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Introduction
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Characteristics
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Physiology
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Inquiry
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Assessment
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References |
Serenity's
Contribution to Evidence-Based Practice
The presence of ongoing
stressful situations - such as chronic illness, family stress/dysfunction,
or addiction - is another screening cue. Maintaining inner peace in these
situations is a challenge, and serenity may have particular importance to
these clients. It is important to respect the individuality of clients by
determining whether they want to be serene because not all clients want to
be serene. Yet if the desire is present, nurses can use the
characteristics as a theoretical framework for
assessment.
Nursing
Assessment: Serenity Assessment Process
Selection of appropriate
serenity interventions begins with the assessment process. The behaviors
listed in on below may serve as initial screening cues.
|
Examples of behaviors in
non-serene and serene persons |
| Behavior in the
non-serene |
Behavior in the
serene |
- Anxious
- Resentful
- Angry
- Unduly
worried
- Impatient
- Negative about life
events in general
- Unhappy if life
events do not go the way they expect
- Irritable
- Nontrusting,
suspicious; lack faith
- Overly concerned
with material aspects of life
- Overly focused on
themselves
- excessive/unhealthy
life-style
- Excessive concern
with past or future; fail to deal with current problems
- Take everything
that happens to them seriously
|
- Calm
- Forgiving
- Pleasant
- Appropriately
concerned about life events
- Patient
- Positive about life
events in general
- Accepting of event
they cannot change; enjoy what is good about the present
- Congenial
- Trustful; express
faith
- Verbalize
importance of non-material
- Concerned about
other, as well as self; kind; giving
- Moderate/healthful
life-style
- Active problem
solvers; focused in the present
- Have a sense of
humor; discuss life events from a long-range view
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Potential
Serenity Nursing Interventions
Roberts & Messenger have
researched the characteristics of serene individuals and have conducted a
detailed literature review from nursing and related disciplines to find
appropriate interventions. They have also built on their professional
experience and on discussions with colleagues and patients. Their findings
are grouped under four categories: (1) relationships, (2) inner haven, (3)
cognitive restructuring, and (4) physical well-being. "These categories
embody emerging patterns and help conceptualize the application of
serenity to practice" (Roberts & Messenger, 1993, p. 319). The
potential serenity nursing interventions as follows:
| Potential Serenity Nursing
Interventions: |
| Category |
Intervention
|
| Relationships |
Assisting the client
to:
Express affection; Pray
Develop a sense of belonging
Experience nature
Give of self to others unconditionally
Resolve anger, bitterness, and resentment; forgive
Build
trust in something greater than self
Accept self
Experience
physical touch
Develop empathy
Develop healthy personal
boundaries |
| Inner Haven |
Assisting the client
to:
Meditate
Experience solitude
Listen to relaxing
music; Do artwork
View beautiful art, objects
Use positive
imagery; Use biofeedback
Do self-hypnosis; seek
hypnosis/progressive relaxation
Obtain massage including
acupressure
Wake up and increase awareness of self and
environment |
| Cognitive
Restructuring |
Assisting the client
to:
Set and
attain daily goals
Reframe negative thoughts to positive
Refute irrational ideas; See humor in situations
Conduct
life review/journaling
Read inspirational literature
Listen
to inspirational tapes.
Participate in a physical or mental
challenge that leads to self-improvement
Affirm abilities to
handle difficult life events
Identify what can and cannot be
changed in situations
(and what one wants to change)
View
life events from a long-range perspective
Avoid procrastination
Maintain hope; Stop nonproductive worrying |
| Physical
Well-being |
Assisting the client
to:
Control
pain
Exercise, Eat a healthy diet
Maintain balanced
lifestyle, Sleep and rest
Stop smoking, Avoid excessive alcohol
Manage health problem |
Adopted from
"Serenity nursing interventions in the terminally ill hospice client":
[thesis] by Messenger T.C.Louisville, Kentucky: University of Louisville,
1992. |
