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Introduction

Joanne Birkbeck NU1071 G20573441 'A 2000 word reflection, based on communication and interpersonal skills.Using Gibbs reflective model (1988)'. This is a reflective essay based on an experience during a clinical placement at a local hospital. The purpose of this essay is to examine the use of communication and interpersonal skills in clinical practice. I have decided on a particular event where a considerable length of time was spent communicating verbally and non verbally with a particular patient. To protect the identity and maintain confidentiality of the patient to be discussed they shall be referred to as 'Mary', this is in accordance with the NMC code of professional conduct (2008). To aid me in the process of reflection Gibbs reflective model (1988) will be used. The Gibbs cycle consists of a description of the event, my feelings towards what happened, an evaluation of the event, an analysis, a conclusion, and an action plan.Reflection is an important part of nursing as it allows us to examine our abilities and gives the opportunity to improve the way we care in the future (Nurse Education Today, 2010). One morning during my clinical placement an opportunity arose to assist in a clinic that performs lumbar punctures. A lumbar puncture is a procedure to withdraw some of the cerebrospinal fluid that surrounds the brain and spinal cord to check its pressure and aid in the diagnosis of neurological conditions. ...read more.

Middle

Communication is an essential skill required to build lasting and trusting relationships with patients and can determine patient satisfaction,compliance and recovery (Chant,Jenkinson,Randle, and Russell, 2002). Due to the fact that effective communication is regarded as an essential skill in nursing only students that have gained competency in this area will be permitted to go on and register as a qualified nurse (NMC, 2008). Whilst communicating with Mary a range of Interpersonal skills were utilised. These included the use of verbal and non verbal communication. Non verbal communication is the art of transmitting information without actually speaking (Hargie and Dickson, 2004). Even when saying nothing at all as long as your patients are aware that you are actively listening to them can mean a great deal and demonstrate empathy towards them. Empathy is about making a connection with your patient and fully understanding their pain and discomfort.(Egan, 2002). Wagner (2006) also reported that this alone is highly beneficial to the patient, a valuable use of your time and a great way of building a therapeutic relationship.It was easy for myself to see by the look on Mary's face that she was distressed and experiencing some discomfort. Although Mary also expressed her concerns verbally, the doctor was unable to read her body language or facial expressions as she was positioned at her rear. ...read more.

Conclusion

Vol 102, No.19, pp. 28-30. Chant,S.,Jenkinson,T.,Randle,J and Russell,G. (2002) Communication skills: some problems in nurse education and practice Journal of Clinical Nursing Vol 11, No.1, pp 12-21. Clark,P,A., Drain,M and Malone,M. (2003) Addressing patients emotional and spiritual needs Joint Commission Journal on Quality and Safety, Vol 29, No.12. Egan,G. (2002) The skilled helper. A problem-management and opportunity-development approach to helping (7th Ed) California:Brooke/Cole. Gibbs,G.(1988) Learning by doing: A guide to teaching and learning methods. Oxford: Further Education Unit. Department of Health (2003) The essence of care,Patient focused benchmarking for health care practitioners. London: The stationary Office. Hargie,O and Dickson,D. (2004) Skilled Interpersonal Communication:Research Theory and Practice (4th Ed) London:Routledge. NMC (2008) The Code: Standards of Conduct,Performance and Ethics for Nurses and Midwives. Nursing and Midwifery Council, London. Maatta,S,M. (2006) Closeness and distance in the nurse-patient relation: The relevance of Edith Stein's concept of empathy Nursing Philosophy Vol 7, No.1, pp 3-10. Roper,N.,Logan,W,W and Tierney,A,J.(2000) The Roper-Logan-Tierney Model of Nursing:Based on Activities of daily living. Elsevier Health Sciences, Edinburgh. Smith,C.,Dickens,C and Edwards,S (2005) Provision of information for cancer patients: An appraisal review European journal of cancer care Vol 14, pp 282-288. Solvoll,B,A and Heggen,K,M.(2010) Teaching and learning care ? Exploring nursing students? clinical practice Nurse education today Vol 30, No.1, pp 73-77. Wagner,M,W. (2006) Exploring the therapeutic relationship - A practical guide for todays physician (1st Ed) USA. ...read more.

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