In a therapeutic relationship, what should the nurse focus on primarily?

In a therapeutic relationship, the primary focus of the nurse should be on the client's needs. This means that the nurse's interactions and interventions are directed toward supporting the client's well-being, fostering their emotional health, and facilitating their recovery. By prioritizing the client's needs, the nurse can effectively assess and respond to the client's physical, emotional, and psychological concerns, which promotes a safer and more supportive environment for healing.

This client-centered approach is essential in building trust and rapport, which are crucial components of effective therapeutic relationships. When the nurse actively listens, validates the client's experiences, and adjusts care to meet their individual needs, it enhances the overall effectiveness of nursing interventions and promotes positive health outcomes.

While team collaboration and adherence to hospital policies are important in nursing practice, they complement rather than supplant the necessity of focusing on the client’s needs. Similarly, attending to one's own social needs is not appropriate in the context of a professional therapeutic relationship. The client's needs must take precedence to ensure that the focus remains on providing the highest quality of care.