Introduction
The importance of communication is the needed basis in nursing practice. Communication is often dependent on the verbal and nonverbal communication (Marshall & Stevens, 2015). Also behavioural along with speech aspects, skilled transfer with receiving of the nurse-patient information starts productive relationships or defiantly, it develops significant repercussions if used in an improper way. This essay will converse the importance of verbal with non-verbal communication in establishing and maintaining a therapeutic relationship between a nurse and patient. In this case, a therapeutic relationship is one which is founded on mutual trust as well as respect, the cultivation of hope and faith, being kind towards each other
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Without a doubt, the verbal communication is very critical in the development of a therapeutic nurse-patient relationship bringing about respect, understanding, sincerity as well as empathy (Marshall & Stevens, 2015).
Non-verbal communication
Although it is clear that verbal communication establishes a nurse-patient relationship, the non-verbal communication includes the best part of an interpersonal relationship between the two parties. Both communications have equal importance, but studies show that non-verbal aspect of communication is more efficient than the verbal communication. There are non-verbal actions that are seen to be indispensable in the nursing care, smiling, eye gaze, body position and head nodding; these actions are well known as body language (DeWit & O 'Neill,2014). It is through cautious deliberation of the nonverbal actions that nurses are in a position to gain a broad sight to the patient’s emotional needs with their experiences.
For a nurse to show empathy and warm, they ought to make eye contacts with the patients. Nevertheless, eye contact is a different exemption in non-verbal communication. It exposes the hidden with deep feelings which can never be articulated in any other way which might work out during the nurse-patient connection. For example, Asian and Latin societies, looking people in the eye shows disrespect while in western culture it
Examples of non-verbal communication often noticed by the team during these visits can include lack of eye contact, hunched posture, and silence, to name a few. The lack of eye contact for some cultures is a sign respect, but for others is an insult. Similarly, the use of caring facial expressions, for many, conveys a positive connection, whereas hunched posture may reflect indifference or pain (Luquis, 2014). The use of silence for some hospice patients is a sign of reflection yet for others is a sign of overload. The interpretation of nonverbal communication and behaviors may differ between various cultures and can be the cause of many communication issues if misinterpreted (Luquis,
Communication is one of the basic survival skills of human and also a fundamental part of nursing. Effective communication would help to promote a positive nurse-client relationship which is crucial for the delivery of quality nursing care (Sheppard, 1993; McCabe 2003).
In nursing practice, communication is essential, and good communication skills are paramount in the development of a therapeutic nurse/patient relationship. This aim of this essay is to discuss the importance of communication in nursing, demonstrating how effective communication facilitates a therapeutic
McCabe C. (2004) Nurse-patient communication: an exploration of patients’ experiences. Journal of Clinical Nursing. 13, 41-49.
An important aspect of nurse practice is communication as it is the process of transferring information, feelings and ideas (RCN, 2015). It also provides knowledge based on identifying behaviour patterns, establish a relationship between nurse and patient and it is also
Therapeutic communication is the basis to maintain a proper nurse patient relationship. Furthermore, understanding that therapeutic communication which is so vital, patient’s literacy level is also crucial in the communication process. Boykins D., 2014 states that “individuals that experience health literacy problems receive less preventative care and have poor understanding of health problems and care”. A nurse assesses each patients’ literacy level upon their first interaction, she also uses therapeutic communication to build a strong nurse patient relationship. Therapeutic communication can be verbal and nonverbal, both equally important to help build a bridge for communication. An example of nonverbal therapeutic communication would be silence; in some cultures, silence is a norm and a way of thinking. With a precise assessment and proper
In nursing verbal communication is used on a daily basis. It is simply the transferring of in-formation through speech. When talking to patients, relatives or other staff members you are using verbal communication. In order for the needs of the patient to be met, effective com-munication needs to take place, both between the nurse and the patient but also the nurse and other members of the team. Nurses must ensure that what they say is clear, honest, accurate and suitable for the patients, age, personal beliefs, language, cultural, and they should also take into consideration the level of understanding. (Royal College of Nursing, 2015).
Therapeutic communication is seen as a complex skill that involves much subtlety and requires a range of different approaches (Jones, 2009). The importance of therapeutic communication and professional relationships with patients as a prime means of attaining healthcare treatment found to be the underlying theme in interpersonal relationships ( Arnold and Boggs, 2011). Therapeutic communication can create a nurse-patient relationship that enhances choice and responsibility, improves patient input and cooperation and thereby maximizes care outcomes (Rosenberg and Gallo-Silver, 2011). By integrating knowledge with compassion, the skill of therapeutic communication is regarded as the nurse’s greatest asset in reducing stresses and establishing a bond (Rosenberg and Gallo-Silver, 2011). Therefore, person-centred communication is regarded as the mandatory fundamentals in health professions (O’Toole, 2012). Attaining person-centred communication is often challenging and it is essentially required in health professions (O’Toole, 2012). One of the important basis for patient-centred communication is the effective listening (O’Toole, 2012). This essay briefly explains the various components of active listening skills that enhance therapeutic communication. Finally this essay concludes with a self-assessment of the current knowledge and skills that the author possess, followed by a development plan that shows the goals and strategies that can be used to improve author’s active
As a nurse, communication is an essential and important factor to building a therapeutic relationship between a nurse and patient as it is the difference between average and excellent nursing care, as it helps maintain a good quality of life and allows nurses’ and patients to interact and provide comfort when needed. The importance of good communication can become apparent with patients especially when they are in the hospital, as it helps the nurses build a positive relationship with patients and helps overcome barriers including physical, psychological and social. A therapeutic relationship is built on many factors which include both verbal and non-verbal communication which helps maintains the relationship and strengthens it due to the positive impact it has not only on the patient’s experience but also the nurse’s.
Effective communication in the healthcare setting improves recovery rates and reduces pain and complication rates. (Wilkinson et al, 2003). Many complaints to the NHS are attributed to poor communication. Effective communication is reliant on the nurse working in partnership with the patient. It is essential that the nurse establishes a rapport and most of this will be achieved through the use of facial expressions. In my practice, it is important that develop a therapeutic relationship with the patients so that they can be able to put their trust in me. The therapeutic relationship is solely to meet the needs of the patient. In this relationship, there is a rapport established from a sense of mutual understanding and trust. To build a good nurse-patient relationship, I would have to show qualities of empathy, caring, sincerity and trustworthiness. During practice, if I am approaching a patient and the patient looks anxious, I should approach with empathy.
The two clips compare two different approaches by the nurse to the patient. Non-verbal and verbal communication is both key factors in nurse patient relationships. Observing the first clip it can be seen where the patient is very stressed with pain and anxiety. The nurse's approach is abrupt and lacking empathy. The patient becomes more agitated. Whereas the second clip the nurse gently approaches the patient and sits down, talking in a calm point soothes the patient's anxiety as the nurse shows compassion and concern. The Code of Ethics for nurses emphasizes having empathy, respect and kindness to
Achieving the goal as a successful nurse is not easy as it requires not only a broad knowledge but also clinical skills (Raya 2006). One of the crucial factors leading to that is learning to create therapeutic relationships between health care professionals and patients through professional communication. This is long-term training since nurses must know how to apply different communication methods to help their patients with kindness and sincerity (Varcarolis 2005). The purpose of this study is to assess knowledge of how diversified communication types are used and their efficiency in building a therapeutic relationship.
It is the nurses’ responsibility to understand what it means to have professional communication skills. Not only does not being able to communicate affect the patient, but also it affects how the nurse is able to do his or her job to the best they can. Smith and Pressman say that the Institute of Medicine has released reports, which stress, “good communication is critical to ensuring safe and reliable nursing” (Smith & Pressman, 2010). Bad
Effective communication is of tantamount importance in the scope of a successful nursing practice. It depends heavily upon both verbal and non-verbal methods (AJN). It is inclusive of both behavioral and speech components. Being efficient in both delivering and receiving messages between the nurse and the patient helps initiate and maintain a healthy relationship. Employing both verbal and non-verbal communication between the nurse and the patient will help ensure that the relationship they share remains satisfying to both parties.
Therapeutic Communication has a huge impact on patients, whether, we, as nurses, see it or not. It is very important for a nurse to gain a patient’s trust. Many patients are already filled with sadness, nervousness and unsure thoughts of their current situation. Such thoughts may make a person scared to trust or open up to a nurse or doctor. Developing a close rapport with a patient can help to create a safe, warming environment, resulting in a positive experience throughout their time in the hospital or even nursing home. In “Therapeutic Communication”, Anna Lauria opens saying, “What we say or do not say can influence whether a client is able to quiet his mind, relax his body and initiate a healing response” (Lauria). Being a nurse, we automatically have the opportunity to create a strong influence on patients’ lives during, and even after, their hospital experience.