Psychology involves the study of the behavior of people, their mental operations, and performance. It is also the application of knowledge which may be used in understanding events, treating issues of mental health, and improving employment, education, and relationships. Some of the areas under psychology include; Nursing, Education, Communication, and Social work.
Psychology in Nursing
It is worth mentioning that both psychology and nursing are related to one another. Despite them coming from different disciplines, Psychology has a considerable significance to the Nursing practice. Nursing work setting is in such a way that they are to interact with the professionals and have the best quality of care to their patients. They have to understand the way other people behave and act in certain situations. Psychology comes into action in such circumstances.
Advantages of psychology in nursing
A key importance or advantage of Psychology in Nursing is that while managing different illnesses, psychologists and nurses work to both understand the associated pain and change the patient’s thoughts and attitudes in improving their well-being. To know whether the patient’s state of emotion is the one causing physical problems or not, nurses will have to use the knowledge they gained in their study of Psychology. Another importance or advantage of psychology in nursing is that, in assessing the condition of a patient, nurses have to consider the response of the patient to their illness. Some of the patients have optimism and cope easily with their illness, whereas others have a reaction which is harmful and becomes stubborn and angry.
Application of psychology in Nursing
In some nurses find it difficult to handle patients with such characteristics and have them in their evaluation exercise of the patient. The study of psychology helps them in doing so. Another importance or advantage of Psychology in Nursing is that, by using Psychology Nurses the way to interact with patients using different factors. Some of them are the use of gender and age. Young patients are said to be afraid more as compared to adult patients. They have some difficulties in their understanding of the illness. A nurse will have to apply their knowledge of psychology and child development and relate with the young patients in such a way that they reduce their fear. Thus, Psychology helps in improving the patient-nurse relationship. As a consequence, patients can freely interact and be able to communicate with nurses and inform them of their needs.
Why knowledge of psychology is important for nurses
Lastly, with knowledge in psychology, a nurse will build trust in their patients. As a result, patients become more responsive to the instructions given by the nurses to them. In other times, they have a role which is positive towards their wellness. Psychology and nursing fields work together, and this kind of relationship helps professionals in the healthcare department have a trusting relationship with their patients and thus provide appropriate care. A nurse as well as interacting with the sick people, they also have to interact with their relatives. Most of the time, the nurse will have to interact with individuals from different walks of life.
careers in psychology that involve nursing include;
Substance Abuse Counselor
Psychiatric Technician
Family and Marriage Therapist
