Consider the following questions:

1. How did Rita demonstrate communication skills that are age appropriate for Julie?  How did her approach to working with Julie vary from the approach she would use in working with someone who is older?

Demonstration of age-appropriate communication skills:

• Rita used humor to discuss the importance of sleeping and eating during pregnancy.
• Rita helped Julie prioritize by asking; ”What’s the hardest thing for you right now? Pick one thing.”

Varying the approach for teens:

• Rita went out of her way to be supportive, including telling Julie how proud she was that she quit smoking.
• Rita took the opportunity to reinforce how important smoking cessation was for the health of the baby.

2. Identify the techniques Rita used to keep her personal values out of the interaction with Julie initially and then with Julie and Gary together.

With Julie:

• Rita followed Julie’s lead, in conducting the interview; using her words and focusing on the issues that Julie identified as being important.
• Rita used active listening techniques and responded to Julie’s feelings as well as her perception of her story.

With Julie and Gary:

• Rita acknowledged Gary and Julie’s anger, focusing on options counseling as part of her role as a nurse.
• Rita let them know that the decision was theirs and that she understood that it would not be an easy one.

3. Identify Gary’s strengths and needs as an expectant father.

Strengths:

• Gary seems open to supporting Julie through her pregnancy and raising the baby.
• Gary appears to want to do the right thing and accompanies Julie to see the nurse despite his anger.

Needs:

• Gary needs to work with Julie to develop a partnership that will help them make appropriate decisions for their child.
• Gary needs to understand how his life will change once he becomes a father.

4. In her role as a nurse, what would Rita hope to accomplish in the appointment with Gary and Julie?

• Rita would attempt to diffuse Gary’s anger.
• She would provide Julie and Gary with information about options.
• She would give Julie and Gary a referral for pregnancy counseling.

5. What might be different as a social worker?