Effective Communication in Nursing Practice

Effective communication is the hallmark of nursing care (Felicia et al., 2015). However, it is often affected by individual difference and disregard of diversity in a healthcare setting (Aronson et al., 2013). The scenario involving an 18-year old appendicitis patient demonstrates practices by nurses that impair with fundamental communication. In this scenario, stereotyping of patient has taken place. The patient was denied quality health care, that is, surgery services, because of her religion. According to Beryl (the day-shift nurse), Ree (the patient) was not going to undergo surgery because she was a Jehovah witness and believers of this religion refuse blood transfusion. Similarly, Felicia et al. (2015) and Burgess et al. (2010) indicate that stereotyping impairs with the patients’ health as evidenced by increasing incidence of hypertension in patients that have experienced negative stereotypes from their doctors. Thus, prejudice against Jehovah Witness religion influenced Berly to deny Ree and her mother the opportunity to communicate their expectations regarding the anticipated surgery.

            From this scenario, one can deduce that poor communication contributes to stereotyping of patients which impairs with their of quality care from the physicians.

Positive Scenario

Effective communication enhances development of positive attitude towards other healthcare providers and patients which is critical for promotion of the patients’ health as well as the quality of life (Jackson et al., 2017). The provision of quality care is attributed to teamwork that is demonstrated by how healthcare providers communicate in this scenario. Beryl accepted Joanne’s request to provide Ree with bowl when she presents signs of sickness besides evaluating her blood pressure and temperature. Equally, positive communication promotes embracement of diversity and respect of patients’ decision in provision of health care (Jackson et al., 2017). In this scenario, Beryl acknowledges the autonomy of Ree by inquiring whether she was okay with her mother’s presence and if she could disclose the medical processes to her. Equally, events in this scenario, interaction between Berly and Ree together with her mother, show that positive communication between healthcare providers and nurses fosters respect between patients and healthcare providers.

The events in this scenario demonstrate that effective communication promotes teamwork among healthcare providers and embracement of diversity in healthcare setting which is critical for provision of quality care to the patients.

Reference List

Aronson, J. et al., 2013. Unhealthy Interactions: The Role of Stereotype Threat in Health Disparities. Am J Public Health.

Burgess, D. et al., 2010. Stereotype Threat and Health Disparities: What Medical Educators and Future Physicians Need to Know. J Gen Intern Med.

Felicia, W. et al.,2015. Healthcare Stereotype Threat in Older Adults in the Health and             Retirement Study. American Journal of Preventive Medicine.

Jackson, J. et al. (2017). Patient and provider experiences with relationship, information, and         management continuity. Patient Experience Journal.