As an Ophthalmology nurse in the Outpatient department, Travelbee's phases of the Nurse-Patient Relationship is exactly how I practice nursing on a daily basis. Most of our patients have problems of low visual acuity, blindness, etc. Basically, having a problem with vision entails seeking for assistance; typically, a patient becomes dependent to his/her family or caregivers, consequently, making the patient feel he/she is being somehow a burden to other people. Most often than not, patients convey their predicament in manners such as refusing for help even there is a need for it.

Upon arrival of the patient in our department, we greet them sincerely and introduce ourselves properly to build trust and rapport. Being assigned to the screening room, we attentively listen answer to their complaints and concerns while making them feel that they are being cared and valued. It is a common knowledge for us, nurses, that therapeutic communication is a basic tool to relate with our patients. By communicating, we have the opportunity to get to know them as unique individuals, guiding us to respond appropriately. We are able to know their needs and understand their concerns and create a strong relationship with them. Through communication, we positively influence their thinking by showing them all the angles of their condition.

 In relieving the suffering of our patient, we try our best to assist them in coping with their experience of their disease, illness and suffering. With a clear understanding of our patient's coping mechanisms and behavior in times of distress, we are armed with a perception that we aid to assist them in a meaningful way. We let our patient know and feel that we are willing and sincere in listening, helping and taking care of them so that they will be more likely at ease in asking help and assistance. On the other hand, in order for us to be fully conscious of a patient’s self-perceived burden and suffering, we must also understand how we, ourselves, perceive and react to these type of situations. By figuratively being on the same page with our patient, we could easily aid them in finding hope and meaning with their current condition.

Like what Joyce Travelbee said, "A nurse does not only seek to alleviate physical pain or needs physical care-she minister to the whole person. The existence of suffering whether physical, mental or spiritual is the proper concern of the nurse." It is exactly what we do in our work. We utilize the theory of Human-To-Human Interaction Model, making the interaction meaningful with our patients. At the end of the day, we establish relationships that are essential for the recovery of our patients, while supportively giving them hope in coping from their illness and suffering.