Developing and Implementing a Narration of Care Framework to Teach Nurses When and How to Narrate Care
Abstract
1. Introduction
2. Methods
2.1. Developing a Framework
- Conducting a Data Review and Literature Review
- 2.
- Convening a Task Force
- 3.
- Conducting Patient Discussions
- 4.
- Unilateral communication, in which clinical staff speak at or to, rather than with patients, can give the impression that staff are primarily task-oriented rather than person-centered. To address this, NOC must extend beyond one-way patient education and incorporate elements of presence and connection, emphasizing relational engagement over transactional interaction.
- 5.
- NOC would need to include an “uncertainty” component. Anxiety, lack of preparedness, and uncertainty were prominent themes tied to HCAHPS nursing communication scores, particularly questions about “education” and “information”, which suggested that patients viewed nursing staff as being integral to relieving their anxieties and uncertainties through the use of patient education and information, or narration.
- 6.
- NOC would need to include some component of listening. Since our patients noted a perceived lack of attentive behaviors, we knew that non-verbal and verbal behaviors suggesting approachability would need to be incorporated.
- 7.
- Formulating a Consensus Framework
- 8.
- Remove Uncertainty: By explaining what we are performing, what the patient can anticipate, and why it is important for their care.
- 9.
- Calm and Sincere: Leave your own negative emotions at the door, including conveying a sense that you are rushed. When speaking with patients, convey calmness in your tone and sincerity with your posture by being open, facing them, moving close, and making eye contact.
- 10.
- Personal Connection: Make a personal connection by making notes of what is important to your patient to reference later and listen intently to matters that concern them. Updating the patient communication board with what they share is most important for them for the day (rest, contacting a family member, etc.). When patients feel cared about, they share concerns and feelings—details that can lead to safer care and better outcomes.
- 11.
- Explain the Environment: By providing the purpose behind equipment, monitor readings, and alarms, and reassuring patients of their safety if an alarm is triggered or readings vary.
- 12.
- Assume Nothing: Just because your patient has been in the hospital before, is a healthcare worker, has higher education, or has chronic conditions, do not assume they are confident and proficient in their state of being or care. Always give clear verbal information to describe what is happening, what to expect, and why it is occurring, so that the patient is able to understand.
- The “R” in RECAP stands for removing uncertainty.
- The “E” in RECAP stands for explaining the environment.
- The “C” in RECAP stands for being calm and sincere.
- The “A” in RECAP stands for assume nothing.
- The “P” in RECAP stands for personal connection.
2.2. Designing the NOC Course
3. Results
Assessing the Outcomes
- Narrate the side effects of medications;
- Narrate why you are turning off alarms, and whether the readings are normal or not;
- Narrate intravenous flushing with saline and potential discomforts it may cause;
- Narrate pain management plans—what you will do to address pain needs, within what timeframes, how you will reassess pain needs, and when you will escalate.
4. Discussion
5. Conclusions and Future Research
Author Contributions
Funding
Institutional Review Board Statement
Informed Consent Statement
Data Availability Statement
Public Involvement Statement
Guidelines and Standards Statement
Use of Artificial Intelligence
Acknowledgments
Conflicts of Interest
Appendix A
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Bruce, C.R.; Zuniga-Georgy, N.N.; Way, N.; Sosa, L.; Javaluyas, E.; Williams, T.L.; Vozzella, G. Developing and Implementing a Narration of Care Framework to Teach Nurses When and How to Narrate Care. Nurs. Rep. 2025, 15, 244. https://doi.org/10.3390/nursrep15070244
Bruce CR, Zuniga-Georgy NN, Way N, Sosa L, Javaluyas E, Williams TL, Vozzella G. Developing and Implementing a Narration of Care Framework to Teach Nurses When and How to Narrate Care. Nursing Reports. 2025; 15(7):244. https://doi.org/10.3390/nursrep15070244
Chicago/Turabian StyleBruce, Courtenay R., Natalie N. Zuniga-Georgy, Nathan Way, Lenis Sosa, Emmanuel Javaluyas, Terrell L. Williams, and Gail Vozzella. 2025. "Developing and Implementing a Narration of Care Framework to Teach Nurses When and How to Narrate Care" Nursing Reports 15, no. 7: 244. https://doi.org/10.3390/nursrep15070244
APA StyleBruce, C. R., Zuniga-Georgy, N. N., Way, N., Sosa, L., Javaluyas, E., Williams, T. L., & Vozzella, G. (2025). Developing and Implementing a Narration of Care Framework to Teach Nurses When and How to Narrate Care. Nursing Reports, 15(7), 244. https://doi.org/10.3390/nursrep15070244