GEORGIA BAPTIST COLLEGE OF NURSING
NR210
Interpersonal Process Recording
Due Date: To be determined by the clinical instructor.
An interpersonal process recording is a written verbal account of the dialogue between the
client and the student. The verbatim should be approximately 4-5 minutes in length, minimum
of 3 pages of interaction. No tape recorders or written notes may be used. It is best to
reconstruct the conversation as closely to verbatim as possible immediately after talking with
your client. It is also recommended that you write the verbatim in a quiet area which is
relatively free of distractions or interruptions. The remaining sections of the IPR may be
finished later. Please Xerox additional pages as needed. There are several possible subjects
for the interpersonal process recording.
1) Responses to health alterations.
2) Expectations of hospitalization.
3) Problems related to tests and procedures.
4) Family problems engendered by hospitalization.*
The description of behavior column should include non-verbal behaviors, client's appearance,
incongruities, etc. Identification of communication techniques includes the name of the
technique used e.g., exploring, probing, clarification, empathic response, etc., and whether the
technique is therapeutic or non-therapeutic. (Refer to communication handouts in NR210
syllabus and mental status assessment in NR211.)
If the communication technique was non-therapeutic, please correct your response in the
column titled "alternative responses." Even if all responses are therapeutic, improvement is
possible. Therefore, there should be a minimum of 3 alternate responses.
Please include the following at the end of your IPR:
1.
Identification of student "blocks" to communication, if present, e.g., anxiety, focusing on
self, inattentiveness.
2.
Identification of client blocks, if present, e.g., anxiety, resistance behaviors.
3.
Your own feelings and impressions about your listening skills and communication skills,
and your subjective experience with your client.
Helpful Hints:
1. Use open ended questions
2. Use broad openings
3. Focus on the client
4. Paraphrase
5. Respond to feelings
6. Summarize main points of conversation
*Note: The weather is rarely a source of actual or potential needs!!
IPR Guide
NR210
Interperson Process Recording
Sample IPR
Student Nurse
Client
Description of
Behavior
Identification of
Communication
Techniques
Smiling, cheerful
"Good morning, Mr. Martin,
I'm Student A+ your SN
today."
T. Giving recognition
"Hi"
"OK"
"Ya, I guess I just don't feel like talking."
T. Giving broad opening
Pt:Soft, quiet voice. Still
looking out window.
SN: Sits in chair near bed.
"OK? I notice you're looking
out the window. You seem
quiet."
Same response, more matter
of fact (Acceptance)
Pt:In bed with IV in left arm,
staring out window. TV off.
Lights off.
SN: Sits in chair
"Tell me how you're feeling
today"
IPR Guide
Alternative
Responses
Pt: Turns head slightly to
SN. Still quiet voice.
T. Making observations
The lights are out, you seem
sad. T. Making observations
NR210
Interperson Process Recording
Sample IPR
Student Nurse
Client
Description of
Behavior
"What makes you feel that
way?"
"Well, I'm just tired of waiting
and getting poked and no
answers."
"Tell me how this is different
from what you expected
when you came in the
hospital."
"Sounds like you're frustrated
and worried. What have you
done other times when
you've felt like this?"
IPR Guide
NT. Refer to External
Source
"What's going on now?"
Exploring
T. Making observations
T. Go on. Offering general
leads.
Pt: Looks directly at SN.
Sits up more in the bed.
SN: Remains sitting. Voice
calm.
"Well, for all this money,
you'd think they could come
up with some answers."
Alternative
Responses
Pt: Turns more toward SN.
Voice volume increases.
"You sound frustrated". "All
these tests are being done
and you still don't know
what's wrong."
"You got that right!"
Identification of
Communication
Techniques
T. Encouraging comparison
Pt: Continues with eye
contact. Normal volume
voice.
T. Encouraging comparison.
T. "Are you saying finances
are a problem as well as
waiting?" Seeking
clarification.
NR210
Interperson Process Recording
Sample IPR
Student Nurse
Client
"Usually I just go for a long
walk."
"You're pointing to the IV.
That's keeping you from
walking. I can help with that.
We can walk up and down
the hall at least."
Description of
Behavior
Pt: Snickers and points to
IV.
SN: Waits in chair for client
response.
"You can? That's great!"
Pt: Turns head to SN and
smiles.
SN: Gets up to help client.
IPR Guide
Identification of
Communication
Techniques
T. Making observations,
offering self.
Alternative
Responses
Evaluation of Communciation Process
Student Blocks: Nervous about talking to a stranger. Nervous about completing IPR. Worried about Micro exam that I had at 2:00 that
day.
Client Blocks: TV was on – client was distracted. Client was anxious about hospitalization.
Self Assessment of Communication Skills:
I needed to allow more time to….
10/90/J. Chouvardas/N. Ice
Revised 12/92 NI/AK; revised6/98JR
IPR guide
IPR Guide