A Patient Family Care Study on Bronchopneumonia

Abstract

In the past, nursing was limited to signifying little more than the administration of medicines. However, it ought to signify the proper use of fresh air, light, warmth, cleanliness, quietness, the proper selection of diet and so on (Nightingale, 1820-1910). The nursing profession is rapidly changing. This is as a result of the influence of Florence Nightingale, a woman with a vision. Emerging in an age when nursing was regarded with contempt, Miss Nightingale crusaded to change the world's view of nursing. Miss Nightingale's contribution in the education of women, her development of theories of nursing practice and hygienic techniques, the emphasis on the preparation of nurses for the care of the sick, protection and promotion of health of the individual in society are important facts of nursing spectrum today. In line with the nursing services elaborated above, the patient/family care study has become mandatory for every final year student offering the Registered General Nursing (Diploma) programme. This is a pre-requisite for the partial fulfilment for the award of diploma certificate in General nursing by the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) of Ghana. The patient/family care study uses the nursing process as essential tool for gathering information about patient/family and has therefore become advantageous to the student nurse. This is because, it offers the student nurse an opportunity to know more about the condition of the patient, the family and the society as well. It also enables the student nurse to acquire knowledge and skills on interpersonal relationship and communication which are essential ingredients for the provision of competent, holistic, professionally based and quality care to the patient and family. This patient/family care study has not only helped me gain insight into the condition, but it has also equipped me with good communication, observational skill and good interpersonal relationship skills.