CRT ART The Value of Touch in Nursing Practice

Sunday, November 1, 2009: 11:00 AM-12:15 PM
Sunday, November 1, 2009: 2:45 PM-4:00 PM
Sunday, November 1, 2009: 4:15 PM-5:30 PM
Monday, November 2, 2009: 1:00 PM-2:00 PM
Monday, November 2, 2009: 2:00 PM-3:15 PM
Monday, November 2, 2009: 3:30 PM-4:45 PM
Tuesday, November 3, 2009: 10:15 AM-11:30 AM
Tuesday, November 3, 2009: 11:30 AM-1:15 PM
Tuesday, November 3, 2009: 1:15 PM-2:30 PM
Tuesday, November 3, 2009: 2:45 PM-4:00 PM

Your uploaded file(s):

Description/Overview: This presentation describes the power of human touch and the capacity it has for healing. I was inspired to write this poem by my experiences as a nurse and certified reflexologist. I have always been humbled by the trust that clients give to healthcare practitioners in allowing them the privilege of touch. This trust creates a bridge between practitioner and client that opens up a space that allows healing to occur. In my reflexology practice, as I hold a client’s foot in my hands I feel the warmth of their skin and hear the rhythm of their breathing slow and deepen as they relax. In that moment I am overwhelmed by the value of that person and how unique and special they truly are. The description and imagery in this poem of what transpires when a client is touched with a healing intent may serve as a reminder of how vitally important touch is in nursing practice. With the increase in technology that is used to monitor clients’ status and the nursing shortage which allows less time for client-nurse interaction, we must hold on to the gift of touch. Being allowed to touch another and link our spirit with theirs in a journey towards healing is a rare honor and privilege that must be cherished and preserved. Henricson, M., Ersson, A., Maatta, S.,Segesten K., & Berglund, A.L. (2008). The outcome of tactile touch on stress parameters in intensive care: A randomized controlled trial. Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice, 14(4), 244-54. Benner, P. (1994 Interpretive phenomenology: Embodiment, caring, and ethics in health and illness. Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage Publications.
Learner Objective #1: The learner will be able to identify three healing characteristics of human touch.
Learner Objective #2: The learner will be able to describe two phenomena that may occur when touch is used with the intent to heal.
Presenter
Julie Y. Sappington, PhD, RN, Department of Nursing, Southeast Missouri State University, Cape Girardeau, MO