The Interplay Between Anxiety and Anesthesia

Nicole Gelfand, Verrazzano Class of 2024, completed major in Nursing

Reflecting on my capstone experience, I am filled with a sense of fulfillment and growth. I worked alongside Professor Danielle Hunton from the Nursing department, and learned about the relationships between anxiety and anesthesia. This project helped me unravel their complexities, and explore the pivotal role of nursing in mitigating anxiety effects so patients have a better experience with anesthesia. This exploration holds immense significance for me as I aspire to become a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA).

My journey commenced with a curiosity and desire to deepen my understanding of the physiological and psychological dynamics at play when anxiety meets anesthesia. I embarked on extensive reviews of literature to grasp the nuances of this interplay. From my knowledge learned through my nursing school journey as well as the information presented from my research, I gathered information regarding the types and levels of anxiety, the proper ways to assess them, and the effect it has on anesthesia administration and recovery, as well as what nurses can do to help relieve a patient’s feelings of anxiety.

Through this process, I not only enriched my knowledge but also cultivated a critical lens through which to analyze clinical scenarios. Moreover, my capstone experience illuminated the indispensable role of nurses in one's surgical journey, especially when experiencing anxiety. Nurses help serve as advocates for patient-centered care and are in a unique position to help assess, intervene, and support patients throughout the anesthesia process. Whether this is done through therapeutic communication, pharmacological intervention, or relaxation techniques, nurses play an important role in alleviating anxiety and promoting positive surgical outcomes.

As I conclude my capstone reflection, I am filled with a sense of gratitude for the opportunities and insight I gathered throughout this journey. My exploration of the interplay between anxiety and anesthesia has not only deepened my passion for anesthesia nursing but also reinforced my commitment to education for patient well-being and safety. With this newfound knowledge, I am able to embark on the next chapter of my journey toward becoming a CRNA, equipped to navigate the complexities of anesthesia practice with compassion, competence, and integrity.

Anxiety and Fears of Going to The Dentist

Silvy Mansor, Verrazzano Class of 2021, completed major in Psychology 

In the process of developing and completing my project, I learned that people can be afraid of going to the dentist for a multitude of reasons. It is important for the dentist and the staff members to know how to response to all the patient’s concerns in order to assure them that they will be safe and comfortable. Staff should be educated about x-ray radiation, sterilization and disinfecting procedures, and how to be able to comfort a nervous patient.

There are many ways of treating dental fear, such as hypnosis and desensitization methods, as well as clear communication between the patient and dental staff members regarding the patient’s treatment.

If I continued to pursue this research, I would conduct a questionnaire to give out to patients in a dental office that may indicate types of anxiety towards going to the dentist. The purpose of the continued research is to indicate what the reasons are, why they experience the anxiety and how  they can resolve these anxieties. An experiment could also be conducted by having multiple groups of people for different types of treatments. The results could show which treatment is the most effective in how to resolve and help with dental phobia.

Importance of Nurse-Patient Communication in Young Adults with Anxiety

 Ronnel Martin, Verrazzano Class of 2021, Completed major in Nursing 

Communication is an essential skill in the field of nursing.  I think of the quote by Maya Angelou, “I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.”  Mental health awareness is something I am passionate about, as anxiety can be disabling in people’s lives.  Nurses and health care professionals need to use effective communication skills that meet the needs of their patient. Because it can be intimidating and unpleasant for patients to be in a hospital, understanding the need for inter-personal communication skills and the effects of anxiety in young adults is critical for nurses and other health care professionals.

Throughout the process of this project, I learned so much about myself as a nurse and as a person. I have always wanted to become a psychiatric nurse because I wanted to help this vulnerable population. My research has reinforced my awareness of the need for empathy and compassion.

In a time of global uncertainty, nurses and other health care professionals are also suffering from mental health issues as they are working on the front lines of this pandemic. I have learned that there needs to be adequate mental health resources available for all individuals. From my research, studies have shown that the prevalence of anxiety has risen for the young adult population, aged 18 to 25. In addition, this population is least likely to receive or seek mental health services due to factors such as belief in self-management, fear of stigma, and the inability to afford treatment. As a nurse myself, I believe it is important to be knowledgeable in effectively using our communication skills to prevent the onset of anxiety for young adults and enhance their patient experience.

If I continued to pursue this research, I would further develop my project by interviewing nurses regarding their use of communication skills. I would ask them if they believe their skills are adequate in providing patient satisfaction and reducing their anxiety. Moreover, I would interview patients and ask them how important they believe nurse-patient communication is in alleviating anxiety.

Considering we are in a pandemic, the prevalence of anxiety has greatly increased for all populations. I believe the way nurses and other health care professionals communicate and interact with their patient has so much impact on the quality of care and in the reduction of anxiety. Humanistic and compassionate communication skills are fundamental for nurses to provide the best care possible to their patients.