A nurse is working in a community setting caring for persons with ment

A nurse is working in a community setting caring for persons with mental health problems and their families. Which of the following is the most important and critical task for this nurse?

a. Be an advocate by writing letters to legislators demanding more resources for care for the mentally ill
b. Encourage all those involved to fight the community’s tendency to stigmatize the mentally ill and their families
c. Establish supportive interpersonal relationships with all those involved
d. Lobby for increased funding for care of the mentally ill

ESSAYBID ANSWER

ANS: C
Perhaps the most critical impact made by the nurse in a community setting is through the establishment of interpersonal relationships with clients. Establishing supportive relationships is the first step in the role of the community mental health nurse as coach for mental and physical health promotion. After a supportive relationship has been established, the nurse will be more knowledgeable about the needs of the population and will be a better advocate and lobbyist for the population.