Communication Dynamics, Coursework Example

Introduction

Communication is a critical component of modern nursing practice and requires an effective understanding of the challenges and considerations of nurses working in a professional environment. It is important to address some of the most important types of verbal and nonverbal communication strategies that nurses utilize in their daily practice settings in order to ensure that there are sufficient opportunities for growth and success within the field. Nurses work with patients and with other nurses on a daily basis; therefore, they must be able to express and communicate their ideas effectively to large audiences without difficulty. The following discussion will address nursing communication in greater detail in order to accomplish the desired objectives as nursing professionals within this complex field.

Analysis

Nursing communication assumes many different forms, depending on the type of care that is required for patients and the type of unit that is represented. Nurses who work with patients who are in serious condition, such as the intensive care unit, must lead communication efforts because their patients are often under heavy sedation and cannot communicate effectively (Happ et.al, 2011). Patients in these areas find it difficult to express themselves to nurses, and therefore, nurses must communicate the large majority of the time (Happ et.al, 2011). For patients who face terminal illnesses, nurses often engage in nonverbal communication techniques in order to provide their patients with the level of care that is required at this stage, such as hand holding to express support and comfort (Kozlowska and Doboszyriska, 2012). However, many nurses working with terminal patients also recognize the importance of developing strategies that will improve their ability to communicate with terminal patients more effectively (Kozlowska and Doboszyriska, 2012).

Nurses must utilize communication in every interaction with their patients and with other nurses. Therefore, it is essential that their communication skills are at the desired level, and this is best accomplished through the development of approaches that will satisfy these needs in the desired manner. It is likely that a combination of verbal and nonverbal communication is likely to be effective in supporting positive patient outcomes and in enhancing relationships with other nurses (Haskard et.al, 2009). These techniques support the ability to garner greater satisfaction with these communications, including such considerations as vocal tone and nonverbal techniques that support comfort and understanding of current circumstances in a positive and meaningful way (Haskard et.al, 2009). As a result, it is essential to develop approaches that will accommodate patients across all health stages in the appropriate manner (Haskard et.al, 2009).

When nurses are required to communicate with their fellow colleagues during handovers at the change of a shift, it is important to recognize the value of these communications and how they reflect positively or negatively upon nurses and their knowledge and skill bases (Frankel et.al, 2012). In this context, it is important for nurses in the handover process to be effective communicators in this context, including both verbal and nonverbal techniques (Frankel et.al, 2012). When transferring care from one nurse to another, it is of critical importance that nurses are able to communicate and to express themselves effectively in a manner that is consistent with positive patient outcomes, and verbal face-to-face communication is the most effective (Frankel et.al, 2012). Therefore, it is essential for nurses to recognize the extent of their communication skills in working with other nurses because this is an essential component of a successful strategy in providing high quality care to patients at all times (Frankel et.al, 2012). The use of verbal and nonverbal communication cues and techniques also supports the elements of knowledge, comfort, and understanding that are critical to the success of a given interaction among nurses and with their patients (Frankel et.al, 2012). At the same time, it is necessary to effectively utilize technical skills so that patient care is not compromised during the handover process, and this includes the ability to communicate information in a manner that is consistent with high quality care (Frankel et.al, 2012).

Conclusion

Effective patient care and related outcomes are critical to any patient care setting. Therefore, communication must be effective and appropriate in supporting these objectives and in demonstrating the value of verbal and nonverbal techniques. Nurses must recognize that when they lack effective communication skills, they are likely to be less than effective in providing high quality patient care. Therefore, it is essential that they are provided with tools and training as necessary to encourage successful communication in different ways. Without these opportunities in place, it is likely that nurses will not be able to provide the level of care and treatment that is necessary to support their patients and to enhance the quality of care that is provided to them. Nurses must share their ideas clearly and concisely with other nurses and interact with patients in a way that will enhance their level of comfort and understanding of their health status. Therefore, communication may include a simple touch or nonverbal gesture that allows a patient to recognize that the nurse is supportive of the circumstances and the desired outcomes for the patient. When a nurse is able to express ideas and thoughts in a positive way, then patients and other nurses will pick up on these thoughts and will be able to experience a greater sense of comfort with the current circumstances. This is an essential component of nursing success and the delivery of care within a given environment that supports high quality patient care and treatment at all times. It also allows nurses to recognize the importance of communication in serving their patients and other nurses as effectively as possible.

References

Frankel, R.M., Flanagan, M., Ebright, P., Bergman, A., O’Brien, C.M., Franks, Z., Allen, A., Harris, A., and Saleem, J.J. (2012). Context, culture and (non-verbal) communication affect handover quality. BMJ Quality and Safety, 21, i121-i127.

Happ, M.B., Garrett, K., DiVirgilio Thomas, D., Tate, J., George, E., Houze, M., Radtke, J., and Sereika, S. (2011). Nurse-patient communication interactions in the intensive care unit. American Journal of Critical Care, 20(2), e28-e40.

Haskard, K.B., DiMatteo, M.R., and Heritage, J. (2009). Affective and instrumental communication in primary care interactions: predicting the satisfaction of nursing staff and patients. Health Communication, 24(1), DOI: 10.1080/10410230802606968

Kozlowska, L., and Doboszyriska, A. (2012). Nurses’ nonverbal methods of communicating with patients in the terminal phase. International Journal of Palliative Nursing, 18(1), 40-46.