Clients recovered and nearly recovered from chronic illnesses are often faced with a dilemma similar to the “empty-nest” syndrome faced by parents when their children go off to college.
“Now what?”
As a nurse coach, it’s important to to let go of your clients too soon.
In fact, its a great opportunity to create a life-long coaching relationship with a grateful client who will gladly be a perpetual source of referrals.=
Hopes, dreams, and plans play an important role in the healing process as they provide a sense of purpose and a positive focus for individuals who have experienced a setback.
They help to refocus energy and attention on new goals, which can provide a sense of control and agency over one’s life.
So it’s important not to let your clients drift off without a new roadmap.
The process of creating new hopes, dreams, and plans can help to rebuild self-confidence and motivation, which are often diminished following a long illness.
A study published in the Journal of Occupational Health Psychology found that goal setting and planning were associated with better mental health outcomes, including lower levels of stress and burnout, and higher levels of well-being.
In summary, the process of creating new hopes, dreams, and plans can be an important step in the healing process after a setback.
Take control of your patients’ care and be part of the solution.
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References:
- Sheldon, K. M., & Houser-Marko, L. (2001). Self-concordance, goal attainment, and the pursuit of happiness: Can there be an upward spiral? Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 80(1), 152–165. https://doi.org/10.1037/0022-3514.80.1.152
- Emmons, R. A., & McCullough, M. E. (2003). Counting blessings versus burdens: An experimental investigation of gratitude and subjective well-being in daily life. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 84(2), 377–389. https://doi.org/10.1037/0022-3514.84.2.377
- Wrzesniewski, A., & Dutton, J. E. (2001). Crafting a job: Revisioning employees as active crafters of their work. Academy of Management Review, 26(2), 179–201. https://doi.org/10.5465/amr.2001.4378011
