Under what circumstance can a nurse use self-disclosure appropriately with a client?

Using self-disclosure appropriately in a therapeutic setting is rooted in the principle that it should serve a specific therapeutic goal. When a nurse shares personal experiences or feelings, it must be in the context of benefiting the client’s treatment, such as fostering insight, supporting the client's emotional processing, or helping them relate to their own experiences. This form of intentional sharing can help enhance the therapeutic alliance, making the client feel understood and validated, which can facilitate progress in therapy.

While building rapport is important and can sometimes involve a degree of self-disclosure, it is not the sole factor guiding the decision to do so. Disclosure solely for personal gain or to satisfy curiosity without a therapeutic purpose is not appropriate. Additionally, simply responding to a client's request for personal information does not ensure that the disclosure will be beneficial for their treatment; the focus must remain on the client's needs and therapeutic objectives.

Thus, self-disclosure is used judiciously by a nurse with the aim of achieving a designated therapeutic goal, ensuring that it enhances the client’s experience and growth within the context of their treatment.