1. Client Interaction Lauren Thurman
Client Interaction
During the fall semester of my senior year, I was assigned to a seventy-three year old
male patient on a Neurology unit. This patient had recently suffered a stroke related to
complications from a surgery. He was in an acute state of frustration and grief as he struggled
to verbalize his thoughts due to aphasia. I observed as the nurse put forth an earnest effort to
communicate with this patient. The patient quickly grew frustrated as no one in the room could
understand exactly what he was trying share with us. Referring back to a classroom lecture, I
recommended giving the patient a pen and paper until we could locate a communication or
picture board that would enable the client to express himself more effectively.
Around noon, I went in the patient’s room to perform an assessment and to collect vital
signs. His family had gone out for lunch so it was just he and I in the room. I could tell he really
wanted to talk so I offered to sit with him awhile and pulled up a chair. As I sat next to his bed
side, I held his hand and used silence and active listening as he struggled to form a sentence. He
became overwhelmed and began to weep. As I handed him a tissue, I looked him in the eyes
and said, “I realized this must be a very difficult time for you emotionally.” Without offering
false hope, I helped redirect his thoughts by focusing in on the positive. I explained that he was
not alone on this journey and that there were wonderful resources available for him within the
hospital and community settings to help him regain independence and the ability to
communicate. I went on to explain that the road to recovery would require hard work and
endurance, but I highlighted his strength of character and told him that I believed he had what
it takes to be successful. By the end of our conversation the mood lightened and he was
laughing and smiling.
This experience was very enlightening for me. As a student nurse, it took a real-life
experience, such as this, to fully appreciate the practical value of the skills, theories, and
evidence-based research that I was learning in class. This patient taught me that the nurse’s
attending behavior can truly make a measurable difference in patient outcomes.
Service Learning Experience
Outside the clinical setting, I satisfied my service learning hours by volunteering at
Hendrick’s Equine Rehabilitation Opportunity (HERO). HERO is a physical therapy program that
utilizes the spirit and movement of horses to physically and mentally rehabilitate handicapped
individuals. During this experience, I was able to practice therapeutic communication
techniques with the clients and their family members. This experience was highly educational
as I was able to learn the theories behind the exercises from licensed physical therapists.
Observing the clients learning how to trust their horses, grow in self confidence, and regain
physical independence over time was a rewarding experience in which I will always cherish.

2. Client Interaction Lauren Thurman
Clinical Photo
November 2014 – Clinical experience – Operating Room
From left to right: Caitlyn Cloy and Lauren Thurman