AA Observation Reflection Assignment Template

1. Describe what type of AA meeting you attended: group size, composition of the group
members. How did you feel when you entered into the meeting? What leadership style
did you identify in the group leader? How did the members of the group make you feel?
What additional information do you wish you had prior to attending the
meeting? (Minimum 1 paragraph.)

I attended an AA meeting at a church in Mechanicsville. The group was a fairly

large group with about 50 people. The group was a largely older population,
probably in there forties and fifties. However, there were a few younger people.
As far as gender, I believe the group was evenly split among men and women.
When I first entered the meeting I was a little nervous. I did not really know what
to expect and how the members would take to me being in their meeting. I was
wrong to feel nervous, the group members were extremely nice and welcoming. I
noticed that the leader of the group had a very laid back approach, however,
when he saw that the conversation was beginning to die down, he would get the
conversation to pick back up. Before attending the meeting, I wish I would have
known more about an AA meeting was conducted. Although, attending the
meeting actually cleared up some misconceptions I had about AA.

2. Identify 2 Yalom's Curative factors utilized in the group meeting. How did the Yalom's
Curative factors influence the group meeting? Explain how the Yalom's Curative factors
may influence your care delivery in the future (Minimum 2 paragraphs.)

The two Yalom curative factors I saw that were utilized in the group
meeting were the instillation of hope and universality. According to Yalom, the
instillation of hope creates a feeling of optimism, and thats what I think that is the
underlying foundation of AA. Everyone who shared something during the meeting
ended with a glimmer of hope, even while some were still continuing the process
towards recovery. Some individuals told stories of how their drinking ruined
relationships with their families and friends, but the fact that they were able to
come back up from the bottom showed the power of never giving up. The factor
of universality is what bonds these group members together. By coming to the
AA meetings every week and hearing others stories, many of them realized that
they indeed had a drinking problem because they saw themselves in other
peoples ordeal. Members of AA find comfort in knowing they are not alone in
their struggles.

Knowing about Yaloms curative factors, as a nurse I can suggest group

therapy like AA to my patients to help them recover. Having actually witnessed
what goes on during an AA meeting, I can help clear up any misconceptions to
my patients and teach them some of the benefits of AA. It is important to teach
my patients the different resources available to them and how Yaloms curative
factors play a role in recovery.
3. Description Step 1 in the Alcoholic Anonymous. Identify a NANDA that can be used in
your plan of care which correlates with step 1. List 3 interventions that can be
implemented in your plan of care related to the NANDA. (Minimum 1 paragraph.)

Step 1 of Alcoholic Anonymous is, We admitted we were powerless over

alcoholthat our lives had become unmanageable. One NANDA that can be
used for this type of patient is Hopelessness related to loss of social support as
evidenced by strained relationships with family and more frequent isolation. One
intervention to use with the patient is to encourage identification of his or her own
strengths and abilities. The rationale behind this is that during a period of
hopelessness patients may not be able to recognize their strengths, so fostering
awareness can expedite strengths. A second intervention is to help the patient
set realistic goals by identifying short-term ones. The rationale is that by guiding
the patient to view the situation in smaller parts can make the problem more
manageable. The third intervention is to encourage an attitude of realistic hope.
Emphasizing the patients intrinsic worth and viewing the immediate problem as
manageable in time may provide support.

4. Compare and contrast the utilization of the AA program related to patient outcomes with
an evidence-based nursing journal article from the Nursing Reference Center (NRC).
(Minimum 2 paragraphs.)

According to studies, individuals who attended AA had more positive substance

related outcomes than individuals who did not (Montalto, 2015). Also, individuals
who attended more AA meetings were more likely to maintain their abstinence
and had less alcohol related concerns, than those who did not attend as
frequently (Montalto, 2015). During the AA meeting I attended credit their
sobriety to AA. They found the support they needed from the benefits that AA
offers and hearing the stories of others and realizing they are not alone in their
struggles.

One thing the study concluded about AA meetings was that the actual group
dynamic affected the effectiveness of individuals recovery process (Montalto,
2005). That whole idea is something to consider when referring someone to AA. I
was fortunate to see a group that was very welcoming and supportive of existing
members and new members. That type of atmosphere nourishes recovery. A
group that doesnt support its members will not be therapeutic.

5. Did you enjoy this experience? Why or why not? (Minimum 1 paragraph)

I enjoyed my AA experience, because it helped to correct misconceptions I had

about the meeting. This particular meeting was more relaxed and encouraging
towards its members. The members were very receptive of me and helped
 educate me on the many aspects of AA. Alcoholics Anonymous seems like a
useful resource for people that need help and it was wonderful to hear so many
stories of continued success amongst individuals.

Gulianick, M. & Myers, J. (2014). Nursing care plans: Diagnoses, interventions, and outcomes.

Elseivier Mosby: Philadelphia, PA.

Montalto, M. (2015). Alcoholics anonymous: One treatment program to rule them all? Journal of

Alcoholism and Drug Dependence, 3(6), 1-5. doi:10.4172/23296488.1000228