International Journal of Trend in Scientific Research and Development (IJTSRD)

Volume 7 Issue 4, July-August 2023 Available Online: www.ijtsrd.com e-ISSN: 2456 – 6470

The Emotional Aspect of Cardiothoracic Nursing:

Supporting Patients and Families
Dr. (Prof.) Jomon Thomas1, Sherin P Shaji2, Santhya Kunjumon3, Priyanka Rajak4, Arun James5
1
Principal, 2,3Ph.D. Scholar (Nursing), 4CHO, 5Assistant Professor,
1,4,5
Psychiatric Nursing, 2,3Medical Surgical Nursing (Cardiothoracic Nursing)
1
Anushree College of Nursing, Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh, India
2,3
People’s University, Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, India
4
SHC -Bairagi Block, Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh, India
5
College of Nursing Nirmala Medical Centre, Muvattupuzha, Kerala, India

ABSTRACT How to cite this paper: Dr. (Prof.)

Cardiothoracic nursing, a specialized field specialized to the care of Jomon Thomas | Sherin P Shaji |
patients with heart and lung conditions, goes beyond clinical Santhya Kunjumon | Priyanka Rajak |
expertise to encompass a profound emotional dimension. This article Arun James "The Emotional Aspect of
Cardiothoracic Nursing: Supporting
explores the emotional aspect of cardiothoracic nursing, discussing in
Patients and Families" Published in
detail on the pivotal role nurses play in providing emotional support International
to both patients and their families. Patients undergoing cardiothoracic Journal of Trend in
procedures grapple with fear, vulnerability, and pain, necessitating Scientific Research
compassionate care. Cardiothoracic nurses can alleviate emotional and Development
distress through empathetic communication, supportiveness, patient (ijtsrd), ISSN:
education, and empowering patients to be active participants in their 2456-6470,
care. Equally important is the support provided to families, who often Volume-7 | Issue-4, IJTSRD59809
experience significant stress and anxiety. Effective communication, August 2023,
coping strategies, and a family-centred care approach are vital to pp.880-882, URL:
assisting families during this challenging journey. Other than those, www.ijtsrd.com/papers/ijtsrd59809.pdf
nurses themselves must employ coping strategies and self-care to Copyright © 2023 by author (s) and
manage the emotional toll of their profession. Acknowledging and International Journal of Trend in
addressing the emotional needs of patients, families, and nurses alike Scientific Research and Development
is essential for holistic and compassionate cardiothoracic care. Journal. This is an
Open Access article
KEYWORDS: Cardiothoracic nursing, Family support, Compassion, distributed under the
Coping strategies, Emotional support, Stress management, Patient terms of the Creative Commons
care Attribution License (CC BY 4.0)
(http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0)

INTRODUCTION The Emotional Impact on Patients

Cardiothoracic nursing is a challenging and highly
specialized branch of healthcare dedicated to the
treatment of patients with heart and lung conditions.
While the technical skills and medical expertise of
cardiothoracic nurses are indispensable, it is equally
important to recognize and address the profound
emotional component that accompanies this
profession. Cardiothoracic nurses are not only
responsible for managing the physical health of their
patients but also play a vital role in providing
emotional support to patients and their families. In
this article, we try to delve into the emotional
dimension of cardiothoracic nursing, emphasizing the
significance of supporting both patients and their
loved ones throughout their healthcare journey.
1. Fear and Anxiety: Cardiothoracic patients
frequently grapple with overwhelming fear and
anxiety. They may be confronting life-threatening
conditions or undergoing intricate surgeries,
situations that evoke substantial emotional
distress. It is the duty of cardiothoracic nurses to
provide reassurance, educate patients about their
procedures, and alleviate their fears through
compassionate communication.
2. Vulnerability: Patients undergoing
cardiothoracic procedures are not only physically
vulnerable but emotionally as well. They may feel
helpless and entirely dependent on healthcare
providers. Nurses must support and empower
patients by involving them in their care decisions

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 International Journal of Trend in Scientific Research and Development @ www.ijtsrd.com eISSN: 2456-6470
and respecting their autonomy, thus reinstating a
sense of control.
3. Pain and Discomfort: Pain management is a big
concern in cardiothoracic nursing. Nurses must be
vigilant in assessing and managing pain
effectively, ensuring that patients are as
comfortable as possible during their recovery
process.
Supporting Patients
1. Compassionate Communication: Effective
communication forms the bedrock of emotional
support. Cardiothoracic nurses should not only
communicate clearly and efficiently but also
approach patients with empathy. Active listening,
acknowledging their feelings, and providing clear
and honest information about their condition and
treatment are vital components of compassionate
communication.
2. Patient Education: Educating patients about
their condition and treatment options can
significantly reduce anxiety levels. Nurses should
employ straightforward language, visual aids, and
repetition to ensure patients fully comprehend
their care plans, thus empowering them to
actively participate in their recovery.
3. Empathy: Empathy is the cornerstone of
emotional support. Putting oneself in place of
others and experiencing how they actually feels is
a very crucial task. Cardiothoracic nurses should
step into the patient's shoes, demonstrating
understanding and compassion for their emotional
experiences. This empathetic approach fosters
trust and rapport.
The Impact on Families
1. Stress and Anxiety: Family members of
cardiothoracic patients often experience
heightened stress and anxiety. Witnessing their
loved ones go through such challenging medical
procedures can be emotionally overwhelming.
Nurses should be attentive to the needs of family
members, offering information and emotional
support to help them navigate these trying times.
2. Communication: Effective communication with
family members is essential. Keeping them well-
informed about the patient's progress, treatment
plan, and potential complications can significantly
alleviate their anxiety. Furthermore, involving
them in care decisions, where appropriate, can
provide a sense of control and inclusion.
3. Coping Strategies: Cardiothoracic nurses can
offer families coping strategies to help them
manage the emotional burden of their loved one's
@ IJTSRD | Unique Paper ID – IJTSRD59809 | Volume – 7 | Issue – 4 | Jul-Aug 2023
illness. Referrals to support groups, counseling
resources, or social workers can be invaluable in
aiding families in their journey of supporting the
patient.
Supporting Families
1. Family-Centred Care: In cardiothoracic nursing,
adopting a family-centred care approach is
paramount. Recognizing that the patient's family
is an integral part of their care team, nurses
should involve them in the decision-making
process and provide a supportive environment
where questions and concerns are welcome.
2. Psychosocial Support: Nurses should be
adequately trained to offer psychosocial support
to families, which may include referrals to social
workers or therapists. This comprehensive
approach recognizes the emotional well-being of
both the patient and their support network.
3. Respect and Compassion: Treating families with
respect and compassion can make a significant
difference in their experience. Small gestures of
kindness, such as offering a listening ear or
providing a comforting presence, can go a long
way in helping families cope with the emotional
challenges they face.
Coping Strategies for Nurses
1. Self-Care: Cardiothoracic nurses must prioritize
self-care to prevent burnout. The demanding
nature of their work can take an emotional toll,
and thus, it's crucial for nurses to take breaks,
seek support from colleagues, and engage in
stress-relieving activities outside of work. This
help the nurse to utilize and reach their full
potential.
2. Debriefing: Regular debriefing sessions can help
nurses process the emotional challenges they
encounter in their profession. Sharing experiences
and emotions with peers in a supportive setting
can provide valuable and strong emotional
support and foster resilience.
Conclusion
In the realm of cardiothoracic nursing, the emotional
aspect is as vital as the clinical aspect. Cardiothoracic
nurses are not only healthcare providers but also
pillars of emotional support for their patients and
families. By acknowledging and addressing the
emotional needs of those in their care, these dedicated
professionals contribute significantly to the overall
well-being and recovery of their patients, making the
journey through cardiothoracic procedures a more
compassionate and human-centred one.
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