University:
Montgomery College
Course:
NURS 114: Professionalism and Communication in Nursing
Academic year:

2024
Views:

373

Pages:

1
Author:

molana9654

DESC Communication Tool D – Describe the behavior E – Explain the effect of the behavior S – State the desired outcome C – Consequence: say what will happen if the behavior continues (Cox 2007) Some people prefer to memorize the key words that represent this model because it gives them a consistent structure to follow: D E S C When . . . I feel . . . because . . . Therefore, I want/need . . . So that . . . Nurses can apply the model to communicate effectively when confronting unprofessional behavior in several situations. Here are a couple examples of the DESC model in action, answering questions frequently asked by staff nurses. 1. How do I talk to an experienced nurse when she makes it obvious in many ways that she has no time, patience, or empathy for my concerns? D E S C “I noticed today that you seemed bothered by my questions, and I felt in the way.” “I understand you have a heavy workload, but when you ignore me, I feel terrible. I feel unimportant and get the message that you wish I wasn’t here. “I need to find some way or some time when I can connect with you. I want to learn and be the best nurse I can be.” “If you continue to ignore me and act like I am in the way, I can’t stay. I love nursing, but I simply can’t learn in this environment.” 2. What do you say after you hear that someone has been backstabbing you? D E S C “I’d like to talk with you in private. I heard from another nurse that you said I didn’t know what I was doing, that I am a terrible nurse.” “When I hear that someone has been saying things about me and I don’t know why, or even what situation it pertains to, I feel sabotaged and set up to fail.” “I want to be a good nurse, and I can’t do that without your honest feedback and support. Can you say what you feel and think directly to me in private?” “Without that support, I am sure to fail. I will have to find another place to work, even though this is the specialty I had chosen.” (Bartholomew 2007) References: Bartholomew, K. (2007). Stressed Out About Communication Skills. Marblehead. MA: HCPro, Inc. Cox, S. (2007). “Good communication: Finding the common ground.” Nursing Management 38(1).