nursingforsocialjustice

I think that some of the reason for burn out of mental health nurses is that sometimes we get so invested in the health outcome that we believe should happen. I think that there can be a significant decrease in burn out if we stop looking at the patient’s experience and decision making process from our perspective and trying I understand their perspective. This is the basis of the Tidal Model. This is also a key piece in being successful in using Motivational Interviewing techniques. I thought me that too often we get wrapped up in the personal belief that if only the client did x, y and z they would get better. It is not that simple, perhaps fortunately.

I can hear the major eye roll that just happened as some of you read the words theory and model. This brings me back to when I started my nursing undergrad degree. My background was sociology and psychology, in contrast to many other students in my cohort who graduated with previous degrees in the natural sciences. I was familiar with social and psychological theory. These models and theories and techniques are helpful tools in our practice. I think that without some guiding perspective and without use of interventions, techniques and practices that are grounded in some sort of evidence we are not practicing ethically and in a way that places the person and the family at the centre of care. I think that it is irresponsible and unethical to practice in a way that is guided by nothing except personal beliefs.
Peace,

Michelle D.