This could exhibited through friendship, family role play, and music. Erikson calls this in his third stage of development; "Initiative vs. guilt ". Nurses' care plans should provide a sense of self-reliance to the patient and provide the ability for the patient to take initiatives and express himself in a manner that he feels comfortable, that promotes love and well-being. If the nurses fail to provide these basic needs, there would be a sense of guilt (Capps, 2004; Erikson 1982). .
The nurse's care plan should enhance the patient's self-esteem and self-worth. Many patients, as reported in the news media, have been treated as worthless in many healthcare facilities, feeling undermined and hopeless. Self-esteem, confidence, achievement, respect for others and respect by others should be the resultant when a patient is being nurtured. (Maslow 1954). Using Erikson's approach, the care plan should seek to address industry vs. inferiority. The care plan should seek activities that would give the patient some level of pleasure, a peaceful state of mind (Erikson, 1980/1994) and competence (Erikson, 1982).
Since the patient's care is gearing towards a holistic approach, the final stage of the plan deals with the discharge of the patient. The nurse should strive to give the patient what Maslow calls, "Self-actualization. "This provides the patient with, acceptance of facts, problem solving skills, and morality. Erikson calls this fifth stage as iIdentity vs. identity confusion. According to Erikson, "the individual is no longer considered a novice member " of the healthcare facility, but is considered to have some knowledge of the healthcare caregiver. The care plan should also deal with the remaining stages of development that Erikson talked about in his book: "intimacy vs. isolation"," "generatively vs. stagnation"," "integrity vs. despair."".
When taking care of patients it is very important to maintain professionalism but also have a sense of compassion at the same time.
