Hope - the Inner Strength

Chapter 5: Hope - the Inner Strength

Overview:

• Defines the meaning of hope and its contribution to human survival
• It critically examines whether or not hope is the essential key to survival
• Case studies and evidentiary support of the potentially powerful impact on surviving a diagnosis of a life-threatening illness
• Explains how nurses can harbor and spread hope to their patient
• Distinguishes ‘unrealistic hope’ from ‘realistic hope’

Description:

Rather than presenting definite and clear-cut answers, this chapter sets out to explore the premise that hope is complex, multidimensional concept of considerable importance to people with potentially terminal conditions, including cancer. The fact that this chapter raises more questions that it answers suggests that continued questioning of the assumptions underlying this debate is a must for nurses and others associated with those suffering from cancer.

Topics:

• The Meaning Of Hope
• Is Hope The Essential Key To Survival?
• When The Prognosis Is Not So Good ...
• Nursing The Hope
• Hope As A Reality-Based Belief ... But Whose Reality?
• References and suggested reading

Speaker / Author:

Judy Zollo
Registered Nurse, Diploma of Teaching, Bachelor of Nursing, Master of Education, Certificate of Palliative Care NursingLecturer, Faculty of Nursing, University of South Australia (City East Campus).

Judy divides her teaching time between first year students in the pre-registration program and post-registration students undertaking studies in the Bachelor of Nursing course. Judy’s major professional interest lies in the area of palliative care and her specific research interests include inter-disciplinary interactions within the hospice team and dissemination of the principles and objectives of palliative care into acute and extended care settings. Judy maintains strong links with the palliative care area by undertaking regular faculty practice in the hospice setting and by her role as Secretary of the Palliative Care Council of South Australia.

Professional Reviews: