Communication Journal: Reflecting on Healthcare Interactions & Goals

This communication journal reflects on a healthcare professional's interpersonal interactions over a period. The journal entries detail various scenarios, including disagreements with colleagues, interactions with difficult clients and patients, team meetings, and discussions with superiors. Each entry includes the date and time, a description of the interaction, the author's thoughts and feelings, an assessment of what went well, whether goals were achieved, and areas for improvement. The reflections highlight the importance of clear communication, assertiveness, understanding different perspectives, and adapting to communication challenges, such as language barriers. The author consistently evaluates their performance, identifies areas for growth, and sets goals for future interactions, demonstrating a commitment to improving communication skills within a healthcare setting. The journal showcases a progression in self-awareness and the application of interpersonal skills in diverse professional situations.

COMMUNICATION JOURNAL
STUDENT NAME:
THINKING ABOUT PEER FEEDBACK FROM ASSESSMENT 1 AND THE RESULTS OF THE INTERPERSONAL COMMUNICATION SKILL TEST (PRE-
WORK WEEK 1) WHAT ARE YOUR GOALS FOR SUBSEQUENT INTERACTIONS?
DATE & TIME DESCRIBE THE INTERACTION WHAT DID YOU THINK
AND FEEL DURING IT?
WHAT DID YOU DO
WELL? DID YOU ACHIEVE
YOUR GOALS?
WHAT COULD YOU STILL
IMPROVE ON?
08/21 Disagreed with colleagues over the best
mode of treatment for patient
I felt that the doctor’s
instructions must be followed
to the letter, and any
deviation involve him.
I asserted this in a manner as
clear as possible, while trying
to show others the impotence
of my point of view. I
achieved my goal in
persuading them.
I need further improvement in
interpersonal skills and
understanding others’ point of
view
DATE & TIME DESCRIBE THE INTERACTION WHAT DID YOU THINK
AND FEEL DURING IT?
WHAT DID YOU DO
WELL? DID YOU ACHIEVE
YOUR GOALS?
WHAT COULD YOU STILL
IMPROVE ON?
8/22 I needed help from a senior colleague in
dealing with a difficult client
I tried to persuade them to
help me deal with the client,
but was rebuffed, with the
colleague saying I needed to
do it myself to learn
I eventually succeeded in
dealing with the client,
explaining to them why it was
important to complete
medication.
Self confidence
DATE & TIME DESCRIBE THE INTERACTION WHAT DID YOU THINK
AND FEEL DURING IT?
WHAT DID YOU DO
WELL? DID YOU ACHIEVE
YOUR GOALS?
WHAT COULD YOU STILL
IMPROVE ON?
8/23 I was asked by one of my fellow colleagues
to cover her for a while as she talked to her
friends outside the premises
I felt that it was improper for
her to do so, since this would
disadvantage me.
Explained my situation to her.
I however relented.
I need to be more assertive in
future to deal with such
situations.
DATE & TIME DESCRIBE THE INTERACTION WHAT DID YOU THINK
AND FEEL DURING IT?
WHAT DID YOU DO
WELL? DID YOU ACHIEVE
YOUR GOALS?
WHAT COULD YOU STILL
IMPROVE ON?

8/24 Engaged my colleague about his career and
other issues
I was uneasy at first, but the
nerves were calmed as he
opened up to me.
I achieved my goals, learning
more about them
Nothing in this respect
DATE & TIME DESCRIBE THE INTERACTION WHAT DID YOU THINK
AND FEEL DURING IT?
WHAT DID YOU DO
WELL? DID YOU ACHIEVE
YOUR GOALS?
WHAT COULD YOU STILL
IMPROVE ON?
8/25 Participated in the group meeting to review
the week
It was an informative session,
and an opportunity to air any
issues
I articulated what I needed to
other colleagues. I felt I
achieved my goals
I need more confidence in
public speaking
DATE & TIME DESCRIBE THE INTERACTION WHAT DID YOU THINK
AND FEEL DURING IT?
WHAT DID YOU DO
WELL? DID YOU ACHIEVE
YOUR GOALS?
WHAT COULD YOU STILL
IMPROVE ON?
8/28 Engaged with team members during a start
of the week meeting
Crucial in setting duties and
reviewing schedules for the
week
I supported those who felt the
schedules should involve
more nurse participation in
formulation. The team leader
promised to address it
Nothing in reference to this
DATE & TIME DESCRIBE THE INTERACTION WHAT DID YOU THINK
AND FEEL DURING IT?
WHAT DID YOU DO
WELL? DID YOU ACHIEVE
YOUR GOALS?
WHAT COULD YOU STILL
IMPROVE ON?
8/29 Was invited by the team leader to discuss
nurse schedules along with a few other
colleagues
It was a good experience and
encouraging the management
was willing to engage
Explained our issues properly,
with facts. Further
consultations are to follow
Proper communication in
terms of articulating issues
DATE & TIME DESCRIBE THE INTERACTION WHAT DID YOU THINK
AND FEEL DURING IT?
WHAT DID YOU DO
WELL? DID YOU ACHIEVE
YOUR GOALS?
WHAT COULD YOU STILL
IMPROVE ON?
8/30 Interacted with a patient with little command
of English
It was difficult explaining
things to the patient.
I succeeded in putting the
message across
I need further experience in
such cases to properly
communicate over language
barriers
DATE & TIME DESCRIBE THE INTERACTION WHAT DID YOU THINK
AND FEEL DURING IT?
WHAT DID YOU DO
WELL? DID YOU ACHIEVE
YOUR GOALS?
WHAT COULD YOU STILL
IMPROVE ON?
8/31 Assisted a colleague handle a difficult patient I was in two minds on whether
to help or not due to my own
experience
I decided to help with the
colleague close by/.
Succeeded in calling down the
client
Nothing in reference to this
DATE & TIME DESCRIBE THE INTERACTION WHAT DID YOU THINK
AND FEEL DURING IT?
WHAT DID YOU DO
WELL? DID YOU ACHIEVE
YOUR GOALS?
WHAT COULD YOU STILL
IMPROVE ON?
2

01/09 Participated in yet another close of the week
meeting
It was a much better meeting,
I was able to express myself
better
I enquired on progress made
on schedules, and received an
affirmative answer that the
issue was to be delegated o
the team from the coming
month
I need to be more assertive in
future to deal with such
situations.
3