Active Listening Essay

537 Words3 Pages
It is considered that effective listening has beneficial effects on both patients and nurses, as well as on their relationships (Stein-Parbury, 2009). One benefit through effective listening is that the patient feels accepted, respected, and valued. The genuine interest demonstrated by nurses would enhance the patient’s sense of wellbeing, empower them to respond actively to the treatments, and promote participation in their own care. Furthermore, Stein-Parbury (2009) argues that because the nurse gathers information and data by listening to the patient, many clinical decisions and care plans can be tailored based on this first-hand information, and possible adjustments can therefore be made by looking from the patient’s viewpoint. In this way, the patient-centred care can be ensured, and in doing so, the nurse would derive satisfaction in meeting the patient’s needs. As nurses have the unique privilege to be there for patients at their time of need, by using effective listening skills, the nurse is able to demonstrate understanding and acceptance: this intimate experience enables them to build up mutual trust, which is a prerequisite to a therapeutic relationship. The real interpersonal level of connection is only deemed to commence when the patient feels understood by their carers.

Although listening has a passive or an active form, it makes a fundamental difference to the interpersonal relationship. A passive listener doesn’t offer their full attention to the speaker, and often shows little interest in what is being said, which can result in the speaker feeling less connected (Appendix 2). Thus, passive listening is often regarded as ineffective in nurse-patient interactions, with adverse effects on the interpersonal relationship. On the other hand, active listening skills used in the nursing context require more than just the capability of hearing. It is an
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