Registry

Module Specifications

Archived Version 2007 - 2008

Module Title	Communications and Interpersonal Skills
Module Code	NS501
School	School of Nursing and Human Sciences
Online Module Resources
Module Co-ordinator	Dr Gemma Kiernan	Office Number	H219
Level	5	Credit Rating	10
Pre-requisite	None
Co-requisite	None

Module Aims

7 To further the students' understanding of how the effectiveness of communication is mediated by intrapersonal, interpersonal and systemic factors, and to facilitate their development of communication skills. 7 To develop clear links and practical strategies derived from communications-related theories that will inform professional nursing practice.

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of the module and following a period of personal study students will be able to: 7 Critically examine how self-awareness mediates successful communications, assess their own communications practice, and address potential difficulties in communications (e.g., by developing stress management skills). 7 Explore communication issues related to dyadic relationships, such as attachment, power, and the maintenance and ending of relationships; analyse group performance (e.g., power structures, social influence, support) using principles of group dynamics. 7 Examine the relationship between relevant models and theories of nursing practice and communications theories. 7 Evaluate patterns in family communications with reference to systems perspectives so as to assess the functioning of families and relationships with carers. 7 Understand the organisational context in which communications take place with reference to theory and research drawn from areas such as sociology and organisational behaviour. 7 Apply knowledge of communications skills when dealing with clients, fellow nurses and professionals who have a background in other disciplines. 7 Examine communications from a perspective of spirituality and meaning, so as to encourage reflection and a sense of purpose, and to be mindful of the importance of interpersonal presence and interconnectedness. 7 Utilise communications-related theories and strategies to communicate effectively in applied contexts, such as communicating with members of minority groups, responding appropriately to conflict and aggression, and working with colleagues and clients to enhance communications in family and organisational settings.

Indicative Time Allowances
	Hours
Lectures	30
Tutorials	15
Laboratories	0
Seminars	6
Independent Learning Time	99

Total	150
Placements
Assignments

NOTE

Assume that a 10 credit module load represents approximately 150 hours' work, which includes all teaching, in-course assignments, laboratory work or other specialised training and an estimated private learning time associated with the module.

Indicative Syllabus

There will be a strong emphasis on experiential learning in the module, for example, by providing feedback and review of communications practices through the use of audio and video recording, the use of group-based exercises, and by focusing on practice-related issues. Experiential learning and academic learning will reflect the following content: · Self-psychology, including self-regulation, self-concept and self-esteem, self-efficacy, and typical patterns of processing information related to the self. · Communications anxieties, defence mechanisms, perceiving and interpreting threatening information. · Integrating theories and applications related to communications with models and theories of nursing practice (e.g., Peplau's model of the communication process). · Empathic and altruistic processes in communications, nonverbal and paralinguistic communications. · Interpersonal communications in dyadic contexts (e.g., power, attachment, developing, maintaining, and disengaging from relationships). · Group dynamics: Communication practices in small groups, power and social influence, decision making in groups, formation and stages in the development of groups, group cohesiveness. · Overview of theories and skills related to counseling.

Assessment
Continuous Assessment	100%	Examination Weight	0%

Indicative Reading List

Essential: Arnold, E., & Boggs, K.U. (1999). Interpersonal relationships: Professional communication skills for nurses. Philadelphia: W.B. Saunders. Redmond, M. (2000). Communication: Theories and applications. Boston: Houghton-Mifflin. Riley, J. (2000). Communication in nursing. St Louis: Mosby. Supplementary: Berko, R.M., Wolvin, A.D., & Wolvin, D.R. (2001). Communicating: A social and career focus. Boston: Houghton-Mifflin. Braithwaite, D.O., & Wood, J.T. (2000). Case studies in interpersonal communication. Belmont: Wadsworth. Cooper, C.D., & Proctor, P.M. (2000). Communication and IT skills for nursing healthcare: A practical guide. New York: Longman. Corey, G. (1996). Video set: Art of integrative counselling and psychotherapy: Techniques in action and challenges for the counsellor. Pacific Grove, CA: Brooks/Cole. Corey, G. (2000). Theory and practice of group counseling. Stamford, CN: Wadsworth. Corey, G., Schneider, M., & Haynes, R. (2000). Evolution of a group: Student video and workbook. Stamford, CN: Wadsworth. Corey, M., & Corey, G. (2001). Groups. Stamford, CN: Wadsworth. Engleberg, I.N., & Wynn, D.R. (2000). Working in groups: Communication principles and strategies. Boston: Houghton Mifflin. Fujishin, M. (2000). Creating communication: Exploring and expanding your fundamental communication skills. Portland, OR: Acada Books. Hummert, M.L., & Nussbaum, J.F. (2001). Aging, communication and health. Hillsdale, NJ: Erlbaum. Littlejohn, S.W. (1999). Theories of human communication. Belmont: Wadsworth. McKay, M., Davis, M., & Fanning, P. (1995). Messages: The communication skills book. Oakland, CA: New Harbinger. Minardi, H. (1997). Communication in health care. Oxford: Butterworth-Heinemann. Morgan, G., Fischhoff, B., & Atman, C. (2001). Risk communication. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press. Remland, M. (2000). Nonverbal communication in everyday life. Boston: Houghton-Mifflin. Rost Goulden, N. (2000). InfoTrac college edition student activities workbook for communication. Belmont: Wadsworth. Tampero, C., & Lindh, W. (1999). Therapeutic communications for health professionals. Albany, NY: Delmar. Walsh, R. (1999). The seven central practices to awaken heart and mind. New York: Wiley. Useful Journals: Human Communication Research Language and Communication European Journal of Communication Discourse and Society Communication research

Programme or List of Programmes

GCPC

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GDPPC

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GNSAD

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GNSCMH

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GNSGN