The nursing profession takes place with different individuals and it is vital for the nurses accept each one and be truly present as they improve their quality of life (Parse, 1998). Nurses have the key, if used correctly, to connect, interact and relate to other individuals and building therapeutic relationships. Looking deeper than the surface and critically thinking are skills that acknowledge therapeutic client centered care [CCC]. According to Registered Nursing Association of Ontario [RNAO] (2006), CCC is defined as an “Approach to care delivery where clients are considered the brokers of care, and receive what they ask for.” (p. 14). CCC is a theme nurses are encouraged to follow that will improve and guide them with their performance of competent care. Therapeutic professional relationships are the way to the clients and by effective communication thus relationships could be formed.
Throughout student’s experiences they are challenged with several types of obstacles that teach and increase their knowledge and critical thinking skills. During my clinical journey, I was determined to dialogue with different clients and have a grounded base on initiating dialogues and then allowing the patient to lead the conversation. The different dialogues I partook in improved by either less use of communication blocks, seeking more depth and clarity, or being able to listen effectively. This paper will outline a brief explanation on my key learning from my experience and literature related to CCC. In addition, the importance of the incorporation of the core processes of CCC and the importance of the different communication skills that include listening, asking open ended questions to seek more depth, and overcoming the use of communication blocks will be presented. Also, new patterns and trends will be highlighted that could be used to further develop my skills. Overall, this paper will provide a synthesis of my reflection of the dialogues.
In the past years of experience in becoming a nurse, I had the basic knowledge of communication techniques. I was provided several opportunities were options for building therapeutic relations were possible. Fear of articulating in a manner where potential incorrect information may be presented was the main reason for lack of communication with clients. Research has shown that one of the main reasons for nurses to enquire about communication techniques or use other tools and methods that can reduce the uncertainty (Doane & Varcoe, 2005). In relation, it always has been a concern to be in a situation where I would not know what to say and how to respond. The dialogues I participated in opened my eyes to view the importance of being in relation with the clients. Listening and honouring the clients requires one to move beyond one’s own fear and angst to focus on the clients experiences by being in relation with them (Doane & Varcoe, 2005). Prior to having the dialogues the fear of uncertainty was greatly present but as relationships with my clients were started to develop, the fear started to diminish. This shows that by being in relation with the clients and following their lead would reduce ones fear and build therapeutic relationships.