Because our main objective was to provide for the patient"s safety, my most effective nursing duties involved providing for the patient"s safety, comfort, and well-being. Included in our treatment plan were orders to keep the patient well-fed, as well as reducing the amount of external stimuli that might agitate her. The nature of her trauma demanded that she remain in as peaceful environment as possible and also receive nutritious meals. Her treatment outcome was positive as the result of fulfilling these obligations.

             Communication improved over the course of treatment. The most effective communications techniques I used included directness and honesty. For example, if I had any doubts or concerns, I asked the patient what she needed. However, I also respected the patient"s need for silence and privacy. I also tried to listen to her as best I could even when she was not communicating effectively. While I could still use some improvements in nonverbal communication, I saw a dramatic improvement in the way I was able to decode some of the patient"s nonverbal cues and also become more adept at communicating my feelings and thoughts using appropriate and non-threatening nonverbal cues such as effective body language and facial expressions.

             During the termination phase I was able to analyze and critically examine my performance. I don"t think I would have done much differently. By the time I terminated my position, she exhibited huge progress on physical and psychological levels. She was eating properly and smiling. Next time, I will be more confident as a result of this experience. The client expressed similar positive emotions even though her impaired mental functioning meant that she might not have been completely cognizant of the fact that I was leaving. The patient had some memory problems that meant that her conception of time was different than mine. However, she showed no signs of emotional distress.