Communication is a dynamic process in which information is exchanged between individuals (Day, Levett-Jones & Kenny 2015). In nursing, one of the most important skills to acquire is the interpersonal aspect of communication (Glembocki & Fitzpatrick 2013). Through this, a therapeutic relationship of trust and understanding can be established between nurses and their patients assuming both are competent in the area. One particular method which may be used in assessing one’s communication skills is reflection (Glembocki & Fitzpatrick 2013). This paper will be a reflection on my developing therapeutic and interpersonal communication skills focusing on active listening, closed questions and paraphrasing; highlighting my strengths and areas in need
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I didn’t utilise this strategy appropriately in my interview according to the SOLER acronym, which incorporates the five key concepts of communication in nursing. Due to the arrangement of seating, I did not attempt to squarely face my patient which was expected. Failing to do this affected the development of the relationship between the patient and myself. Additionally, my posture was also very poor which was detrimental to the nurse-patient bond. Professor Klagsbrun (2012) says that for a patient, it can be quite a profound and moving experience when being listened to carefully. Hence why it is so important that the skill of active listening is used effectively within the field of nursing. Though there are definitely components of this skill which clearly need further development, my strengths included the use of eye contact and body language. In future, I will make use of all key concepts within active listening and apply them so that the therapeutic nurse-patient relationship is achieved at a higher …show more content…
I made use of this skill well during my interview, ensuring when I misunderstood the patient I rephrased my understanding for confirmation. In doing so, it is demonstrated that the nurse wants to follow the patients meaning and checks to ensure the understanding is correct (Stein-Parbury 2014). This also assists in building trust as it eliminates any assumptions which may have been made by the nurse and places them both on equal footing (Stein-Parbury 2014). It is when this skill is overlooked, issues may occur. The distortion of a message through paraphrasing can influence communication to become ineffective (Crisp & Taylor 2009). Hence why it is essential that the nurse understands exactly what position the patient is in and the necessity of their visit. If a nurse fails to paraphrase, and in turn fails to completely understand the patient’s condition, many complications can take place. It is clear that this method of communication must be used in all conversations in the field of nursing to minimise any consequences of
I didn’t utilise this strategy appropriately in my interview according to the SOLER acronym, which incorporates the five key concepts of communication in nursing. Due to the arrangement of seating, I did not attempt to squarely face my patient which was expected. Failing to do this affected the development of the relationship between the patient and myself. Additionally, my posture was also very poor which was detrimental to the nurse-patient bond. Professor Klagsbrun (2012) says that for a patient, it can be quite a profound and moving experience when being listened to carefully. Hence why it is so important that the skill of active listening is used effectively within the field of nursing. Though there are definitely components of this skill which clearly need further development, my strengths included the use of eye contact and body language. In future, I will make use of all key concepts within active listening and apply them so that the therapeutic nurse-patient relationship is achieved at a higher …show more content…
I made use of this skill well during my interview, ensuring when I misunderstood the patient I rephrased my understanding for confirmation. In doing so, it is demonstrated that the nurse wants to follow the patients meaning and checks to ensure the understanding is correct (Stein-Parbury 2014). This also assists in building trust as it eliminates any assumptions which may have been made by the nurse and places them both on equal footing (Stein-Parbury 2014). It is when this skill is overlooked, issues may occur. The distortion of a message through paraphrasing can influence communication to become ineffective (Crisp & Taylor 2009). Hence why it is essential that the nurse understands exactly what position the patient is in and the necessity of their visit. If a nurse fails to paraphrase, and in turn fails to completely understand the patient’s condition, many complications can take place. It is clear that this method of communication must be used in all conversations in the field of nursing to minimise any consequences of