According to stages of change, which stage involves the nurse actively helping the patient?

In the context of the stages of change model, the stage where a nurse actively helps the patient is the preparation stage. During this stage, individuals are planning to make a change and have begun to take small steps towards that goal. This is the phase when the readiness for change significantly heightens, and the individual may seek assistance and guidance from healthcare providers.

The preparation stage is characterized by the person making specific plans, such as outlining strategies for change and seeking support. The nurse's role here is crucial as they provide education, resources, and encouragement. They help the patient create actionable steps to achieve their desired change, thereby facilitating a supportive environment for the individual as they move closer to taking decisive action.

In contrast, the pre-contemplation stage is marked by a lack of awareness or denial of the need for change, while the contemplation stage involves recognizing the need for change but not yet committing to take action. The action stage is when individuals actively modify their behaviors, but this occurs after the preparation stage where assistance is most impactful.