Clinical Narrative

A cross-sectional survey design of all first-year students enrolled in the Bachelor of Nursing program at one university in Melbourne, Australia) was used to answer the research questions:
1. What are first-year undergraduate nursing students' empathic and listening styles?
2. Is there a gender difference in students' empathic and listening styles?
This student cohort was chosen as they were new to the program, had no previous clinical placements, and were beginning a professional communication skills course alongside a clinical skills course. The reseachers sought to establish an entry-level baseline on which to base teaching and learning. Participants reported strong preference for ‘people’ listening style and ‘responding’ empathic listening process. No statistically significant differences were found between male and female students. The study concluded that nurses must consistently implement active listening techniques and effective communication skills across all of their interactions with patients and their families  (McKenna et al., 2020.
 

Teamwork in the healthcare setting is all about collaboration. Effective communication skills is a key competency necessary for collaboration. Collaborating to solve complex problems requires effective communication skills. Just as my appreciation for co-workers developed through understanding each other's professional roles, so too, effective communication occurs only if the involved parties are committed to understanding each as individuals as well as members of the interprofessional team. Additionally, sensitivity to differences in communication styles should be present, and instead of focusing on differences, each professional needs to attend to the client’s needs as the team’s common goal (Blais & Hayes, 2016).
 

Collaboration has been identified as an essential factor in providing quality care in health care settings, but literature suggests that many health care professionals fail to collaborate fully with each other due to failing to use communication styles that enhance collaboration. A study by Van Ess Coeling and Cukr (2000) identified three specific communication styles (behaviors) that affect collaboration. These behaviors include use of an attentive communicator style and avoidance of contentious and dominant styles. In my own professional development, conscientiously showing attentiveness with eye contact and minimizing distractions (cell phone, taking notes, closing the door for privacy) has helped me become an effective listener. Similarly, avoiding a contentious and dominant style of communication places the patient first and respecting what they have to say without being arrogant and overbearing.
 

References
 

McKenna, L., Brown, T., Williams, B., & Lau, R. (2020). Empathic and listening styles of first year undergraduate nursing students: A cross-sectional study. Journal of Professional Nursing, 36(6), 611–615. https://www-sciencedirect-com.regiscollege.idm.oclc.org/science/article/pii/S8755722320301630
 

Blais K., & Hayes, J. (2016). Professional nursing practice: Concepts and perspectives (7th edition). Pearson Publishers. Pearson Publishers
 

Van Ess Coeling H, & Cukr PL. (2000). Communication styles that promote perceptions of collaboration, quality, and nurse satisfaction. Journal of Nursing Care Quality, 14(2), 63–74. https://doi.org/10.1097/00001786-200001000-00009