Have you read, “I’m Here: Compassionate Communication in Patient Care?” If so, you know the power of Marcus’ story and his books. Dr. Stephanie Jeffers does, too…and that’s why she researched responses to “I’m Here” in first year nursing students.
Key topics:
- [0:10] Marcus introduces Dr. Stephanie Jeffers and why he isn’t in the studio.
- [5:00] Marcus asks Dr. Stephanie Jeffers to speak about an instance where she was there for someone else or someone was there for her
- [7:08] Dr. Jeffers shares her interest in end of life care and the patient that sparked her passion to advocate for patients
- [10:14] Transition from clinical nursing to academia and teaching the next generations of nurses
- [12:28] The story of how their paths crosses and how Dr. Jeffers has been using “I’m Here” with her freshmen nursing students for years
- [15:06] Dr. Jeffers created and analyzed data from the students’ feedback after reading “I’m Here” and came up with 3 main themes.
- [18:26] “When we share our stories, we are at our most human.”
- [20:26] Marcus shares how he was touched that many students related to the one and only character, Barb, from “I’m Here”, and how her legacy is one that will continue to inspire future generations of nurses for a long time to come
- [23:04] Dr. Jeffers was able to share the research and data from her project at an international event and the research was published by a nursing journal a few years ago, as well
- [23:54] “Nursing is holistic; it’s not just science”
- [28:00] Dr. Jeffers discusses details of the current class she teaches, an End-of-Life elective
- [28:57] Marcus asks Dr. Jeffers about the misconceptions that her nursing students may have when entering the class and how those may change after completing the course
- [30:39] “I’m afraid to say the D word” - Dr. Jeffers explains the intimidation of communication surrounding death
- [31:29] A patient simulation that her students participate in, designed to improve communication skills with patients and families
- [33:38] Discussion about the Western society's way of looking at death and dying with fear and discomfort
- [35:33] Dr. Jeffers’ closing thoughts on nursing, compassion and presenc
- [37:11] A thanks all the nurses out there for ALL that they do!
Resources for you:
Learn more about Dr. Stephanie Jeffers:
Dr. Stephanie Jeffers began her nursing career at the bedside 26 ago. She practiced in a variety of clinical specialties; however, a passion for end-of-life care and education emerged. While honing her clinical expertise, she has continued her education earning a doctorate focused on nursing education. Dr. Jeffers is an Associate Professor and Director of the Prelicensure Nursing Program at Widener University. Her program of research is mainly focused on end-of-life nursing education and she strives to teach her students about providing patients with a peaceful transition at the end of life.
Date: 10/05/2021
Name of show: Compassion & Courage: Conversations in Healthcare
Episode title and number: Episode 06 – Dr. Stephanie Jeffers: Preparing Nurses for End-of-Life Care