Therapeutic nursing: theory, issues and practice

Therapeutic nursing is about that dynamic process, which is not merely supportive of the work of others but is potentially a major force in achieving health for the patient.

Abstract

The distinction between the role of the nurse and that of the doctor is frequently described in terms of the 'caring' function of the nurse compared with the 'curative' function of the medical practitioner. The term 'caring' requires clarification, for if it is taken at face value as presented above, it takes on a passive connotation of maintaining or supporting the current health position of a client. Patients for whom all active medical intervention for a cure has been withdrawn are sometimes described as being 'for all nursing care', where the aim is comfort, and little else. Whilst the achieving of comfort for patients is undoubtedly a major nursing function (Wilson-Barnett 1984), many nurses today do not view comfort as an end in itself. Instead, they see the provision of care as a dynamic process which has the patient's health as the objective, which is reflected in such aspects as increased self care ability, self esteem and self determination. Therapeutic nursing is about that dynamic process, which is not merely supportive of the work of others but is potentially a major force in achieving health for the patient.