Temperament Theory and Research

Astute nurse clinicians are constantly assessing the responses of their patients and then using that information to plan their subsequent interactions and interventions. Nurses who adjust the manner in which they deal with patients recognize that individual characteristics need to be respected if the desired effects of intervention are to be achieved. However, unless nurses can articulate how those assessments and adjustments in their care are determined, their wisdom and experience cannot be communicated to other care providers, nor can they participate with their colleagues in a formalized evaluation of the effectiveness of their approach.