Trust: a critical element in critical care nursing

All nurses, regardless of specialty, should strive to develop a trusting relationship with their patients. This relationship paves the way for obtaining the accurate and pertinent information necessary to form correct nursing diagnoses. In a critical care unit, this accuracy and trust is essential caused by the intensity of the environment. Support systems are weakened with family members being separated and allowed to visit for only short periods of time. Family members may see a loved one as never seen before, appearing absolutely helpless. A trusting relationship with the critical care nurse could help reinforce and strengthen the weakened support system. Professional nurses spend the greatest amount of time with consumers of health care. This situation places them in a position to influence life-styles. Seeking further assistance or following advice may depend on the quality of the nurse-patient relationship. Specifically for critical care and long-term situations, trusting relationships may make a long, intensive illness less traumatic. Trust built in the critical care area may provide the basis for positive nurse-patient relationships developing throughout the hospitalization and during future interactions with professional nurses.