A Continuing Education Workshop on Human Relations Skills

Abstract

Nursing has long been considered a profession directed towards helping others. However, in the nursing world of today, with so many technological advances, and such rapidly changing scientific knowledge demanding time and attention, the interpersonal skills which are basic to a helping relationship are not, in the author's estimation, being adequately developed. Increasing levels of technology have resulted in a dehumanization of health care. Consumer groups are voicing their dissatisfaction. If one listens closely, it is usually lack of human contact rather than physical care which is being condemned. Patients complain of being treated like numbers, of being made to wait long, anxious periods for tests and consultations, and of inadequate or non-existent explanations regarding their conditions or treatments.