Nurses' perceptions of their interpersonal skills: A descriptive study using six category intervention analysis

This study used [Heron, J., 1986. Six category intervention analysis. 2nd revised edition. Human Potential Research Project, University of Surrey, Guildford] Six Category Intervention Analysis to investigate 93 nurse's self-perceptions of their interpersonal skills. The nurses were asked to rank order six intervention categories in terms of their perceived level of skills. It was found that a majority described themselves as being more authoritative in their interpersonal style and less facilitative. Some notable exceptions were observed and these are also reported here. Reasons for the findings in this study are offered and limitations of it are considered. The study has implications for the training and evaluation of nurses in the field of interpersonal skills.