These are all areas that are incorporated into a nursing education. In addition, the clinical experience that is required throughout a nursing education provided first hand experience in working with patients. All types of patients with many different diseases and disorders are cared for not just on a one to one basis but simultaneously. Nurses are taught to develop a plan of care, observe results and any side effects to the treatment, and meet the individual needs of that particular patient. In other words, the patients look upon a nurse as a caregiver, providing comfort both physically and emotionally.
Nurses also act as a liaison between the patient and the physician.
The same qualities that make an effective nurse would also help a biofeedback therapist. In working with patients, a nursing education can be utilized very effectively in the field of biofeedback. Finally, since nurses already have many of the essential tools to be effective in the area of biofeedback, it truly is a winning combination for any nurse. The Pennsylvania Society of Behavioral Medicine and Biofeedback was privileged to have one of the most renowned pioneers in the field at their November 95 conference. Barbara Kelly, M.A. shares some of the highlights.