Nursing: Therapeutic Communication In Nursing

Communication is an important aspect of nursing care. Communication varies depending on the context and situation it is used. With communication relationships are formed and survival needs are met. As student nurse, we use communication to collect vital data needed in order to assess, plan, implement and evaluate care for the client. The word communication has different meanings ‘to some communication is the interchange of information between two or more people to others still communication is simply getting the message across. In addition thought are also conveyed to others not only by spoken or written words, but also by gestures or body actions.’ (Kozier & Erb, 2004, p. pg 101) Therapeutic communication between a patient and student nurse

468)’. Sometimes when this happens the patient or the nurse may feel uncomfortable and as a result it makes silences longer than they actually are. So sitting with a patient takes practice and in time becomes easier and positively influences communication and care. ‘Sitting with a client tells the person that this interaction is more than a normal conversation. It also tells them it is OK to be with the person without feeling the need to do something’ (Morrissey & Patrick, 2011, p. 9) For instance Sitting with Mr X when he cries and not saying anything for at least 5 seconds before intervening is a good practice.

Although it is important to, it is usually not enough; the client also wants a response. The next two examples refer to the skills of responding verbally to service users. Nonverbal communication also contributes to subjective data. Subjective data usually includes feelings of anxiety, physical discomfort or mental stress. Although only patients provide subjective data relevant to their health condition, practicing student nurses need to be aware that these problems result in physiological changes (Potter & Perry, 2014, p.

‘ The listener does not select or listen to what the listener wants to hear; the nurse focuses not on the nurses own needs but rather on the client’s needs.’ (Craven & Hirnle, 2009) . This allows no room for misinterpretation and is evident in the SOLER steps that were discussed earlier in the paper. Consequently inattentive listening, fidgeting, breaking eye contact discourages conversation and damages trust. Attentive listening is listening actively, using all the senses as opposed to listening passively with just the ear. ‘It involves listening to the total message both verbal and non verbal. It is an active process that requires energy and concentration that conveys an attitude of caring and interest.’ (Kozier & Erb,