Course Description
This course will build upon application of communication theory and skills previously introduced in Semester 2. The focus is on assisting the student in obtaining valid and reliable data when working with clients who are experiencing episodic variances from wellness in the major areas of schizophrenia and psychotic process and affective disorders. Students will focus on developing self-awareness in relation to their way of being with each other and in offering critical feedback to peers. Students will have opportunities to participate in simulated role-plays with individuals experiencing health challenges in the context of a professional therapeutic relationship.
Course Content
Therapeutic communication will be introduced through:
- Understanding and demonstrating the phases of the nurse-client relationship
- Understanding the goals of the interview and symptom oreinted interviewing
- Understanding the principles and steps of problem solving and conflict resolution
- Understanding and demonstration of assertive and responsible communication
- Understanding theory and concepts through simulated clinical examples
- Understanding and demonstrating the use of the CASE approach and validity techniques in suicide assessment
- Understanding the issues of professional documentation and sharing of client information
Methods Of Instruction
Experiential communication formats are used, including, interactive communication scenarios, video critiquing and participative self-awareness exercises.
Means of Assessment
The course evaluation is consistent with Douglas College evaluation policy. An evaluation schedule is presented at the beginning of the course.
This is a graded course.
Learning Outcomes
Students will have the opportunity to learn the therapeutic communication skills of advanced empathy, therapeutic confrontation and immediacy. Student learning will focus on problem solving and conflict resolution. Students will have opportunities to participate in simulated role-plays with individuals experiencing episodic health challenges. Students will learn the relevance of cultural competence as it relates to therapeutic communication.
Textbook Materials
A list of required and optional textbooks and materials is provided for students at the beginning of each semester.