WORK DIVERSITY IN THERAPEUTIC RELATIONSHIPS

Work Diversity in Therapeutic Relationships

Work Diversity in Therapeutic Relationships

Introduction

This is a reflective essay which will give an account of the concept of valuing diversity and one aspect of anti-discriminatory practice. Its aim is to demonstrate these concepts by explaining their relationship with regards to a 'diverse' client whom I have cared for during my placement. Valuing diversity is recognising differences and turning them into positive characteristics. Reflection on an experience has been developed as a learning tool in professional education in order to help promote the integration of theory into practice (Schon 1991). I have chosen to use Johns (2000) model of structured reflection as a framework.

The scenario will allow me to examine the need to value diversity and the effect of anti discriminative practice in relation to my client and the provision of care, whilst paying attention to drug misuse and how communication can affect certain situations. Subsequently, this will show how I will endeavour to value diversity as a healthcare provider. In addition to reflection, Herons (2001) six category intervention analysis is a tool that identifies six basic intentions that a nurse may have in the course of a client interaction. It provides a framework for identification of intentions and interactions thus enables analysis of communication with others and will therefore attempt to demonstrate any improvements in a therapeutic relationship for the benefit of both myself and my client. Interventions will refer to my verbal and non-verbal communication. Heron (2001) describes how non-verbal behaviour is critical in determining how verbal communication comes across to the client.

Analysis

John was a 34 year old gentleman who presented himself to the Accident and Emergency Department (A & E) with swelling to his left leg. He was admitted on to the ward for investigations into a suspected deep vein thrombosis (DVT) which is the formation of a blood clot (Hinchliff et al, 1996). My first communication with John was on his admission to the ward. Initially, I carried out some admission forms, which involved gathering information from the client and other relevant sources such as his case notes. Alfaro-LeFevre (1998) explains the importance of assessment and information gathering in order to put together a clear picture of a person's health state. My findings from case notes indicated that John was an intravenous drug abuser, who used heroin on a daily basis. Drug misuse or abuse, are the terms used to describe the use of illegal, prescription-only or over-the-counter drugs, for purposes other than intended by the manufacturer or doctor (NHS 2005). Heroin is a narcotic which is produced from morphine, a compound which comes from the opium poppy (Alderson and Rowland 1995). On finding the information relating to my clients health state, I recalled hearing two staff nurses joking in the office earlier that day by saying “oh joy, were getting another bloody smack head”, it then became apparent who the nurses must have been talking about.

Therefore, this remark was significant in relation to diversity ...