Reply to each discussion response separately include questions in the discussion
Reply to each discussion response separately
Discussion 1
Melissa
Being present and being silent are two aspects of communication that are greatly undervalued. Silence is often seen as a negative behavior when in fact it can be one of the most useful. Active listening is really at the core of presence and silence, and is a crucial part of an effective nurse-patient relationship. According to one source, “careful listening is at the core of good communication and is a key element of patient safety and experience. A key component of nurse-patient communication is the patient’s perception of their experience with the nurse listening” (Nibert et. al., 2020, p. 267). The nurse can not assume anything that the patient hasn’t told them and when they feel like they are being listened to and truly heard by the nurse, it creates a higher level of trust and respect.
Especially with regard to palliative care and end of life, silence can be very appreciated. I have found that when I am trying to connect with someone who is going through a situation different from me, silence is much more meaningful than all the words in the world. I can not possibly know what that person is going through and sometimes just being present for the person shows them that you care and are there for them. My mother always told me, silence is golden, and in some instances this is exactly correct.
Reference:
Nibert, A., Myers, K. K., Toms, R., & Krepper, R. (2020). Nurses’ active empathetic listening behaviors from the voice of the patient. Nursing Economic, 38(5), 267.
Discussion 2
Sarah
Communication is a vital part of nursing care, as we have been learning in this class and throughout this program. Being present and being silent is the communication behavior that I have seen be very effective in my work in the emergency department, specifically with mental health patients. When patients feel the need to process difficult things in their lives, it is therapeutic for nurses to be there for them. While we do not often have time to sit and listen for extended periods of time, nurses who work in palliative care work in an environment where this is more doable. In palliative care, patients are often processing very difficult things. Being a good listener as a nurse means we are able to provide the best care and advocacy for our patients.
References:
Ferrell, B. R., & Paice, J. A. (Eds.). (2019). Oxford textbook of palliative nursing. Oxford University Press USA – OSO.
