Using Motivational Interviewing Techniques, Coursework Example

The concept of motivational interviewing is critical to the nursing profession and offers an examination of the key principles which govern the practice environment in a manner which is consistent with behavioral modifications for patients to improve their quality of life (Bundy, 2004). This is an important reminder that nurses must provide a supportive environment in which patients will experience greater comfort and an understanding of their responsibility to modify their behaviors if they seek to improve their lives through change (Bundy, 2004). Therefore, motivational interviewing must serve as a driving force in enabling patients to identify areas of weakness and to be effective in addressing these weaknesses as a motivating factor in behavioral change (Hettema, Steele, & Miller, 2005). This process is ongoing and requires nurses to be effective communicators in supporting the changes that are required to improve outcomes for their patients moving forward, using a high level of maturity, responsibility, and accountability within the practice setting (Sumner, 2010). These examples demonstrate that nurses must provide support to patients who seek to alter their behaviors in order to improve their quality of life, but to also recognize that this process may be limited when behaviors are addictive, such as smoking (Lindson-Hawley, Thompson, & Begh, 2015).

This individual experience provides an important and meaningful point of view regarding motivational interviewing that could be further strengthened by increasing the use of these techniques in other situations, such as for patients with diabetes or chronic illnesses. Although some of the points were valid, additional insight regarding the use of motivational interviewing is important to these cases and in promoting greater outreach with patients. Expanding this characteristic as part of the career portfolio will aid the student in presenting clearer ideas to patients to improve their knowledge of a given health issue with the aim to modify behaviors accordingly.

References

Bundy, C. (2004). Changing behavior: using motivational interviewing techniques. Journal of the Royal Society of Medicine, 44(97), 43-47.

Hettema, J., Steele, J., & Miller, W. (2005). Motivational Interviewing. Annual Review of Clinical Psychology, 1, 91-111. doi: 10.1146/annurev.clinpsy.1.102803.143833.

Lindson-Hawley, N., Thompson, TP., & Begh, R. (2015). Does motivational interviewing help people who smoke to quit? Cochrane. Retrieved from http://tobacco.cochrane.org/en/index/html.

Sumner, J. (2010a). Reflection and moral maturity in a nurse’s caring practice: a critical perspective. Nursing Philosophy, 11, 159-169.