Kristen Hamblin, Brigham Young University
Health
Empathy is an essential characteristic in nursing. In fact, the skill of empathy, the ability to understand the feelings or situation of another, is of paramount importance to the nurse-patient relationship. Additionally, empathetic interactions often lead to increased patient satisfaction, compliance, and overall quality of life.
Researchers define empathy as a cognitive attribute, rather than an emotional one. They suggest that students can develop empathy through a cognitive process. Therefore, these processes could be incorporated into nursing curriculum.
Unfortunately, however, research has shown that empathy in nursing students declines over time throughout nursing school with increased patient contact. To enhance the nurse-patient relationship and provide safe, quality care, nurses must not only provide competent health care but also increase in empathy for their patients. Furthermore, nurse educators should focus their efforts on methods to develop enduring empathy in nursing students.
A poverty simulation gives students the opportunity to briefly experience living in poverty. Research has demonstrated that nursing students show statistically significant improvement in understanding poverty after participating in a poverty simulation experience. The next step is to determine if this understanding leads to the development of empathy. In this project, I am assisting Professor Ray in her research pilot study examining the impact of a poverty simulation on nursing students’ empathy. Our findings will impact how nurse educators develop empathy in nursing students.