How to Coach Yourself and Others Coaching and Counseling in Difficult Circumstances | Page 53

This book is in B&W, not color - Print page in Grayscale for Correct view! 6. Communication skills for nurses and others spending time with people who are very mentally ill Source: Len Bowers, Geoff Brennan, Gary Winship and Christina Theodoridou Illustrations: Geoff Brennan - Copy editing: Richard Humm - © 2009, City University Dedication This work is dedicated to our 28 interviewees, on whose expertise it is based, and to all those engaged in caring for the acutely mentally ill Acknowledgements This work was in part supported by a grant from the Square Smile Appeal of the Lord Mayor of the City of London, 2001-02, Sir Michael Oliver The resources of City University London, and East London Foundation NHS Trust also supported the work Managers and staff of East London, Camden and Islington , and Central and North West London NHS Foundation Trusts, welcomed our research, helped identify their most skilled practitioners, and made their time available. Preface You, talking to me?! As often, when faced with new ideas, novel theories or revolutionary concepts, the first thought is, “Surely this has been done before – and if not, why not?” Many of the work practices evolved by the 28 expert nurses in this study seem obvious, but it is clear that the reality on many – or most – psychiatric wards is one of non-communication and mutual incomprehension. This research, when translated into a ‘guide’ or ‘handbook’ for nurses, should provide a very useful if not essential part of their education. The way that expert nurses dealt with - or rather related with - patients seemed to lead to better outcomes for the patients and for the nurses. So, if we could promote the nursing practices described in this work it is likely to lead to improved outcomes for service users and much happier staff. Strikingly, many of the nurses did not describe just using language but spoke of a range of different mediums, including non-verbal communication and, most excitingly, other more creative methods. Students and staff should not only read this but be actively encouraged to feedback (anonymously if they prefer) how they get on putting these principles into practice but also to identify the factors that prevent or make it difficult for them to do so. This will enable dialogue and learning to continue. For many of us, this reminded us that there had often been that special nurse, that one person, that “somebody who was there for me”; someone who did do it and did put it into practice. Compiled by members of SUGAR: Service User Group Advising on Research, City University London. 17th December 2009. For [email protected] Property of Bookemon, do NOT distribute 55