Relationship-Based Care and Primary Nursing

What is relationship-based care?

Relationship-based care is the way we provide care for our patients, their families and each other. It means that we have a caring and healing environment and we focus on the patient and family. 

Our doctors, nurses and others who take care of you try to understand what is most important to you and your family. We make sure to treat you with respect. 

Relationship-based care not only is about caring for you but also for the people who take care you. We help our caregivers to take care of themselves so they can best take care of you. We give them ways to cope with the stress of their jobs, as well as skills to help them manage the many things they have to do to take care of you and your family. 

All your caregivers work together as a team to make sure you and your family are well taken care of. 

The Basics of Relationship-Based Care 

The building blocks of relationship-based care include: 

• Promoting a healthy environment through the power of relationships with ourselves, the people with whom we work and our patients and their families.
• Accommodating the needs of our patients and families through relationships and human connections.
• Respect and dignity.
• Speaking for the patient and making sure the family is included.
• Understanding each patient’s unique story.
• Consistent with our mission, vision and values.

What is primary nursing? 

The primary nurse is responsible for planning and coordinating your care while you are at St. Joseph’s. He or she makes sure your needs are met by establishing a relationship with you and seeking to hear and understand you. The primary nurse speaks up for you and makes sure your concerns and needs are met until it’s time for you to leave St. Joseph’s.