Evolving Role: Advanced Practice Nurse and the Art of Patient Interviewing

QUESTION

⦁ Reflect on how your role of interviewing will be different as an Advanced Practice Nurse.

a)You understand your role as an RN in patient interviewing. Reflect on atleast two elements that will be different in your interviewing as an Advanced Practice Nurse.

b)Identify one skilled interviewing technique you plan to use the next time you interview a patient. How does the technique support the therapeutic patient-Provider relationship?

ANSWER

Evolving Role: Advanced Practice Nurse and the Art of Patient Interviewing

Introduction

As a healthcare professional, the role of an Advanced Practice Nurse (APN) encompasses additional responsibilities and skills compared to those of a Registered Nurse (RN). This essay explores two elements that differentiate patient interviewing for an APN and identifies a skilled interviewing technique that supports the therapeutic patient-provider relationship.

Elements Differentiating APN Patient Interviewing

Scope of Practice: One significant difference in patient interviewing as an APN is the expanded scope of practice. APNs have advanced education and training, enabling them to conduct comprehensive assessments, formulate diagnoses, and develop treatment plans. Consequently, APNs approach patient interviews with a broader perspective, seeking to gather in-depth information to guide their clinical decision-making.

Collaborative Approach: APNs often adopt a more collaborative approach to patient interviewing compared to RNs. As APNs work closely with patients to provide holistic care, they engage in shared decision-making, prioritize patient autonomy, and actively involve patients in developing their treatment plans. APNs place greater emphasis on building a therapeutic partnership with patients during the interview process.

Skilled Interviewing Technique: Reflective Listening

Reflective listening is a valuable interviewing technique that I plan to utilize in my future interactions with patients. This technique involves actively listening to the patient’s concerns, thoughts, and emotions and then paraphrasing or restating them to ensure understanding and empathy. Reflective listening supports the therapeutic patient-provider relationship in the following ways:

Enhanced Communication: By employing reflective listening, APNs can demonstrate genuine interest and empathy towards the patient’s experiences. This technique encourages patients to express themselves openly and honestly, promoting effective communication and rapport building.

Validation and Empowerment: Reflective listening conveys a sense of validation and acknowledgment to the patient. When APNs paraphrase or restate the patient’s statements, it demonstrates that they have been heard and understood. This validation empowers patients, fosters trust, and strengthens the therapeutic alliance.

Deepened Understanding: Through reflective listening, APNs gain deeper insights into the patient’s thoughts, emotions, and concerns. This understanding allows for more accurate assessments, personalized care plans, and targeted interventions. It helps APNs identify the patient’s unique needs, values, and preferences, ultimately leading to improved patient outcomes.

Patient-Centered Care: The utilization of reflective listening aligns with the principles of patient-centered care. By actively listening and responding with empathy, APNs ensure that the patient’s perspective is at the forefront of the clinical encounter. This approach enhances patient satisfaction, engagement, and adherence to the agreed-upon treatment plan.

Conclusion

As an APN, the role of patient interviewing evolves to encompass a broader scope of practice and a collaborative approach. Reflective listening, a skilled interviewing technique, supports the therapeutic patient-provider relationship by enhancing communication, validating the patient’s experiences, deepening understanding, and promoting patient-centered care. By incorporating these elements and techniques, APNs can conduct more effective patient interviews, establish strong therapeutic alliances, and provide patient-centered, holistic care that optimizes patient outcomes.