Communication Style Reflection for Effective Nursing Practice

Introduction

Communication is defined as a lifelong learning process for nurses, who are intimately involved with clients and their families from birth to death (Balzar Riley, 2008, as cited in Potter and Perry Canadian Fundamentals of Nursing 5th edition, p. 242). For communication style to be effective, it is a two-way exchange of information between the client and health care provider ensuring that the expectations and responsibilities are clearly understood (Arnold & Boggs, 2020, p. 34). There are different communication levels that nurses use and one of them is interpersonal communication. Interpersonal communication is a one-to-one interaction between the nurse and the client that often occurs face-to-face such as in an interview. An interview is a method of data collection that is an organized exchange of information with the client that involves obtaining the client’s health history and current status. It consists of three phases: orientation phase, working phase, and termination phase (Potter and Perry, 2014, pp. 158-160, 244-245). The video demonstration shows the interaction between a nurse and a client who recently moved into a seniors facility from her home.

Strengths in Communication Style

The video assignment that I did was not a perfect example of effective communication, but there are strong points on the video that I consider as my skills in communicating. First, I showed the three phases in an interview: the introduction phase of my role and purpose, followed by the working phase, wherein there was an exchange of information between the nurse and the client about the concern regarding the recent move, and lastly, the conclusion or termination phase that ends the interaction. Also, open and close-ended questions were used to collect the information needed. Questions were direct and precise to avoid confusion. Paraphrasing and clarifying were also used to check if I have the same understanding as the client. It also showed that I was actively listening by sitting at eye level, facing the client, and nodding which convey the meaning that I was paying attention to what she was saying. I also gave her time to think and verbalize how she feels, which helps in developing trust and rapport. With the conversation, we were able to tackle the purpose of the interview which is the orientation to the new facility. Respect what was shown in the video because I was giving the client the options and autonomy to decide on what she really wants. These are the strengths that I consider in my communication style.

Weaknesses in Communication Style

Watching the video of myself in this assignment was a little bit awkward, what more letting others see it. I find it self-conscious because it can be seen in the recording that there was a moment that I looked at the camera. Also, I could have used better vocabulary in asking the client like “transferring rather than moving” when I was asking about the family doctor and also with the word “emotion”. I can also see that my non verbal cues were unnatural like the way i position my hands. I can still recall how tachycardic I was during this recording. I was not confident and a little bit insecure. My voice was tensed that shows how anxious I was for the fact that it is recorded and graded. Additionally, I was not able to solve or explore more on the problem that the client was unable to sleep at night. I should have given a suggestion or asked her if she has a preferred setting at night that could help her settle faster. Another concern that was bothering me, was the length of the video, if it was too short or too long. There were also statements that I said that were not clear and I was hesitant on which term to use. These are the weaknesses that I observed with my communication style.

This video was done in a small group. Working with the group of girls that I have known since the program started is an advantage for me. I found new friends and we support each other in achieving a common goal. During the video assignment, we were communicating and discussing well on how we want our it to be done. Each one of us gave suggestions on how to improve our tasks. We delegated the duty amongst us like the videographer, the actor/client, and the one who checked the length of the recording. Working in a group taught me that we have different perspectives on things, and I learned to verbalize what I have in my mind, and acknowledge and respect their opinions as well. We don't know each other when we started, but we were able to build trust and set rules in achieving a common goal. They also helped me in my self awareness that my voice is too soft, that there were instances that they could barely hear me. That I was also shy in speaking publicly and outloud. I am more aware now that I have to develop my self confidence and to speak loud and clear when needed to.

Conclusion

Reviewing the video that I submitted, I was able to develop self-awareness on areas that need improvement for my communication skill to be effective, like my confidence level. I need to uplift my self-esteem by practicing positive self-talk, visualizing an image of a positive self, avoiding comparing self to others, reframing memories appropriately, developing an honest open relationship, and letting go of the past (Beebe et al, 2007 as cited on MRU 3101 module 1 p. 9). In addition, the article “A First Look at Interpersonal Communication (n.d.), p. 20” describes self-monitoring as the process of paying close attention to your own behavior and using these observations to shape the way you behave, makes a more skillful communicator. It will guide me in judging others’ emotional state more accurately, remembering information better and being less shy, and being more assertive. I also need to improve my vocabulary to be able to communicate well by reading informative articles and watching English movies often. With regards to the conscious competence model defined by Howell in 1982, as mentioned in MRU 3101 module 1, p. 29, I consider myself as conscious incompetence. I am more aware that there are instances when I am incompetent in providing effective communication. And this video demonstration and integrative assignment let me reflect on my communication skills. Therefore, I can now acknowledge my weakness and strengths to improve myself and change to be a better effective communicator. 

Works Cited

1. Balzar Riley, J. (2008). Potter and Perry Canadian Fundamentals of Nursing, 5th edition.
2. Arnold, E. C., & Boggs, K. U. (2020). Interpersonal Relationships: Professional Communication Skills for Nurses. Elsevier.