Interpersonal communication is an essential skill for nurses to have and practise regularly, when communicating and forming a therapeutic patient to nurse relationship. Reflecting is another essential skill nurses should practice regularly in order to lean and grow in their practices. The three main Communication skills that I practised were Offering self, Open-ended questions and paraphrasing.
The first communication skill that I used was offering self; I happily introduced myself, I sat down with my body facing the patient, I explained I was their nurse and asked why they were seeking care? I then followed by asking if I could take their patient history. This small introduction allowed for my patient and I to begin to form therapeutic nurse to patient relationship. Allowing the patient to start developing a trust with myself and willingly open up to tell me their problem. Studies show that when a patient is asked right away what the problem is, without any introduction they are less likely to feel comfortable with their care and are less likely to give all information willingly …show more content…
Paraphrasing also showed the patient I was actively listening (Levett-Jones 2018). I found this skill very helpful as I had some misunderstandings and it allowed for me to reiterate the information back to the patient. I then could correct or add information to the patient history. Not only was paraphrasing helpful to ensure I acquired the accurate information I condensed the patient's answers into a few clear and concise sentences which was easier to write quickly. Paraphrasing can also show the patient that their feelings and experiences are validated and what they have spoken is significant (Weger et al. 2010). I found this skill worked best for me as I would listen to the patient and then paraphrase as I wrote the condensed
The first communication skill that I used was offering self; I happily introduced myself, I sat down with my body facing the patient, I explained I was their nurse and asked why they were seeking care? I then followed by asking if I could take their patient history. This small introduction allowed for my patient and I to begin to form therapeutic nurse to patient relationship. Allowing the patient to start developing a trust with myself and willingly open up to tell me their problem. Studies show that when a patient is asked right away what the problem is, without any introduction they are less likely to feel comfortable with their care and are less likely to give all information willingly …show more content…
Paraphrasing also showed the patient I was actively listening (Levett-Jones 2018). I found this skill very helpful as I had some misunderstandings and it allowed for me to reiterate the information back to the patient. I then could correct or add information to the patient history. Not only was paraphrasing helpful to ensure I acquired the accurate information I condensed the patient's answers into a few clear and concise sentences which was easier to write quickly. Paraphrasing can also show the patient that their feelings and experiences are validated and what they have spoken is significant (Weger et al. 2010). I found this skill worked best for me as I would listen to the patient and then paraphrase as I wrote the condensed