Astute observation and analytical thinking precedes, accompanies and follows all effective communication. The guidelines to effective communication in nursing require the nurse to understand and acquire listening and responding therapeutic communication skills. This communication is the hallmark of a therapeutic nurse – client relationship. Most authors acknowledge this as a prerequisite to creating a healing environment within which the patient and nurse can feel comfortable and can work towards health. This article discusses only the guidelines that should be applied by the nurse for effective therapeutic communication and concludes that effective communication skills enhance nursing therapeutics.
Communication is very broad and a universal definition for this term has not been reached. For the purpose of this article, communication is defined as the effective exchange of information, ideas and feelings to achieve desirable interpersonal relationships, which will be beneficial to the client’s growth towards a healthy living. So, effective communication announces helping relationship. The nurse’s role in such helping relationships is a healing one. That is, the nurse interacts with the client for the expressed purpose of benefiting the client. The use of self in a therapeutic way in which the client’s needs are the central focus,characterizes communication interactions.
Using the nursing process and establishing and maintaining a therapeutic relationship, require therapeutic communication. Too often, guidelines deal with “DONT’S”. Positive guidelines may however be more important in promoting effective therapeutic communication in nursing.The following are the “DOS” of effective therapeutic communication.
1. Do provide/select a private, quiet, safe environment in which to hold interactions.
2. Do listen twice as much as you speak.
3. Do think of the unique situation you face before responding and consider alternatives.
4. Do acknowledge and build a positive self-regard.
5. Do be simple, clear and direct in communication.
6. Do be congruent in communication.
7. Do be alert and responsive to small changes in communication.
8. Do observe all non verbal cues in communication.
9. Do be non-judgmental in interactions.
10. Do allow the client to proceed at his/her pace.
11. Do accept people as they present themselves with their strengths and weaknesses.
12. Do provide an atmosphere for the exploration of thoughts and feelings through silence.
13. Do remember that there is always the potential for growth and healthy living. There are no “hopeless’ or “hardcore” individuals.
Effective therapeutic communication is a cornerstone upon which the nurse-client relationship is built and nursing process implemented. Utilizing therapeutic communication skills by the nurse enhances nurse-client communication interactions and encourages the client to develop towards a healthy life. In establishing a checklist for effective therapeutic communication, it will be goal accomplishing stating it in the light of positive guidelines (the dos) rather than negations(the don’ts).
By MPAIKO NKENG, (BNS).
NURSING CONSULTANT, Capetown, South Africa.