A search for the therapeutic dimensions of nurse-patient interaction

Patients' perceptions of a pre-admission clinic

“…An ethnographic study undertaken by Ersser (1991) conveyed the importance to patients of the ‘presentation’ and the ‘presence’ of the nurse within the nurse–patient relationship. The ‘presentation’ refers to largely nonverbal behaviour and the ‘presence’ refers to the nurse ‘being there’ for the patient as described by Muetzal (1988).…”

Clinical supervision: a concept analysis

“…Since that time the UKCC (1996) have also issued their position statement on clinical supervision. There are expectations that supervision will enhance the application of theory to practice ( Smith & Russell 1991), will raise awareness of the therapeutic role of the nurse ( Ersser 1991), and that nurses will benefit from following the lead of other professions in utilizing a formal structure of supervision, which in turn will aid the aim of identification of nursing as a profession. The author would also argue that increased pressure on nurses within the current climate in health care raises the need for more accessible support mechanisms which clinical supervision may provide.…”

Empowerment of dying patients: the strategies and barriers to patient autonomy

“…Ersser (1991) points out that owing to a high level of stress, nurses control their true feelings. At one level this is another motive for ‘settling’ patients.…”

“…These feelings may need to include some acting out in order to maintain her role. Ersser (1991) acknowledges that the technique is present in nursing. He agrees that the emotional work of women is used to affirm, enhance and celebrate the well‐being and status of others.…”

“…Ersser (1991) emphasizes ‘presence’ as an important factor in the process. Maintaining contact allows the patient the opportunity to develop trust in the nurse as a basis for forming a relationship.…”