Motivational Interviewing Techniques for Nurses:A comprehensive guide for Engaging Patients in Health Behavior Change

Are you a nurse seeking more effective ways to engage patients in managing their health? Do you face challenges with patient adherence or difficult conversations about behaviour change?

This practical guide provides essential Motivational Interviewing (MI) techniques specifically adapted for nurses working in demanding healthcare settings. Learn evidence-based communication strategies to build stronger rapport, enhance patient engagement, and significantly improve adherence to treatment plans and healthy lifestyle choices—all within your limited time.

Move beyond simply giving advice and step into a more collaborative role. This book offers a clear roadmap for integrating core MI principles into your daily practice, making your interactions more productive and less frustrating. Discover how to guide patients toward identifying their own motivation for change, leading to more sustainable results.

Inside this concise, easy-to-use resource, you will find:

Core MI Skills for Nurses: Master OARS (Open Questions, Affirmations, Reflections, Summaries) with nursing-specific examples you can use immediately during assessments, education, and routine care.

Time-Saving Strategies: Learn practical tips and “MI Fly-Bys” to apply these powerful techniques effectively even in brief, time-constrained encounters. This isn't about adding more work; it's about making your communication smarter.

Handling Difficult Conversations: Gain confidence in navigating patient ambivalence, “rolling with resistance,” and addressing sensitive topics like medication reluctance or lifestyle changes without confrontation.

Effective Information Sharing: Utilise the Elicit-Provide-Elicit framework to provide necessary health education in a patient-centred way that increases understanding and acceptance.

Boosting Patient Motivation: Learn to recognise and respond to change talk, helping patients strengthen their own commitment to action.

Collaborative Planning: Guide patients in creating realistic, achievable action plans (SMARTer goals) they feel truly invested in.

Real-World Nursing Scenarios: See MI techniques applied through detailed examples relevant to primary care, community health, mental health, chronic disease management, and hospital settings.

This book is ideal for:

Registered Nurses (RNs)

Nurse Practitioners (NPs)

Nursing Students

Community Health Nurses

Mental Health Nurses

Practice Nurses

Nurses working in Chronic Disease Management

Any nurse seeking to improve patient communication, boost adherence, enhance patient engagement, and foster positive health behaviour change.

Stop feeling stuck in unproductive conversations. Start empowering your patients and find greater satisfaction in your nursing practice.

Clarissa Mary Fernandez

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