Question

In this course wrap-up discussion, please reflect on your experience in the course and address the following items:

• Identify one of your major takeaways from this course.
• What aspect of the course helped you achieve this?
• How will you apply this knowledge to your practice and career?

Answer 1

1) Identify one of your major takeaways from this course.

Communication is one of the most important professional skills I developed from this course. The process of seeking an internship, the work experience itself, and reflecting afterward, will all contribute to the growth of mycommunication skills. Before I get into this profession, my communication was very poor. But, I achieved it with most favorable techniques.

2)What aspect of the course helped you achieve this?

• Listen without interrupting the sender.

• Show empathy at all times and try to understand.

• Try to stay focused on the conversation. Do not however, force the patient to continue if he/she becomes anxious or seems to wish to change the subject.

• Use the body language that indicates your interest and concern. Touch the patient if it seems appropriate. Lean forward, listen intently and maintain eye contact if it culturally acceptable.

• Offer factual information. This relieves anxiety. Do not offer your personal opinion. Assure the patient that you have professional discretion.

• Try to reflect the feelings and thoughts the patient is expressing by rephrasing questions and comments using their own words.

• Avoid unclear or misleading messages.

• Avoid giving long explanations.

• Give your co-workers your full attention when communicating with them.

• Ask questions to clarify unclear messages.

• Do not interrupt until the sender has completed the message.

• Provide a quiet environment without distractions.

• Be convincing when communicating

3) How will you apply this knowledge to your practice and career?

Communicating with patients

There are several points to be kept in mind when communicating with patients. The first point is that you are there to provide care and support to the patient.

• Be open, respectful and gracious in all your interactions with the patient and keep his/her cultural preferences in mind.

• Answer nurses’ bells promptly.

• Make sure you have the patients’ attention when communicating.

• Use words that are non-threatening – explain what you would like to do and do not give orders to the patient.

• Use simple, understandable phrases, not medical terms as most patients do not understand these terms.

• Speak clearly and courteously.

• Use a pleasant and normal tone of voice to the hard of hearing.

• Always stand so that the patient can see the nurse’s face when communicating, as lip reading is part of all normal hearing.

• Use body language that is appropriate.

• Explain facts and procedures before donning a mask that covers the wearer’s mouth and lower face.

• Be alert to the patient’s needs. Allow time for answers to your requests and to answer patient’s questions