Communication

Introduction

The aim of this assignment is to discuss the importance of effective communication in nursing, specifically focusing on clinical practice outcomes F1 1V which states “student nurses should adopt a range of interpersonal skills whilst communicating with patients” and F1 V which states “you should demonstrate awareness of barriers to effective communication”. The above will be achieved by discussing the importance of effective communication in nursing. Potter and Perry (2001) advocate that communication is a powerful therapeutic tool, a fundamental skill which is used to accomplish positive outcomes and that effective communication involves ones entire body, mind and spirit.

One will discuss issues relating to interaction, explore methods used in everyday nursing practice focusing on verbal and non verbal communication and identify barriers which may affect effective communication i.e. dysphasia, environment i.e. eye contact, posture and touch.

This assignment will explore issues surrounding effective communication whilst working with a patient; reference will be made as to how poor communication skills have a reverse effect on a patient's physical and mental well being. In accordance with the Nursing Midwifery Council Code of Professional Conduct (NMC 2008) a nurse is accountable and governed to protect and maintain patient confidentiality therefore complete anonymity will be given in relation to the chosen patient and hospital setting. At the end of this assignment conclusions will be drawn in relation to the importance of excellent communication skills needed in nursing practice and how effective skills can affect patients in our care.

Scenario

To maintain confidentiality the patient in question will be referred to as Viv who is a 62yr old female. Viv was admitted to the ward one week prior to the start of my clinical placement and remained a patient for a further four weeks. Viv`s previous medical history is a Myocardial Infraction 15yrs ago, and an acute Cerebral Vascular Accident (CVA). Viv was admitted after her son noticed that she was unable to verbally communicate and a left sided weakness was evident. It was my second day on my clinical placement when I heard a vocal noise which sounded quite distressed coming from Viv who was trying to attract my attention. Being aware of my posture I sat down beside her so that she could see me which enabled me to have direct eye contact with her. I held her hand and asked her closed questions e.g. are you in pain? However I could not understand her ...