Enhancing Therapeutic Communication in Nursing Practice

Therapeutic communication plays a pivotal role in improving an individual's comprehension of the messages conveyed through both verbal and non-verbal means. It involves the use of specific techniques that encourage individuals to express their thoughts and emotions. Within the context of nursing practice, therapeutic communication is crucial for providing effective care, fostering understanding, and demonstrating empathy. In this reflective essay, I will assess my proficiency in utilizing communication skills and recognize the significance of these skills in my nursing practice. I will specifically focus on three communication skills: eye contact, active listening, and attending.

Through self-reflection, I will identify my strengths and areas that require further development as I embark on my journey as a novice practitioner.

The Significance of Eye Contact

Eye contact constitutes a fundamental component of therapeutic communication as it conveys confidence, attentiveness, and genuine interest in the conversation. According to Nash (2013), eye contact plays a critical role in establishing rapport, often being the first aspect of communication that individuals notice.

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Day, Levett-Jones, and Kenny (2012) further emphasize that mutual eye contact signifies an active willingness to engage with what the other person is communicating, creating a sense of comfort and connection.

During a mock interview, I recognized the power of maintaining appropriate eye contact. It allowed me to convey trust and confidence in the words I conveyed to the interviewee. However, this experience also highlighted the room for improvement in this area, acknowledging that further knowledge and practice could enhance my skills.

The Art of Active Listening

Active listening involves engaging all of our senses to demonstrate respect and genuine interest in the words being spoken by others.

Kozlowska and Doboszynska (2012) assert that a proficient communicator possesses the ability to both receive and send messages effectively. Stein-Parbury (2014) supports this by emphasizing that true listening necessitates mental preparation and a genuine desire to comprehend the message being conveyed.

Upon reflection, I identified a potential limitation in my listening skills during the mock interview. The surrounding noise from other interviews created distractions that may have hindered my ability to actively listen. Stein-Parbury (2014) underscores that listening skills are not solely dependent on the individual but also on the environment in which the communication takes place. This realization highlighted the need to improve my attending skills as well.

The Importance of Attending

Attending refers to being fully present in the moment, demonstrating undivided attention, and reassuring individuals that they are being heard. Egan (2010) outlines five specific ways to ensure effective attending, encapsulated in the acronym SOLER: Sit squarely with the person, Open position, Lean slightly towards the person, Eye contact, and Relax (posture). It is essential to adapt these techniques while considering the cultural background of the individual we are communicating with.

Stein-Parbury (2014) also acknowledges the significance of Egan's SOLER acronym in promoting patient encouragement and fostering a strong sense of support between nurses and patients. This revelation highlighted the interconnectedness of different communication skills, with the breakdown of one skill potentially leading to issues in the overall communication process.

Reflecting on My Journey

Through the process of reflection, I have gained valuable insights into my strengths and areas that require further development in therapeutic communication. Initially, I felt confident in my ability to conduct interviews at a professional level, drawing from my experience in case conferences. However, this reflection revealed that therapeutic communication is distinct from standard communication, emphasizing the importance of infusing empathy into our messages—a fundamental aspect of nursing practice. Therapeutic communication serves as a vehicle for demonstrating respect, providing comfort, and fostering understanding in patient care.

Every situation we encounter in our nursing careers presents an opportunity for reflection and improvement in our communication skills. The mock interview experience, coupled with self-reflection, has proven invaluable in preparing me to employ these skills effectively in all aspects of my nursing career. As a novice practitioner, I am committed to honing my abilities in therapeutic communication, recognizing its central role in providing holistic and patient-centered care.

Conclusion

Therapeutic communication is an indispensable component of nursing practice, facilitating effective patient care and fostering understanding. In this reflective essay, I have examined the significance of communication skills, particularly eye contact, active listening, and attending, in the context of nursing. Through self-reflection, I have identified both my strengths and areas in need of improvement. I have come to appreciate that therapeutic communication involves infusing empathy into our interactions, a vital aspect of delivering patient-centered care. As I embark on my nursing career, I am committed to continuous learning and growth in therapeutic communication, recognizing its pivotal role in providing compassionate and holistic care to patients.