The nurse tells the clinical supervisor, "For the last few days, I've wondered how on earth I could come in to work and face three of the clients on my caseload

Question

Each of them is so deeply depressed that I feel as though I'm being pulled into a black pit. None of them seems to be making any progress, despite my efforts." The clinical supervisor can cor-rectly evaluate the nurse's reaction as:
1. Indicative of development of a depressive syndrome
2. Testimony to the nurse's immaturity and inexperience
3. Understandable and reversible with supervision
4. Indicative of the need to teach the nurse about the importance of commitment

Answer 1

ANS: 3
Intervention for clients experiencing mood disorders requires that nurses maintain self-awareness regarding their reactions to clients. Working with deeply depressed clients is exhausting. The nurse seems to be empathizing, giving, supporting, and sustaining the client but seeing no appre-ciable progress to reward efforts. With supervision (e.g., regular sessions with the clinical super-visor), the nurse will be able to talk through the problem, make adjustments, and continue to pro-vide excellent care. 1. The nurse is not becoming depressed; rather, she is experiencing concern about effectiveness. 2. Even mature, experienced nurses develop feelings such as those described in the scenario. 4. The nurse does not lack commitment; being highly committed to excellent care often prompts concern about effectiveness.