Information on Psychology in the Nursing Field

Knowledge of psychology helps nurses improve patient care.

Although nursing and psychology address patient well-being in different theoretical terms, they are similar in practice. Nurses assist with day-to-day patient care while psychologists study human mental processes and behaviors. Nurses with a background in psychology better understand patients' emotional states and address mental issues that go beyond physical health.

Importance

Psychology is highly influential in the field of nursing, as nurses must interact with patients on a personal level. When patients seek medical attention, their physical illness often causes mental distress and emotional problems. Nurses who understand psychology address the mental aspects of a patient's health and provide a source of encouragement and compassion.

Theoretical Perspectives

Several theoretical perspectives in psychology guide nurses' clinical practice. Nurses commonly use biological psychology, which studies the relationship between biological factors and human behavior. This branch of psychology informs nursing practice by explaining psychological illnesses and patient reactions in terms of hormones, genes and neural processes.

Nurses also use psychodynamic psychology to understand and address a patient's defense mechanisms. Psychodynamic theory helps nurses assist patients who have difficulty coping with illness and interacting with others. Cognitive and behavioral theories are also utilized by nurses in clinical practice.

Education

Although few training programs in nursing psychology exist, nurses benefit from some academic experience with psychology. Many take psychology courses or earn a psychology minor during their undergraduate education. Courses in clinical psychology and health psychology prove especially useful in clinical nursing practice.

Misconceptions

Regardless of background in psychology, nurses are not qualified to diagnose or create treatment plans for mental illnesses. Nurses coach and assist patients, dealing with their psychological problems on a daily basis. However, they cannot offer professional counseling sessions or psychological expertise without a graduate degree in counseling or clinical psychology.

Considerations

A familiarity with the current scientific literature in clinical and counseling psychology benefits nurses in all clinical settings. Because nurses interact most with patients, they are often front-line workers in identifying signs and symptoms of mental illness or psychological distress. Understanding psychological research improves a nurse's ability to care for patients and refer them to appropriate professional services when necessary.

References

• Blackwell Publishing: How does Psychology Support Nursing Practice?