Initiating a conversation (good example)

Learning Points:

• The nurse used the child or young person’s name and clearly introduced herself.
• The nurse demonstrated an awareness of how the child or young person was feeling earlier in the day, thus confirming that the child or young person’s feelings and experience was valued by the team.
• The nurse made sure to sit at the same level as the child or young person.
• The nurse asked open ended questions (e.g. "How are you feeling? How does that sound?"). The child or young person was therefore given opportunity to expand on her answers.
• Through using phrases like "it must be difficult", the nurse demonstrates a sense of empathy. This is a vital part of building a trusting relationship.
• To overcome barriers to communication, the nurse altered her strategy to engage more effectively with the young person. In this instance, the main barrier was the child or young person seemed reluctant to engage. Subsequently, the nurse gave the child or young person the opportunity to write her feelings down and said she would return later to discuss them. This allowed the child or young person time to think about what she may want to discuss.