As a student nurse, challenging situations may arise in which it is unclear how to respond
effectively. Writing a reflective case study enables such situations to be analyzed, helping to
determine how they could be managed better in the future. This case study is divided into
three phases: firstly, the What phase, secondly, the So What phase, and thirdly, the Now
What phase.
Firstly, the What phase. Challenges were encountered with a client who showed resistance.
During an internship in home care, while assisting a man with showering, he almost fell
because he lacked the proper safety aids. I explained that using a shower chair would
improve his safety. However, despite listening to my advice, he refused to take action. As I
was unsure how to respond to his resistance, I felt that the communication between us
could have been more effective.
Secondly, the So What phase. The situation was analyzed, revealing three key themes. First,
the client's resistance highlighted that I focused more on my own views and did not listen
enough to his needs. When he resisted, I did not ask further questions. For example, I could
have asked why he was unwilling to use the aids. Second, communication skills played a
significant role. I attempted to persuade him to follow my advice without fully understanding
his concerns. Lastly, the risk of falling was evident, as the man lacked the necessary aids. I
did not ask if he was aware of safer alternatives, which should have been discussed. This led
to the research question: “How can healthcare professionals effectively manage clients who
resist advice?”
Thirdly, the Now What phase. Literature was used to answer the research question. Open
communication is essential, and it is important to explain things clearly to the client while
listening to their wishes. Techniques such as nudging can also be used to encourage
behavioral changes. If I had known this information earlier, I would have acted differently. In
the future, I will ask more questions to understand a client's reasons for resistance.
In conclusion, this reflective case study has helped me understand how to manage clients
who resist advice more effectively. Reflecting on this experience has provided valuable
lessons, which will contribute to improving my nursing practice.
effectively. Writing a reflective case study enables such situations to be analyzed, helping to
determine how they could be managed better in the future. This case study is divided into
three phases: firstly, the What phase, secondly, the So What phase, and thirdly, the Now
What phase.
Firstly, the What phase. Challenges were encountered with a client who showed resistance.
During an internship in home care, while assisting a man with showering, he almost fell
because he lacked the proper safety aids. I explained that using a shower chair would
improve his safety. However, despite listening to my advice, he refused to take action. As I
was unsure how to respond to his resistance, I felt that the communication between us
could have been more effective.
Secondly, the So What phase. The situation was analyzed, revealing three key themes. First,
the client's resistance highlighted that I focused more on my own views and did not listen
enough to his needs. When he resisted, I did not ask further questions. For example, I could
have asked why he was unwilling to use the aids. Second, communication skills played a
significant role. I attempted to persuade him to follow my advice without fully understanding
his concerns. Lastly, the risk of falling was evident, as the man lacked the necessary aids. I
did not ask if he was aware of safer alternatives, which should have been discussed. This led
to the research question: “How can healthcare professionals effectively manage clients who
resist advice?”
Thirdly, the Now What phase. Literature was used to answer the research question. Open
communication is essential, and it is important to explain things clearly to the client while
listening to their wishes. Techniques such as nudging can also be used to encourage
behavioral changes. If I had known this information earlier, I would have acted differently. In
the future, I will ask more questions to understand a client's reasons for resistance.
In conclusion, this reflective case study has helped me understand how to manage clients
who resist advice more effectively. Reflecting on this experience has provided valuable
lessons, which will contribute to improving my nursing practice.
