title: Leaving our imprints: an exploration into the nurse-patient relationship.
abstract: Oncology nursing aims to promote physical and psychosocial well-being of individuals and families at risk for, or living with, a life-threatening illness. A basic component of nursing practice is the nurse-patient relationship (Canadian Nurses Association, 2002). This relationship has been shown to have a positive impact on individuals' well-being as they journey through their cancer experience (Herth, 1995). While the nurse-patient therapeutic relationship is fundamental to nursing care and may be quite subtle in its transaction, it is a complex phenomenon with every encounter being meaningful and impacting both the patient and the nurse. Reflecting on the nature of this relationship can facilitate a richer and deeper awareness of the unique contribution oncology nurses make in the lives they touch and are touched by. This presentation will explore the therapeutic nurse-patient relationship in oncology nursing. The authors intend to facilitate self-reflection and increased awareness of both the art and science of the therapeutic relationship. In particular, qualities of the nurse-patient relationship, the importance of communication, both verbal and nonverbal, and the use of silence will be explored. We will incorporate theory, evidence, experiential learning along with story-telling, music, poetry and video images to convey our message.
authors.affiliation: Oncology and Palliative Care, Credit Valley Hospital, Carlo Fidani Regional Cancer Centre, Mississauga, Ontario.
authors.forename: Cathy
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Kiteley
authors.forename: Dorothy
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Vaitekunas
mesh_terms: D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D003142:Communication; D003299:Cooperative Behavior; D004645:Empathy; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D018939:Holistic Nursing; D006808:Humanism; D006801:Humans; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000451:nursing / Q000523:psychology; D009633:Nonverbal Communication; D024802:Nurse's Role / Q000523:psychology*; D009723:Nurse-Patient Relations; D009736:Nursing Process; D009740:Nursing Staff / Q000458:organization & administration / Q000523:psychology; D009742:Nursing Theory; D009859:Oncology Nursing / Q000458:organization & administration*; D010687:Philosophy, Nursing; D011361:Professional Competence; D012309:Risk-Taking; D013850:Thinking