Question

A nursing student is discussing the technique of interviewing with his instructor and conveys that he is somewhat reluctant to talk with potential patients as he fears he may have nothing to say and there would be periods of silence. Which statement represents the best response by the nursing instructor in response to the students' expressed concerns?

a. Telling the student that everyone feels like this at first but that the feeling and anxiety will reside during the next interview experience.
b. Encourage the student to practice interviewing technique skills with peers and family members to increase his confidence level.
c. Acknowledge that his reluctance is normal but that the utilization of silence may well eventually represent the ability of a confident interviewer in knowing that sometimes it is equally important to listen rather than to keep talking.
d. Provide the student with practice questions for interviewing and have him look at himself in the mirror while voicing the questions to increase his confidence level.

Answer 1

Option c is the best response, as it reassures the student that hesitation is normal and highlights the skillful use of silence and the importance of listening in interviews.

Step-by-step explanation:

The best response by the nursing instructor to the student's concerns about interviewing patients is option c. This response acknowledges that reluctance is normal and highlights the importance of using silence skillfully in the interview process. Option c emphasizes that it is equally important to listen and not just talk, implying that confident interviewers know when to be quiet and let the patient express themselves. This is critical in a healthcare setting, as patient interviews are an essential component of gathering information, building rapport, and understanding patient needs.

Practicing interviewing techniques with peers, family members, or through mock interviews can also help build confidence. It is crucial to pay attention to both verbal and non-verbal cues, as body language can significantly impact communication. Furthermore, developing a working script with a mix of open and closed questions can serve as a guide during the interview while allowing for flexibility to ask follow-up questions based on the responses received.