Answers:
Description

As part of my Bachelor of Nursing degree, I undertook a client interview that helped me to analyse my ability of using the therapeutic communication skills at the time of interacting with the patients. The patient, Mr Kevin Jones, had been admitted to the health care unit with ride-side paralysis. He had past medical history of prostate enlargement, alcoholism, depression,  hypertension, and anxiety. The patient showed desperation to be discharged from the care unit as he wanted to return home. He showed signs of frustrations and had emotional outbursts at times. Throughout my communication with the patient, I had a sympathetic and caring approach towards the patient.

Feelings

Initially While Taking The Interview I Had Felt Apprehensive Whether I Would Be Able To Make The Patient Feel Comfortable And Secured When I Discussed The Need For Him to extend his stay at the hospital, he was initially frustrated and had a negative approach. I was determined to make him understand his situation, and therefore I had a calm and compassionate approach towards him. While communicating, I made sure that he was not offended by any means by avoiding discussing his personal issues. Upon explaining him in details the implications of his health conditions, he showed signs of satisfaction and approval. I felt overwhelmed, and this boosted my confidence level.  

Evaluation

My role as a nurse enabled me to carry out the interview successfully and understand the potential health complications for the patient. I felt I was able to provide evidence that  I posses the skills for interviewing a patient in a manner that is culturally and emotionally safe for the patient. I assess that having a holistic approach while communicating with a patient is beneficial as it covers the length and breadth of the needs of the patient. I felt that I was able to acknowledge the challenges faced by the client while communicating.  

Analysis

According to Arnold and Boggs (2015), Professional Communication Of a Nurse with a client must be bee completely therapeutic in nature. Good communication between patients and nurses is crucial for eliminating any potential risks of poor health outcomes for the patient. For achieving this, it is essential that nurses demonstrate sincerity, kindness and courtesy. Also, there is a necessity to devote adequate time to carry out the communication. One must be confident about the own capability to communicate with the patient and must not show signs of anxiety or apprehension (Hammer et al., 2014). I regret being anxious prior to the interview. Such an action would have made a negative impact on the patient as he might be presented with the idea that I was not capable of interviewing him and carry out his assessment. As highlighted by Negi et al., (2017) effective therapeutic communication revolves around delivering patient-centred quality care. It is a vehicle with the hep of which the involvement of the patient is optimised. I felt I was successful in involving the patient in his future care plan by making hm understand the importance of receiving care at health care setting given his poor health conditions.

Conclusion

From the above discussion, I conclude that my interviewing of the patient was successful as I have succeeded in establishing a therapeutic relationship with the client. I demonstrated adequate skills for assessing patient holistically. However, I require more practice to master the act of interviewing patients. This would reduce the chances of being anxious and underconfidence at initial stages. For conducting patient interview successfully, nurses need to create an inclusive partnership with the patient. This would form the basis of my future patient assessments.

Action Plan

For developing my skills in nursing assessment of patient through interviews, I would request my seniors to provide me with constructive feedback. That would be a critical analysis of the development I have made as a successful nurse interviewer. I would work upon the areas that would be highlighted as my weaknesses. For developing my skills, I feel it is essential to eliminate any potential challenges posed by self. I would, therefore, attempt to reduce increased anxiety and fear prior to carrying out patient interviews. Gaining knowledge on how to communicate with patients would be essential, and therefore I would consider referring to literature and studying them. Another important step that I take would be to study real life examples from situations wherein my senior nurses would conduct patient interviews. Analysing them communicating with the patients would be a significant step through which I can enhance my skills and abilities. I would thereby attempt to implement the learnings in my future patient assessments (Riley, 2015).

References

Arnold, E. C., & Boggs, K. U. (2015). Interpersonal relationships: Professional communication skills for nurses. Elsevier Health Sciences.

Hammer, M., Fox, S., & Hampton, M. D. (2014). Use of a therapeutic communication simulation model in pre-licensure psychiatric mental health nursing: enhancing strengths and transforming challenges. Nursing and Health, 2(1), 1-8.

Negi, S., Kaur, H., Singh, G. M., & Pugazhendi, S. (2017). Quality of nurse patient therapeutic communication and overall patient satisfaction during their hospitalization stay. International Journal of Medical Science and Public Health, 6(4).

Riley, J. B. (2015). Communication in nursing. Elsevier Health Sciences.