Having the ability to communicate well is an important and efficacious skill

Having the ability to communicate well is an important and efficacious skill within nursing practice. Communication is essential when looking after a patient as this has been proven to have an impact on a patient’s overall health and wellbeing (Riley 2017). I will discuss good and poor communication and how this can affect a patient and how this may need to be adapted to meet an individual’s needs. Failure to verbalise well with a patient not only affects the Trainee Nursing Associate-patient relationship but can additionally interfere with patient outcomes. Analysis findings suggest that communication skills should be enclosed in nurse education and coaching, as these skills need edifying and aren’t one thing that may simply be picked up with expertise (Dijkstra 2015). Consequently, this essay will focus on communication skills that should be utilized by a Trainee Nursing Associate to amend the quality of having a patient therapeutic relationship. Kourkouta (2014) defines that having a therapeutic patient relationship will help to build trust and give an opportunity for an exchange of communication. The Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) states that to be able to adapt to a patient’s personal needs we should use verbal and non-verbal communication skills (NMC 2018). I understood that the patient was anxious from looking at their facial expressions by monitoring their behavior. We utilize verbal communication to apprise, whether it is to apprise others of our care needs or to raise awareness. On the other hand, non-verbal communication involves the use of body motions and facial expressions, it’s not only a way of showing emotions or solace but can show personality characteristics as well (Witkower and Tracy, 2018). Introducing myself to the patient allows a relationship to form whilst opening a channel of communication and allowing the patient to feel like we are acknowledging them. Using a phrase such as “Hello, my name is” in a clear toned voice allows me to communicate to a wider audience and adapt my phrase to the needs of the patient (Hello My Name Is). Our own behavior and body language can also perceive how a patient sees us. “Patients in turn will ‘read’ you – consciously or unconsciously” (Ali 2018). An example of this would be in my patient scenario as I was nervous to talk to the patient about their procedure, I tried to stay calm as I did not want to cause the patient to feel any more anxiety. By keeping calm, I was able to reassure the patient. As a TNA, it’s our responsibility to inspirit a feeling of safety to be able to verbalize openly and allow the patient to build up their trust. In my scenario I always ensured the patient understood by speaking in a clear and friendly voice whilst maintaining eye contact as this can be a way of indicating sympathy and this will help patients discuss their phycological state (Mind 2019). Some patients may have difficulty communicating and so we should make suitable changes to provide information that is easily accessible. The NHS Constitution (2015) states that staff are expected to find alternative forms of patient care to give access to meet individual needs. An example of finding alternative communication needs would include visual aids such as pictures, diagrams, Makaton or writing materials. It is paramount that we adapt to each individual and change our communication methods accordingly. By treating each patient as an individual we would also be providing high quality care which has been proven to make patients feel more valued and more in control (First Steps, 2019).As a TNA, I am accountable for taking responsibility to ensure the patient fully understands and adheres to the relevant information of the procedure. I also provided the patient with an information booklet as this is a visual aid for a patient which could further help them understand the procedure. I am accountable to assess a patient’s capacity to check their understanding of the procedure to enable them to make a safe informed decision. Before commencing with the procedure, I gained valid consent by checking that the patient could remember signing a consent form. This then provided the patient a chance to ask relevant questions and an opportunity to decline the procedure. I must also respect the patient’s choice and wishes at all times as this promotes choice and autonomy, protecting the patient and helping them to understand their own needs. (RCN 2018).Poor communication can cause a risk to patient safety, the quality of care, and can also delay a patient’s diagnosis. Upon reflection of my patient scenario I am aware that I did not knock on the door or ask for the patients consent to sit down, I felt this could have put the patient on edge and make them feel uncomfortable and by doing so, I would not be promoting choice. As the patient was feeling nervous, I could have gently used expressive touch on a neutral part of the body, such as the arm or shoulder as this can be used to show reassurance and comfort (Cocksedge, S. et al). Whilst I checked the consent form with the patient, I did not check the patients full name, date of birth or hospital number which could have resulted in a risk to patient safety (Hoffmeister 2015). At the end of the scenario I could have confirmed consent with the patient to ensure they have understood the additional information that I provided. If something was to happen, we must uphold our professional duty as a TNA, as the Duty Of Candour (NMC) states that we must inform the patient immediately about their care, apologise to the patient and support the patient in resolving in the problem. Looking at my scenario I have also noticed that I did not mention if the patient had any further questions, I can use my patient interaction as learning point to ensure that I am following the NMC Code which states that we must listen and respond to any questions which can allow us to further educate people about choices they can make towards their health and wellbeing. In conclusion, the key points that I made in this essay is the importance of human action in nursing and the way this will improve my communication skills and use these skills to maintain the effectiveness. I now understand that I need to offer holistic care to patients and be able to supply a patient with sympathetic understanding.