A new graduate nurse is concerned about the ability to communicate effectively with patients and families. An experienced nurse explains to the new nurse that a good rule of thumb is for the new nurse to
a. avoid using silence until comfortable with patients.
b. find and use metaphors that are easily understood.
c. mirror patients in actions and depth of conversation.
d. use personal stories to encourage bonding with patients.
C
Mirroring the patient allows the patient to direct the interaction. Follow the patient's leads.
Nurses are often uncomfortable with silence, but it is an important therapeutic communication technique and should be used. Practice will make the nurse more comfortable with it.
Metaphors can be useful devices but are also often overdone.
Personal stories can be a valuable means of opening up conversations, but the nurse must not overuse them and should not share information that has not been resolved.
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