Question

For this discussion, describe how you typically communicate nonverbally?

Do you have particular or unique patterns of nonverbal communication?

What have others said to you about your non-verbal communication?

How do you think your non-verbal communication impacts your effectiveness as a communicator?

In what ways do you think your non-verbal communication patterns will influence your ability to provide client-centered care?

Answer 1

Non-verbal communication is an important element in the patient-centered care. It improves the quality, safety of the patient care. It is expressed through body languages, facial expressions, voice clues, gestures, and eye contact.

Facial expressions:

Facial expressions convey emotions such as anger, fear, happiness, and sadness. The nurse should think of their facial expressions which reflect on the client behavior pattern. Grimacing, yawn, rolling of eyes will discourage the patient to share their feelings. Nodding of the head will resemble active listening of the patient.

Eye contact:

Maintain a good eye contact will increase the patient respect and willingness towards the nurses. It communicates the feelings and emotions. Lack of eye contact will create anxiety and discomfort to the patient. But the nurse should know the patient culture because a certain culture does not allow to maintain eye to eye contact.

Posture and Gait:

Maintain good posture while sitting or standing. Avoid bending of shoulders which may indicate fatigue or depression. Good body posture is necessary for the sense of well-being.

Touch:

Touch is the powerful tool for non-verbal communication. It conveys the empathy and affection towards the patient. But it should be in need and in an appropriate manner. Took permission from the patient before touch to avoid cultural issues.

During the non-verbal communication, other viewed as a good therapeutic nurse-patient relationship. It shows my ethical behavior. Main too close to the patient becomes an invasion or too far makes the patient feel isolated. Provide space and allow the patient to maintain the privacy and distance.

Non-verbal communication increases my self-respect and self-confidence. It motivated to approach the patient in a right way. It improves the non-verbal messages and influences on the non-verbal behavior without misinterpretation. It makes me more professionalized. It increases my responsibilities and autonomy.

Non-verbal communication patterns will promote the patient-centered care by maintaining therapeutic communication with the patient. Always make the patient feel safe and comfortable. Maintain privacy and confidentiality. It promotes a positive growth and changes in the patient condition. It is helpful for the positive outcomes of the patient problem. It is helpful in the plan of care and to meet the patient needs.