Can a NP (or PA) provide emotional support to patients? How so?

Trauma Columnist · Oct 31, 2011

Yes, indeed. Now, I will say that I don't have hours to give to an individual pt but yes, I do take the time to make sure my pts are okay, emotional-wise.

It is not always taking oodles of time either - sometimes just a hug, a hand being held, a pat on the back is what is needed.

darlink · Nov 4, 2011

I work with an amazing set of nurses practitioners in Hospice and they provided wonderful emotion support to both patients and their families.

ivanh3 · Nov 4, 2011

Hi,
I'm looking into becoming a mid-level practitioner (NP or PA). Can a NP or PA provide emotional support to patients? How so? For example, are they able to take time to spend with patients who are going through a rough round of chemo, or take time to reassure/inform patients who are worried about an upcoming surgery? Other?
I'm an undergrad (& my major isn't nursing) so any info is appreciated. Thanks in advance! :)

I would say that an FNP, PA, or MD is wrong if they are not providing emotional support. That is part of the holistic health model that all providers, or human beings, should follow. It is not about the amount of time, it is about the quality of the time. Emotional support can be given through body language and other non verbal communication. There are providers that can spend a lot of time and offer little to no psychosocial care and then there are providers who can be brief and offer oodles of it. That is where the "art" comes in.

And dammit, a hug doesn't hurt either.

Ivan