Importance of Nurse-Patient Communication in Young Adults with Anxiety

 Ronnel Martin, Verrazzano Class of 2021, Completed major in Nursing 

Communication is an essential skill in the field of nursing.  I think of the quote by Maya Angelou, “I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.”  Mental health awareness is something I am passionate about, as anxiety can be disabling in people’s lives.  Nurses and health care professionals need to use effective communication skills that meet the needs of their patient. Because it can be intimidating and unpleasant for patients to be in a hospital, understanding the need for inter-personal communication skills and the effects of anxiety in young adults is critical for nurses and other health care professionals.

Throughout the process of this project, I learned so much about myself as a nurse and as a person. I have always wanted to become a psychiatric nurse because I wanted to help this vulnerable population. My research has reinforced my awareness of the need for empathy and compassion.

In a time of global uncertainty, nurses and other health care professionals are also suffering from mental health issues as they are working on the front lines of this pandemic. I have learned that there needs to be adequate mental health resources available for all individuals. From my research, studies have shown that the prevalence of anxiety has risen for the young adult population, aged 18 to 25. In addition, this population is least likely to receive or seek mental health services due to factors such as belief in self-management, fear of stigma, and the inability to afford treatment. As a nurse myself, I believe it is important to be knowledgeable in effectively using our communication skills to prevent the onset of anxiety for young adults and enhance their patient experience.

If I continued to pursue this research, I would further develop my project by interviewing nurses regarding their use of communication skills. I would ask them if they believe their skills are adequate in providing patient satisfaction and reducing their anxiety. Moreover, I would interview patients and ask them how important they believe nurse-patient communication is in alleviating anxiety.

Considering we are in a pandemic, the prevalence of anxiety has greatly increased for all populations. I believe the way nurses and other health care professionals communicate and interact with their patient has so much impact on the quality of care and in the reduction of anxiety. Humanistic and compassionate communication skills are fundamental for nurses to provide the best care possible to their patients.