Enhancing Nurses Communication Skills With Patients Essay Example

patient in a manner that is considerate to the patients’ fears and sensitiveness. Communication takes many forms, others nonverbal. Such gestures, facial expressions and even body posture complement verbal communication and play a role in convincing and demonstrating that the nurse has an interest in patient’s message.

When initiating a communication process, it is imperative that the sender of the message chooses the most appropriate medium of communication that bests the message he or she wants to pass. This is determined by several factors like the intended audience, distance the message should cover as well as need for formality (Sully and Dallas 2010). Vincent (2010) refers to communication barriers as any form of disruptions (also referred to as noise) that block the process of passing on and receiving of information. Such barriers include an inappropriate media for the particular message, a language barrier, unsuitable communication channel and ambiguity or wrong encoding of the intended message. Facilitators aide the process of communication by easing transmission of message and feedback (Vincent 2010). They include use of a common or a familiar language, choice of a readily available channel and use of gestures.

The language barrier is a major hindrance to effective communication. In fact, it has been identified as a major hindrance to access medical care to minorities and immigrant in any given country (Kelly and Tazbir 2014). This is because where there is no common language usable by the nurse and patient, the patient’s ability to make an appointment or even to follow medication instructions is severely impacted. Such patients will find it hard to clearly explain their symptoms to the nurse. The nurse will face the challenge

of understanding the patients’ needs and also face the challenge of explaining medical terminologies to such a patient. In the scenario of Concetta de Rosa, the language barrier is going to be evident considering that she has only a limited grasp of English language. Challenges associated with language barrier are sure to manifest themselves in this particular scenario. Considering she is admitted, constant communication needs to be happening with the nurse in attendance. She needs to update the nurse of any symptoms that may arise. She also needs to be able to seek any assistance she might need whilst admitted. Conversely the nurse will need to pass on medication instructions. In this case, communication between the two will be impaired with the consequence being compromised medical care quality. Where there are language barriers, cultural differences will also emerge.

Faced by this scenario the nurse needs to explore possible facilitators so as to converse with the patient (Concetta de Rosa).Interpreters come in handy in cases where language barrier is experienced. A good interpreter should easily bond the patient and the nurse with body language as well as facial expressions. The nurse may use communication facilitators to ease the process of communication. In this case of Concetta de Rosa, the nurse may initiate non verbal communication. Since the patient only speaks limited English, visual communication in terms of gestures would come in handy to complement her deficient English. The nurse’s communication skills will prove crucial. He or she will need to demonstrate interest in what the patient says. This can be achieved by keen listening as well as body language such as occasional nodding and a display of

facial expressions that demonstrate his or her empathy. By so doing, the patient will feel confident to express herself.

Different patients have different views of their ailments. In the case study of Concetta de Rosa, she is a diabetes patient. Different patient’s present varied challenges when it comes to communication with the nurse. The patient’s perception of his or her illness determines just how much delicately the nurse may need to handle the case while holding a conversation with their patient (Roberts 2013). Ineffective communication is a certain hindrance to treatment of a diabetes patient .The challenge may come from the patient, the nurse in attendance or both of them. Wrong attitudes from either party can prove detrimental to management of a diabetic. In this particular case the nurse will need to have superb skills handling this patient’s worries. Diabetes requires lifelong attention. Lots of patients tend to have fear and self pity Cooper and Gosnell (2015). However an experienced nurse will handle this situation by appreciating the problem and using an appropriate facilitator of communication to ease communication. A diabetic needs to feel understood so that he or she opens up to the health care provider.

The nurse needs to choose words keenly in order to encourage the patient to seek clarifications and explanations. Getting the right information to the patient is paramount when handling diabetes. This is especially crucial in diabetes management as Roberts (2013) observes it essentially may make the difference between patient’s and dying. In this case, the nurse should take time to prepare the patients’ mindset so that he or she is not afraid to express his or her needs. The nurse

ought to package information and instructions in a way that is easy for the patient to understand and follow. At the same time, the nurse ought to sound encouraging and reassuring. As explained earlier a nurse with a wrong attitude is more likely to lead to escalation of a diabetic patient than assist the patient. These particular patients are prone to depression and the nurse must by no means worsen the condition. It is important to explain to the patient why it is essential to stick to the prescribed dosage as some diabetic patients-43% are known to change prescribed dosages without even informing the attending nurse (Roberts 2013).

The fear of incapacitation (like inability to provide for family, loss of driving license) by progressive diabetes also makes some patients choose to withhold important information that could be vital for effective management of the disease. It is therefore important that the patient is put in a somber mood to the highest possible extent. The nurse should be participative playing not only the role of health care provider but also a friend. The nurse also should make the patient feel she is in the right hands and indeed that he or she is not a bother who is wasting the nurse’s time. This is why the nurse body language and choice of words are crucial in assuring the patient. It is therefore important that the nurse also appreciates the patient’s relatives’ roles and responsibilities as they may also provide complementary information that may not be forthcoming from the patient.

Ambiguity in encoding of information is another barrier to communication that is evident in patient –nurse communication. This occurs when

information, either from the patient or the nurse is understood in more than one meaning Smith and Liehr2014). In such cases it may not occur to the receiver that information could as well have meant something entirely different from the meaning he or she has gotten. The manner in which information is packaged, and the terminologies used, is a very important consideration when passing on information. Ambiguity often results in miscommunication. Misunderstood dosage instructions can either prove lethal or ineffective to the patient. It is very important that a nurse understands the potential consequences of information that has been misunderstood by a patient. Conversely when a nurse is conversing with a patient, he or she should be weary of possible likelihoods of ambiguous statements from a patient. When such a scenario occurs and it’s not arrested in good time, the recipient of the information acts in response, but to the wrong information. In the case of a nurse, he or she may give a wrong prescription or wrong advice. Such a mistake can even be life threatening. Patients who act on ambiguous instructions or advice from a nurse may endanger their lives. Several situations may result in ambiguity in communication. For example overusing general statements where specificity is required (Basavanthappa 2008).

Communicating in idioms and proverbs may result in ambiguous statements that may lead to mistakes (Smith and Liehr2014). Every effort should be made o ensure fidelity of ideas and information during and after transmission. At times the nurse or the patient may make half statements hoping the recipient of the information understands it from the context. Half-said statements are a recipe for ambiguity and hence

mistakes in any patient-nurse interaction. A nurse skilled in communication is well aware of this possible pitfall and will take charge of communication to make sure there are clarifications from either party wherever necessary.

Sometimes, repeating same information to the patients severally till they get it right may work right. Nurses should learn the art of listening. Keen listening will enable the nurse to ask questions that really matter and also notice of unclearly answered questions or explanations that may still require further elaboration. Moreover, use of demonstrations can play vital role in ensuring a message is passed on and received as intended. Demonstrations can be quite effective when dealing with elderly patients (Fritz 1984). It may also work well with patients who have limited knowhow about the ailments affecting them. Sharing such information in presence of a close relative with whom the patient is comfortable with is also useful.

In the modern times, a typical nurse is expected to be giving care to patients from all walks of life. This is attributable to immigration and ease of movements that is characteristic of modern life. Attending to patients of diverse cultural backgrounds from one’s own presents a unique challenge to the nurse. The same case applies to a patient who is receiving medical care from a culturally different nurse. Culture forms integral part of individual’s lives and personalities. Andrews and Boyle (2008) note that challenge posed by cultural differences is evident even when a common language is available to both the patient and the nurse. Cultures may share some few aspects but be totally divergent in others. A person’s culture influences them in many ways, ranging from

how they make decisions, their way of thinking and even the pattern of their activities (Iyer and Aiken2001). A patient’s norm will be influenced by their culture. Culture is binding and therefore it is the responsibility to handle every patient in a manner not offending them. The common scenario in the context of communication that is associated with differences in cultures is when the effect of cultural barriers is underestimated or when there is stereotyping of people based on their cultural background.

Effectiveness of communication is greatly impaired when there is victimization and stereotyping. A nurse who is conversant with cross-cultural communication is more likely to handle a culturally different patient effectively. When differences in culture obstruct communication, the quality of care the patient is also negatively affected. Some patients understand their ailments only in the context of their cultures (Comerford 2006). As a result, it is very important that a nurse tries to accommodate the patients views the greatest extents possible and when they disagree, the nurses should express their position in a manner that does not demean or hurt the feelings of the patient. Cultural differences reveal themselves in range of ways depending on a person’s background. Some postures that may appear normal to one person’s culture may be offensive in the view of person from a different culture. For example, Lippincott and Wilkins (2002) reports that it is offensive to speak to someone with your hands in the pocket among South American cultures while it may be okay in other cultures.

When confronted by such situations it is advisable to constantly keep checking for mutual understanding with the person one is holding a conversation

with. By doing so , one can notice with ease if the discussion is getting out of hand and attempt a correction in good time. Moreover, it is advisable only use common words that are least likely to carry any hidden meanings (Schuster, Schuster and Nykolyn 2010). This helps avoid misunderstandings and confrontations. Keeping calm even when there is need to keep making repetitions so as to take the message home is also very crucial. It is also critical that both parties use only mainstream language and avoid slang (Srivastava 2007). It is also imperative that one uses a standard language taking caution to use grammar correctly. A nurse must also avoid negative mindset when dealing with a patient. If offended the nurse ought to realize that it is least likely that the patient intended to anger him or her.

Nurse –patient relationship should be as smooth as possible. It is only under such conditions that the patient can freely disclose his or her feelings without fear of being judged or prejudiced. However, poor communication skills (involving either party) can only worsen the situation, leading to errors that may negatively health care delivery to the patient. It is therefore essential that nurses are encouraged to hone their communication skills to fit in the dynamic career and also be prepared for unique challenges posed by different patients in terms of communication needs. By improving nurses’ communication skills the patients become more satisfied and complaints lessen. The outcome of therapy is much better when patients are handled with empathy.

It is therefore recommendable that health practitioners and nurses in particular are well trained in nursing colleges so that they

may be more productive once they start working in the field. In this case they will be better prepared to handle any patients regardless of the communication challenges they may pose. Moreover, the already practicing nursing staff should be encouraged communication courses relevant to their field of work instead of only relying on experience in handling difficult patients. This continuous improvement of nurses’ communication skills will be a positive boost to the relationship a nurse builds with the patient.