Effective Communication in Nursing Practice

This assignment delves into the importance of effective communication in nursing practice. It presents a detailed analysis of a nurse's interaction with a patient, Ms. Forks, highlighting challenges faced, areas for improvement, and the impact on patient care. The assignment encourages critical reflection on communication techniques, decision-making processes, and the overall experience, emphasizing the need for clear information sharing, empathy, and patient-centered care.

1
Communication Skills- A Reflection
Communication Skills-A Reflection
Student name
Institutional affiliation
Date

2
Communication Skills- A Reflection
1. Analysis of my discussion with Ms. Forks
My discussion with Ms. Forks was guarded but cordial, I was cautious not to offend her because
she began the conversation on a defensive note. However, as the conversation progressed, she
responded calmly.
How I needed to attend to Ms. Fork’s needs,
I needed to consult with hospital professionals including the pharmacist and the doctor dealing
with her case. In hindsight, I should also have consulted with a social worker attached to the
hospital and community transport provider who would take care of her transport to meet her
appointment with the general practitioner.
Was there any negotiation required with your discussion with Ms. Forks?
Negotiation was required but was not done because of the situation she was in. Being a
hypertensive patient, she was irritable by the time the nurse came to her. Under normal
circumstances, negotiation was required.
Time management of the scenario. Did you find that the time went quickly?
My time with Ms. Forks went very fast. I think this was because I expected her to largely be
aggressive and uncooperative. The time was well utilized.
Did you cover enough information?
No, there was not sufficient information provided for Ms. Forks. Information about her attending
hospital for another procedure and need for transport arrangements was not provided to her.

3
Communication Skills- A Reflection
I was only required to communicate the information that would require her participation and
cooperation and I am glad she complied with it without argument. It could have been better if I
got more details about the patient prior to meeting her.
Did you respond to cues from Ms. Forks appropriately?
Ms. Fork began sending cues right from the beginning of my conversation with her by muttering
to herself. Although that gesture is annoying, I responded by seeking clarification with a relaxed
tone which was appropriate.
Analysis and interpretation of information post discussion with Ms.Forks
There was lack of medical history which made the interaction less comprehensive. The nurse
also lacked social skills to make Ms. Folks engage in conversation with her.
Consultation methods (if any)
There was no consultation method used in this conversation with Ms. Forks.
2. How I should have communicated effectively with Ms. Forks
The quality of my conversation with Ms. Forks was poor because it was missing medical history
and other crucial details in her social life. Decision making was one sided as the Ms. Forks was
not involved. In a perfect scenario, there should be discussion with the parties concerned when
making decisions.
Our conversation with Ms. Forks took just thirty minutes and yet she had been waiting all
morning to be discharged. This was poor time management and resulted in the patient feeling
irritated. I feel that if the patient had been attended to earlier, my conversation with her could

4
Communication Skills- A Reflection
have been better and less confrontational. The environment could have been conducive to allow
the patient to express how she felt about the kind of assistance she was being given.
Decision making techniques
There was poor decision making as there was no consultation with the patient. When someone
else is involved, decisions should be made together.
3. Analysis, prioritization and evaluation of the case
With regard to analyzing the patient, I applied the tool of identity where I deduced the patients
problems and directed them to direct clinical judgments. I desisted to idle talk that could drive
the conversation away from the problem mat hand and in this regard I made the patient
comfortable resulting in positive outcomes. On the social front, I first confirmed that the patient
was living alone and suggested that she accepts company from an officer from a homecare
organization. Because this was linked to her problem and its solution, the patient was compliant.
I managed the time given well by just taking thirty minutes of the patient’s time. This is a
technique that I have learnt with time and requires gauging the situation and determining how
much time to take.
4. Reflection and evaluation
I feel that at the end of the action that I was not fully prepared to converse with the client. I
hurriedly relied on the information her chart and because I sensed she was irritated, I rushed
through the conversation.
Reflection on my actions

5
Communication Skills- A Reflection
I think if I had sufficient time, I could have allowed Ms. Forks to give feedback and express her
opinion. This discussion was mainly one-way and I failed to use interpersonal skills in
communication.
Consider questioning. What happened? How did you feel? What impact did it have? What would
you do better next time?
The mood of the conversation was set in motion by the grumbling of the client and her
expression of disgust that I was in a hurry to discharge her because I needed her bed for another
patient. I felt embarrassed that the patient had overheard my conversation with my fellow nurse.
This spoilt my mood to converse and I decided to engage the patient only on the required matters
and discharge her because I did not want to spend any extra time with her. Next time if I am
given a case similar to Ms. Fork, I will seek enough information about the patient to understand
her situation. I will then give her sufficient time to respond so that she expresses her opinion.
This will result in positive outcomes for both of us.
5. Nursing entry
My communication with Ms. Forks was cordial but tense. The planning for the meeting was poor
as there important information about her medication was not communicated to her. I have
prepared her transport to hospital for further treatment and an official from the community
service provider. She is cooperative regarding further treatment.