sense of being abandoned in the clinical setting play into the feelings of the nursing students?
5. Interestingly, students sometimes rationalize the uncivil responses of their instructors or preceptors. According to the author, why might the students have responded in that manner?
6. Read James 1:2-4, 12. When treated unfairly, what helps you respond in a kind manner? In general, how difficult is it to withhold a "less than" comment? Who do you know that sets a positive example of grace under pressure? What is one thing you could apply from his/her life to yours?
Helping Patients Process Bad News
Read Cozonac, 133.
1. The author writes, "In the healthcare setting, we use countless phrases when things are outside the realm of normal. In the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), I have become desensitized to non-therapeutic words, such as congenital heart defect, dysmorphic facial features, deformed palate." Reflect on these words. Imagine hearing them said about you or a family member.
2. What words do you use to cushion bad news you must give to patients and families?
3. Have you been present when bad news was worded harshly? What occurred after the words were said?
4. Cozonac writes, "As nurses, our clinical-speak can reflect the truths we hold dear. We can validate and value the individual, while explaining profound and devastating health issues." Recall a time when your Christian beliefs helped you appropriately validate and value a patient hearing bad news.
5. What suggestions for assisting patients are offered in the article? Read each, and think about how to apply each in your practice setting.
6. What kind of space do patients/families need to process bad news?
7. People respond to bad news very differently. Share stories of those differences. Which response is easiest for you to handle? Which presents the greatest challenge?
8. Read Proverbs 15:1-7 being mindful of this article. What comes to mind about your words? How can your answer be gentle but truthful? In addition to the actual words, what other factors contribute to a gentle statement?