Professional Communication

Professional Communication

Introduction

Nowadays, system of health care, process of delivery involves several patient handoffs and interface among nurses with varying levels of occupational training and education. During a hospital stay, patients come in connect with several heath care practitioners, such as nurses, physicians and other employees. There are several instances where critical information must be communicated effectively, along with effective team collaboration. Lack of effective communication may increase the risk of patient safety for a number of reasons, such as overlooked changes in status, vague orders over the telephone, misinterpretation of information and lack of critical information. This results in medical errors; which cause unexpected patient death and severe injury. Thus, this paper outlines ways and strategies to improve communication, presentation in nursing, effective communication within teams and address barriers in effective communication.

Discussion

How to become Effective Verbal Communicator

To improve verbal communication skills is about improving the ability to employ effective strategies to avoid and repair possible failure in communication; familiarizing the language of nurses (colloquialisms and euphemisms) can easily be understand by patients and encourage using patient friendly terms and language (Pfrimmer, 2009).

Be Honest

Honesty is very important in enhancing communication. If a nurse telling the patient that he/she receives this treatment, must provide it. Provide a good rationale if unable to keep the words; for instance, why it was not possible.

Be Available and Responsive

Availability and responsiveness are essential part of effective communication in nursing. In nursing practice, patients and their families do not like to feel ignore, especially when diagnosis of the patient is harder and complicated to understand.

Listens Actively

Listening is equally important as talking in communication. Nurse must be active, not passive listeners. Active listening allows nurses to involve and respond to patients and their families based on what is asked.

How to become Effective Non Verbal Communicator

Cultural Background

Understanding cultural background of the patient allows nurses to communicate effectively and appropriately. For example, holding patients hand in sympathy might not be appropriate gesture in his/her culture.

Maintain Eye Contact

Always maintain eye contact this will help to reduce distraction and keep focus.

Use Gestures

Gestures are very important in nursing to communicate a message effectively. Use small gestures when talking to a small group or with individuals. For example, shoulders hunched, and arms crossed suggest unwillingness and disinterest in communication. Appropriate stance and posture helps in keeping a smooth flow of conversation.

Manifest Positive Beliefs and Attitudes

The attitude nurses bring to the conversation will have a significant effect on way nurses' interact and compose. Choose to accept, respectful, sincere, optimistic, patient and honest, as well as be sensitive to others' feelings.

How to Give an Effective Presentation

Presentation is a vital component of today's professional speaking and nursing is not an exception. Below are some ways that can improve presentation skills of nurses.

Be Prepared

Preparation is very important. Practice several times to become familiar with the topic, and rehearse several times before speaking to get memorize the presentation flow. Make PowerPoint slides and jot down key ...