Changing Maladaptive Behaviors In Nursing Essay In your reading assignment, there are two sections on chemical dependency and codependency, which are maladaptive behaviors nurses may become “emotionally and physically” trapped in. Discuss your feelings about these behaviors affecting nurses in their careers and home life. If you were the unit manager, how would you try to help these nurses who have become chemically dependent or codependent in their practice?Changing Maladaptive Behaviors In Nursing Essay

Introduction

Maladaptive behavior is any behavior that is contrary to the common. It is an outlier in the array of behavioral data in the society. There are many perspectives that can be used in the explanation abnormal behavior (Bonner, 2006). The viewpoints seek to offer more understanding on the causal agents for the behavior which is by large erratic and inconsistent with the expected behavior. The paper will focus on the perspectives on the maladaptive behavior. The two perspectives will be biological and psychodynamics (Caplan, 2008).Changing Maladaptive Behaviors In Nursing Essay

Biological perspective on the causes of the depression focuses on the role of the hereditary traits transferred to the genetically transferred material. It posits that the brain plays a vital role in the determination of the behaviors (Bonner, 2006). This perspective assumes that the malfunctioning of the body is the main cause of the depression. The role of the genetics makes the maladaptive behavior more of a permanent issue that cannot be corrected using the normal approaches (Smith, 2000). The biological factors are the most important in the diagnosis of the patients exhibiting depressive behaviour behavior (Bonner, 2006). Therefore, the perspective has wide applications in the diagnosis and treatment of the patients with maladaptive behaviors.

The second perspective on the depression posits that the behavior exhibited by the people comes from the notion that the thoughts and emotions of a person have a role to play in the determination of the maladaptive behavior (Caplan, 2008). Diagnosis of the patient also has to focus on the development of an opinion on the role of the psychodynamics. Emotional intelligence determines the effectiveness of the person in handling the issues.Changing Maladaptive Behaviors In Nursing Essay

How nurses can cope with change
One of the few constants in nursing is change. Nurses must be nimble and flexible as they navigate their careers.

Many types of change
During your career, changes can be both sudden and gradual. Some of us have witnessed major changes, like the transition from paper charting to EMRs. We’ve also witnessed seismic changes in the economics of healthcare and how they impact patient care.

In the 1980s, nurses were at the forefront as AIDS permanently altered the healthcare landscape. Some may remember when Diagnostic Related Groupings were introduced, much to our dismay. Recently, we see the repercussions of the Affordable Care Act.

Some changes can be far-reaching, (e.g.: the advent of AIDS), and others can be localized (e.g.: your hospital is downsized or your beloved supervisor is fired).

Change is inevitable, so how do you cope when it happens? Here are three important aspects of coping with change:Changing Maladaptive Behaviors In Nursing Essay

Reduce stress
A major change in your work life can generate significant stress. As your body reacts to stress, your health may suffer.

Taking steps to reduce stress is prudent during times of transition, and how you reduce stress is individualized. Your chosen path might be meditation, massage, exercise, nutrition or time off. Your faith may be helpful, and some might turn to psychotherapy or coaching. If you turn to alcohol or drugs, be aware that maladaptive behaviors may not produce the desired results.

Self-care figures largely in stress reduction, and it can be different for each individual. Some may need to sweat and work out, while others may need more naps.

Embrace the change
Embracing change can help you to get out in front of stress. This process involves acceptance, and a willingness to dive in headfirst.

If a new EMR is introduced to your facility and everyone is panicking, volunteer for extra training to become a superuser. Rather than embracing resistance, choose instead to be a champion of change.

Embracing change can be key to overcoming the negative impacts of change.Changing Maladaptive Behaviors In Nursing Essay

Practice excellent communication
If a major change is occurring in your workplace, use communication skills to keep information flowing. If you’re a manager, allay others’ concerns by listening to their thoughts and feelings. If you have a sympathetic colleague or supervisor, openly share your anxieties and concerns.

Communication in the face of change is like a pressure valve that allows fears and concerns to be assuaged. This can avoid the manifestation of maladaptive employee behavior such as passive aggression or subtle, unconscious sabotage. Communication is key.

Change is inevitable
If change is inevitable, we must embrace it, champion positive change and acknowledge the feelings that arise during the process.

Communication, willing acceptance

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