Adopting the attitudes or qualities for authentic discernment includes:
 Openness: Approach the prompts with an open mind an open heart. A pre-conceived idea will
limit the freedom of curiosity and developing further thinking skills in thinking about “things.”
 Generosity: Entering into this writing exercise with an open heart to explore the possibilities of
“what might be,” leading one to creativity and further curiosity.
 Courage: The prompts may be challenging, difficult, or risky to think about, much less write
about. Having courage to give up control over what is considered “acceptable” and flow into
one’s true thoughts is brave and builds resiliency.
 Interior Freedom: Allowing the self to freely explore thoughts, feelings, or experiences to
enhance the reflective process authentically. This area is similar to openness.
 Meditation: Taking adequate time to reflect on one’s experience to listen to our true self.
 Prioritization: Cultivating awareness within oneself to understand what is most important
regarding one’s values, health, and goals. “What matters most?”
 “My why:” Consider your “why: What is my reason for becoming a nurse? What is the reason
this question matters?
Tasks
Answer two (2) of the following prompts using the attitudes and qualities provided above. Length of
reflection should be 2 pages.
Review the rubric for clear understanding of expectations of depth of reflection. Reflection time can
take a great deal of time, so plan accordingly.
1. As a healthcare provider, how can you maintain professional boundaries while still assisting the
client to reach the agreed upon goals?

What do you believe is the most important intervention you can provide to support a
therapeutic relationship with the client?
3. What bias, stereotype, or myth do you believe that would be your biggest barrier to a
therapeutic relationship with the client

ANSWER

 Nurturing Authentic Discernment in Healthcare Practice: Reflections on Attitudes and Qualities

Introduction

In the realm of healthcare, the journey towards authentic discernment is vital for fostering effective communication, therapeutic relationships, and personal growth. Embracing attitudes and qualities such as openness, generosity, courage, interior freedom, meditation, prioritization, and connecting with one’s “why” cultivates an environment conducive to profound reflection and meaningful interactions. This essay reflects upon two prompts while applying these qualities to explore the complexities of maintaining professional boundaries, supporting therapeutic relationships, and overcoming personal biases.

Prompt 1: Balancing Professional Boundaries and Client Goals

Maintaining professional boundaries while assisting clients in achieving mutually agreed-upon goals requires a delicate equilibrium of empathy and detachment. Embracing openness allows me to approach each client’s unique journey with genuine curiosity. It prevents me from succumbing to preconceived notions, allowing space for authentic understanding. Generosity, in this context, guides me to creatively explore unconventional solutions to challenges clients might face, fostering a sense of partnership.

Courage becomes paramount in this context, enabling me to navigate ethically challenging situations. It empowers me to uphold boundaries even when met with resistance, ensuring that I prioritize the client’s well-being over momentary appeasement. Interior freedom, similar to openness, facilitates my ability to engage in self-reflection, ensuring that I don’t impose my personal biases or emotions onto the therapeutic relationship.

Prompt 2: Fostering a Therapeutic Relationship

At the heart of effective healthcare lies the therapeutic relationship between healthcare provider and client. Meditation serves as a tool to pause, listen, and understand the client’s narrative deeply. It creates an environment where silence speaks volumes, allowing me to pick up on cues beyond verbal communication. Prioritization, aligned with interior freedom, guides me to uncover what truly matters to the client. It empowers me to cater interventions that align with their values, goals, and aspirations.

The essence of “my why” as a nurse becomes a powerful guiding force in cultivating therapeutic relationships. Reflecting on why I chose this profession reminds me of the transformative impact I can have on individuals’ lives. This introspection fuels my dedication, and sharing this dedication with clients creates a common ground for connection. Through the lens of generosity, I’m encouraged to step into the client’s shoes, understanding their perspective without judgment.

Conclusion

Embracing the attitudes and qualities of authentic discernment intricately weaves a tapestry of compassionate and effective healthcare practice. Openness, generosity, courage, interior freedom, meditation, prioritization, and reconnecting with one’s “why” are not mere virtues but essential tools in forging meaningful therapeutic relationships, overcoming personal biases, and maintaining ethical boundaries. These qualities foster an environment where healthcare providers truly listen, understand, and empower clients on their unique journeys, leading to enhanced patient outcomes and personal fulfillment. As we continue to explore these facets, we embark on a journey of growth that ultimately enriches both our professional lives and the lives of those we serve.