NR 222 Week 5 Barriers to Communication

Student Name

Chamberlain University

NR-222 Health & Wellness

Prof. Name:

Date

Week 5: Barriers to Communication

Person-Centered Communication in Nursing

Chamberlain Care emphasizes the importance of person-centered communication, which involves prioritizing the individual’s needs, emotions, and perspectives during interactions. This approach ensures that care is personalized and fosters a supportive environment. For example, during a disagreement with a patient or colleague, implementing person-centered communication means actively listening, empathizing, and tailoring the conversation to address their concerns. This method not only promotes mutual understanding but also strengthens trust between the nurse and the patient or colleague. As nurses, understanding the patient’s life context and providing education or resources where needed plays a critical role in effective communication.

A notable perspective comes from Joanne Disch’s statement: “The fundamental core of nursing is to work with the patient, not for the patient” (Bouchard, 2014). This philosophy underscores the importance of involving patients in their care decisions and ensuring that their voices are heard. Personalizing care, rather than following a one-size-fits-all protocol, makes the patient feel valued and understood. Nurses should evaluate the patient holistically, identifying areas where resources or knowledge may be lacking, to provide the most effective support.

Strategies for Effective Communication

To excel in person-centered communication, it is essential to focus on continuous improvement and self-awareness. Bouchard (2014) suggests four practical tips for enhancing communication:

Continue Learning: Regularly update your knowledge and skills to stay effective in patient interactions.
Stay Balanced: Maintain emotional stability and professionalism, especially in challenging situations.
Know Your Assessment Tools: Utilize appropriate tools to assess and address patient needs comprehensively.
Avoid Discouragement: Persevere through challenges and setbacks while maintaining a patient-centered focus.

These strategies empower nurses to build stronger relationships with patients by addressing their unique needs and concerns effectively.

Practical Example of Person-Centered Communication

One example of using person-centered communication comes from contact tracing training during the COVID-19 pandemic. Patients often felt scared or upset upon learning of potential exposure to the virus. In such instances, responding with empathy and validation was crucial. Nurses could reassure patients by acknowledging their feelings, providing accurate information, and guiding them toward available resources. This approach not only calmed fears but also ensured that patients felt supported during a stressful time.

Aspect	Key Points	Example in Practice
Philosophy	“Work with the patient, not for the patient” (Bouchard, 2014).	Involve patients in decisions about their care to build trust and engagement.
Strategies	Continue learning, stay balanced, use assessment tools, avoid discouragement.	Respond empathetically and provide individualized care based on assessment of patient needs and emotions.
Application	Person-centered communication during COVID-19 contact tracing.	Validate emotions, provide accurate information, and guide patients to resources to support their well-being.

References

Bouchard, J. (2014, October 13). Person and family-centered care: A conversation with Joanne Disch. Chamberlain University. https://www.chamberlain.edu/blog/person-family-centered-care-conversation-joanne-disch.