Communication & Interpersonal Skills in Nursing

Introduction

In this assignment, I am going to review four cases, which will require a number of different communication skills focusing primarily on; developing a therapeutic relationship, communicating assertively, communicating effectively with an individual with a disability/impairment and communicating with individuals from another culture. I will discuss building a therapeutic relationship and effective communication with each patient.

Part 1: Developing a Therapeutic Relationship

A therapeutic relationship is a professional, inter-personal alliance in which the nurse and client join together for a defined period to achieve health-related treatment goals (Chauhan & Long, 2000), which may only last for a short period of time but is important and meaningful (Arnold and Boggs, 2011) to build trust, respect and set an environment between the nurse and the patient vital in the patients healing process and overall experience whilst in the healthcare setting.

I will build a therapeutic relationship with Regina for her pre, peri and post-operative periods by having an interdependent relationship known as the I-thou relationship, based on equality, mutuality and reciprocity (Buber, 1958). The aim of therapeutic communication skills are not to treat or cure a disease or disorder rather to provide a sense of well-being for patients by making them feel relaxed and secure (Arnold and Boggs, 2011). I as the nurse will become familiar with Regina’s past private and personal medical history, provide a safe, private environment for patient centred communication which is strictly confidential to the medical team. Communication can involve verbal and non-verbal skills. Verbal communication involves having in-depth conversations wi...

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