The Nurse-Family Partnership at Halifax Community College recently hosted a professional development workshop titled Preparing for Hard Conversations. 

The presenter was Katrina L. Sweet, PhD, owner of Sweet Research Consulting Firm, based in Rocky Mount.

The workshop highlighted the importance of effective communication in healthcare settings, where understanding between professionals can directly impact the quality of patient care. 

Dr. Sweet introduced participants to the FAN — Facilitating Attuned Interactions — method, a structured approach to navigating challenging conversations with empathy and purpose.

Throughout the session, participants identified common barriers to effective communication, examined the dynamics of communication within healthcare teams, and explored various communication styles, including downward, upward, and lateral communication. 

The FAN method served as a practical framework for fostering respectful and productive dialogue, even in emotionally charged situations.

By the conclusion of the workshop, nursing students and staff reported feeling more prepared to approach difficult conversations with confidence, clarity, and emotional intelligence — ultimately supporting a more open and compassionate work environment.

The Nurse-Family Partnership at Halifax Community College continues to support professional development through engaging, evidence-based training opportunities that empower healthcare workers and strengthen communication within care teams.