Communication Used by Mental Health Nurses to Promote Partnership - Essay Example

 Communication Used by Mental Health Nurses to Promote Partnership Introduction Communication is essential for nursing practice. It is an interactive and personal system that happens in an ever changing environment. Therapeutic communications is a meaningful communication between a professional helper and patient (McCabe & Priebe, 2004). All nurses must be able to communicate effectively with their patients to reduce stress, ensure cooperation and increase chances of recovery. These skills are much more needed in mental health whereby patients require understanding, attention and care. For an individual to be considered mentally healthy, one must have both spiritual and mental resilience. It is the ability to belief in one’s own dignity and those of other people. Mental health patients exhibit completely contrary characteristics. They are normally alone, withdrawn and lacking self-worth. In order for a nurse to develop rapport and sustain a meaningful relationship with these patients, they have to show empathy, listen and observe them constantly. Information must be given to patients in a straight forward and clear manner (Rydon, 2005). History of Communication in Nursing In the early period of nursing studies there was little time allotted to patient communication. This communication was confined to the sphere of mental and nervous diseases. It can be argued that in early 20th century communication was perceived as important only to mental patients. This communication required patience, care, clarity, openness and confidence (Fawcett, 2005). Later, the importance of communication with patients in general was realized. Normally, patients have a perspective regarding their illness. It is important for nurses to recognize such perspectives. It is in psychiatric nursing that theory and concepts of communications were introduced and developed. A different model of nursing was born once patients became centre for nursing. Nurses were assigned a patient as opposed to particular tasks. During this time, the nurse formed a relationship with both the patient and family. According to Peplau communication is an interpersonal process channelled towards common understanding (Forchuk, 1991). The nurse must be able to understand, empathize and respond to the needs of the patient. Peplau concept of nurse-patient relationship together with patient-centred approach ensured concerns of patients are given much clarity thus seeing to improvement of patient’s communication and satisfaction. Contemporary practice emphasises on preparation before communication (NursingTimes.net, 2007). This involves knowing exactly what to say, asking questions, and avoiding usage of medical jargon. The nurse is also required to be honest, compassionate, reflective and sensitive to patients. Communication in Mental Health Nursing There are many causes of mental illness, but most cases come due to a major crisis in the life of an individual. This may include death of a loved one, depression, aging, great disappointment or loss (Hem & Heggen, 2003). The person fails to cope well with the situation leading to illness. In order to offer support, a nurse must form therapeutic relationship with both the patient and their families. Apart from awareness of mental health theories one must have good communication skills and great personality (McCabe & Priebe, 2004). In addition one has to empathize with the patient. The most important task for the nurse is to ensure stigma associated with mental illness is done away with. To achieve this goal, the nurse must show courage and understanding towards the people needing care. As one is communicating with the affected people or their families, tension must be detected quickly and diffused (Adams, 2005). This means a nurse must be psychologically and physically present with the patient at all times. Further, one must show good listening and observation skills. This is important since communication occurs even when an individual is not speaking or acting. The need for cultural sensitivity is vital. Communication does not occur in a vacuum. The environment where one grew up contributes to the intended meaning. There are behaviours which can only be understood within a cultural context (Fawcett, 2005). Since the nurse is dealing with patients from different backgrounds, attention must be given to their culture. For instance in some Asian cultures certain information about a patient cannot be shared with the family. This prohibition on disseminating sensitive information about the health of a patient must be respected at all times. In order for a nurse to be successful in therapeutic communication certain techniques must be observed. The nurse tries as much as possible to be open. Self-disclosure is one way in which the nurse can become a part of the family. One should strive to be known as to know the patient and family members (Moyle, 2003). There must be effort to reflect on feelings of patients and their families. Since the nurse is a professional, such feelings must be confronted and given ample clarification. In most cases families and patients may not know the reason behind their behaviour. On the contrary a nurse must control certain behaviours and show understanding of feelings experienced by individuals. As much as a professional must listen carefully to patients and their families, directions ought to be given. The nurse plays an important role in giving information and ensuring that directions are followed. All along the professional tries to encourage an atmosphere of equality by helping the patient. However, this role places the nurse in a position of power. It is important that this power be used to enhance a therapeutic relationship. The nurse offers support, protection and guidance where it’s needed. By asking questions and listening reflectively vital information is acquired from patients (NursingTimes.net, 2007). It is only after one has reflected on a patient’s feelings, words, experience and in a non- judgmental and respectful manner that a patient will feel accepted and understood. At this juncture meaningful clarifications can be given. Conclusion Good communication is essential in the healing process. This concept borrowed from psychiatry and incorporated in nursing practice is vital for nurses. It is so crucial considering errors in medication and misdiagnosis come as a result of poor communication. In mental health communication skills are of greater priority for professionals. Most patients with mental illness are lonely, withdrawn and with low self-worth. They understand less about themselves and happenings in their immediate environment. It becomes difficult to appreciate other people and to be appreciated thereby. For this reason professionals need to initiate and develop a meaningful therapeutic relationship with patients. In such a relationship communication must be done with compassion, honesty and sensitivity to the needs of patients. They must empathize with patients, give information and guarantee physical and psychological presence whenever it is required. In this way vital information about a patient is obtained. This is essential in the recovery process. References Adams, T. (2005). From person centred care to relationship centred care. Generations Review 15(1), 4-7 Fawcett, J. (2005) Contemporary nursing knowledge: Analysis and evaluation of nursing models and theories. Philadelphia: F.A. Davis Company. Forchuk, C. (1991). Peplau’s theory: Concepts and their relations. Nursing Science Quarterly, 4(2) p. 54-60 Hem, M. H. & Heggen, K. (2003). Being professional and being human: one nurse’s relationship with a psychiatric patient. Journal of Advanced Nursing, 43(1): 101-108 McCabe, R. & Priebe, S. (2004). The therapeutic relationship in the treatment of severe mental illness: A review of the methods and findings. International Journal of Social Psychiatry, 50(2): 115-128 Moyle, W. (2003). Nurse-patient relationship: a dichotomy of expectations. International Journal of Mental health Nursing, 12(1): 103- 109 NursingTimes.net, (2007). Communication Skills (Essence of care benchmark). Retrieved on 1 December 2010 from http://www.nursingtimes.net/whats-new-in-nursing/communication-skills-essence-of-care-benchmark/361127.article Rydon, S. E. (2005). The attitudes, knowledge and skills in mental health nurses: The perspectives of users of mental health services. International Journal of Mental Health Nursing, 14(2): 78-87 Read More