Communication in Nursing

Communication in Nursing

Introduction

The purpose of this study is to expand the boundaries of the author's knowledge by exploring some relevant facts related to the role of communication in nursing. Communication plays a vital role in the healthcare setting, as the relationship with the healthcare professional sets the tone of the care experience and has a powerful impact on patient satisfaction. It is “the shared process in which messages are sent and received between two or more people which are made up of a sender, receiver, and message in a particular context” (cite, date).

In the next section, the author will explain why it is necessary for a nurse to communicate effectively in their professional practice. In this explanation, the author will take account of self awareness and the effect of this on communication in relation to communication between the nurse, the patient and other health professionals.

Discussion & Analysis

Communication plays a vital role in building relationship between the nurse, the patient and other health professionals. Nurse also need effective communication skills when working with colleagues and other professionals, care of a patient often involves a multitude of professionals from GPS, consultants, health visitors, therapists and social services. Communication with other professionals may involve letters, written or typed, emails and patient's notes. Writing must be legible; letters and emails sent to the correct recipient and all necessary information should be included so that the patient receives all the required support and care (Marquis, 2009).

Specifically for nurses, communication between ward staff during handover is key in order that patients receive safe, appropriate and consistent care. According to a research verbal reporting at handover led to inadequate care of patients, senior nurses passed instructions verbally to junior nurses who were not given the opportunity to ask questions or discuss patients care further. The result was vital information not being received and inconsistent patient care. Any information required at shift handover should be written down, comprehensive and legible, as well as passed on verbally, to ensure safe practice. There are 2 types of communication, verbal and non verbal. Verbal communication involves the spoken and the written word. Non verbal communication includes, hand gestures, body language, facial expressions, tone of voice, touch and eye contact and makes up 80% of communication. Often non verbal communication can relay more information that verbal communication and nurses need to be aware of the messages their non verbal communication can express and their impact on patients and their families. It is essential that nurses have the skills to recognise the non verbal communication of patients and their families. Our facial expressions and body language can express how we are physically and emotionally, what we are thinking and how we are feeling (Staunton & Chiarella, 2008).

When nursing young patient, in particular, one of the main barriers to communication is often a lack of verbal skills and understanding, which prevents them from expressing how they feel. Nurses can observe children and need to be able to recognize and interpret these ...