Relational Practice & Therapeutic Communication

Question 1

What is relational practice according to the CLPNA?

Answer 1

Refers to interpersonal communication skills, as well as the means of building and
sustaining health promoting relationships with clients, families, colleagues, and others

Question 2

Is nursing a relational practice?

Answer 2

Nursing occurs within the context of a relationship. It is a “relational” practice

Question 3

What is relational practice in nursing?

Answer 3

Relational nursing practice is an understanding of
patients’ health care needs within complicated
contexts, in which patients experience health care
and nurses deliver nursing care.

Question 4

Relational Practice Competencies: Authenticity

Answer 4

true to yourself, actively present and genuine in how you communicate and interact with patients.

Question 5

Relational Practice Competencies: Active Listening

Answer 5

being present both physically and emotionally – actively listening and empowering the patient’s own voice. Involves creating a safe space for the client and being with the client. Listen to what is said, AND what is not said.

Question 6

Relational Practice Competencies: Self-Awareness

Answer 6

meeting the needs of the client rather than your own needs. Self-awareness developed through self-reflection.

Question 7

Relational Practice Competencies: Empathy

Answer 7

the ability to emotionally and cognitively understand and communicate the experiences and feelings from another’s point of view – a critical ability for nurses to have.

Question 8

Relational Practice Competencies: Rapport

Answer 8

development of trust and understanding within the nurse-client relationship

Question 9

Relational Practice Competencies: Trust

Answer 9

evolutionary process and an attitude in which an individual relies with confidence on another

Question 10

Relational Practice Competencies: Self-Disclosure & Confidentiality

Answer 10

disclosure for the purpose of enhancing the therapeutic outcome for the client; safeguarding information and not sharing without consent.

Question 11

Relational Practice Competencies: Mutuality & Intentionality

Answer 11

Finding common ground, a shared sense of understanding; actively choosing to care, ideally motivated by intrinsic
desire to improve client’s experience and outcomes

Question 12

Relational Practice Competencies: Honouring Complexity & Ambiguity

Answer 12

continually assess, adapt, evaluate, and revise understanding of the client’s lived experience.

Question 13

Relational Practice Competencies: Reflective Practice

Answer 13

process of mentally reviewing, analyzing, and comprehending events, situations, or actions and their meaning.

Question 14

What are the 4 Phases of a Therapeutic Relationship?

Answer 14

1) Pre-Orientation (Pre-interaction) Phase

2) Orientation (interaction) Phase

3) Working Phase

4) Termination Phase

Question 15

What is the Pre-Orientation Phase of Therapeutic Relationships

Answer 15

Prior to meeting client: May
receive shift report, review
client chart or other
documents

Question 16

What is the orientation phase in the therapeutic relationship?

Answer 16

Self-Awareness, First
Impression, Building Trust,
Consent, Expectations

Question 17

What is the working phase in a therapeutic relationship?

Answer 17

Collaboration with client
toward established goals

Question 18

What are some examples of Therapeutic Communication?

Answer 18

• Open ended questions
• Clarification
• Probing
• Paraphrasing
• Sharing Observations
• Silence
• Summarizing

Question 19

What are some examples of non-therapeutic communication?

Answer 19

• Giving advice
• Close-ended questions (leading questions)
• Changing the subject
• Automatic Responses (false reassurance or cliche, sympathy)
• Expressing Approval or Disapproval
• Belittling Feelings
• Defensive Responses