Communication is an integral part of nursing practice. Ideally, communication enhances interactions between nurses and patients at different levels. Good communication addresses the patients’ concerns and reveals the emotions of the involved parties. It not only reduces the patient’s anxiety but also that of their families. Arguably, the nurses are the hub of communication. The nurses should be sensitized with the various communication types and communication skills in nursing practice so that quality service delivery can be realized. This essay will explore the various classifications of communication used in nursing practice. The types of communication vital in the field of nursing include verbal, written, non-verbal communication, inspired trust, and active listening.
Verbal Communication
Verbal communication is significant in the healthcare setting. The use of verbal communication between the patients and nurses is of utmost importance ( “10 Essential Nurse Communication Skills | NurseChoice.”, 2020) . Verbal communication describes the use of speech in sharing information from a person to others. Verbal communication is deemed effective when words are uttered eloquently and clearly. Having noted that, oral communication is effectual when healthcare specialist speaks with the patients. However, this effectiveness of oral communication is highly dependent on the speaker and the person being addressed. For instance, in a healthcare facility, the nurses should consider whom they are speaking to; speaking to an elderly patient may require that the nurse speaks slowly and calmly in a way that the patient can quickly grasp the information being disseminated. Notably, the majority of people have limited knowledge of medical terminologies. This rationalizes the reason why some of the terms should be broken down and spoken slowly so that the patient comprehends the messages of the nurse. The nurse communicates with the doctors and fellow workers verbally. For instance, there can be the need to conduct blood work, testing as well as prescribe and administer drugs on the patient.
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Additionally, verbal communication is worthwhile in comforting the patients. Oral communication is also used in submitting reports to their supervisors. During a shift, the nurses need to speak eloquently, evaluate, and plan for a patient's care to the other nurse who will be taking charge of the patient.
Written Communication
The results of tests conducted on patients are submitted in written format. The reports are prepared in writings and sent to the relevant authorities in a healthcare facility. These aspects call for written communication in nursing practices. Written communication is the passing of information and messages in written formats (“10 Essential Nurse Communication Skills | NurseChoice.”, 2020). Not only is written communication important for nurse-to-nurse communication but also in disseminating information from the nurses to the patients. Usually, written communication is succeeded through the charting of patient care and in preparing records.
For this reason, the nurses must ensure the records are accurate and well kept for proper tracking. The rationale behind keeping correct records is that they enhance appropriate care and treatment management irrespective of the healthcare personnel in duty ( Raut , 2017). Proper record-keeping also ensures that accurate records are readily available for use as evidence in case complaints arise from the patients about the type of healthcare applied to them. Therefore, it is plausible to remark that nurses must ensure all relevant information is accurately documented and all events bare date and place they happened. Writing should also be legible and clear with significant facts. Well written records can depict a vivid image of the condition described and can be permanent for legal defenses.
Non-verbal Communication
Non-verbal communication is significant if verbal communication is unclear. Ideally, body language compliments non-verbal communication. This type of communication describes the way a person listens, looks, moves, or reacts when they are conversing with another person. Feasibly, this type of communication can seem strong than it can be thought to be. The voice, tone, facial expressions, and body movements play a significant role in passing messages in healthcare, especially from the patients to the nurses. This communication can be accompanied with or without words. When accompanied by words, non-verbal communication reinforces the messages passed through oral communication. For instance, a nurse approaching a patient or the patient's family members with a smiling face, looking relaxed and comfortable, maybe implying that everything is right, and there is no need to worry.
Conversely, nursing approaching the patient and family members with a sour look on their face, somber mood, smug tone, and the arms crossed will be likely to imply that things are out of hand or is not willing to help. The attitude and appearance of nurses have a serious implication on what will be interpreted by others. Therefore, a nurse should be wearing professional attire and embrace useful facial expressions so that even the patients can have the assurance that they are being given proper healthcare, and everything will get well.
Active Listening
This is a type of communication that requires the full concentration of each party on what is being said as opposed to passive listening. Active listening requires the communicating parties to engage their ears and pay attention to the tonal voice, facial expressions, and body language used by the other communicating person. This can be substantiated by a case where patients enduring agony is trying to express themselves. It is pragmatic that the patient’s pain will be visible in the patient's tone, voice, body language, and facial expressions. Also, the nurse may not be convinced if the patient claims to be feeling pain by the patient’s tone of voice, facial expressions, and body language does not seem to depict what they are claiming. In addition to these, active listening is vital to a patient because it makes the patient feel to be cared for and that the nurse cares about what they are going through. Some of the ways that can enable a nurse or a patient to know that the other person is actively listening to them include nodding while conversing, making eye contact, and realistic interruptions. Repeating after what the patient or nurse speaks in a sentence not only implies that the other person is actively listening but also promotes understanding while communicating.
Inspired Trust
Singh (2017) documents that nursing is one of the professions that requires a high level of trustworthiness. Inspired trust describes the aspect of obtaining an individual’s trust. Nursing being a profession that requires imperative honesty; the nurses need to establish relationships with patients that defined by confidentiality and privacy. When patients are assured that the nurses will let the information shared to them remain confidential, then the patient undeniably remains willing to share more valuable information. The patient will also believe that the confidential information provided will suffice in helping the nurses administer proper patient care. The nurses should keep their words and commitments to the patient they are attending. Honesty and trustworthiness promote a positive working environment in a healthcare setting.
Conclusion
In conclusion, it is no doubt that there are several types of communication in nursing practice. Most of these styles are intertwined and employed simultaneously in clinical settings. Strengthening communication skills provides optimal healthcare, mitigates errors, and ensures good and health outcomes of patient care. Nurses ought to be aware of the effective use of communication of each of the communication styles so that they implement them in healthcare.
References
“ 10 Essential Nurse Communication Skills | NurseChoice.” (2020). 10 Essential Nurse Communication Skills | NurseChoice . Nursechoice.com. Retrieved from https://www.nursechoice.com/traveler-resources/10-essential-nurse-communication-skills-for-success/.
Raut, G. (2017). Written communication: First Steps. Retrieved from https://rcni.com/hosted-content/rcn/first-steps/written-communication
Singh , M. ( 2017 ). Why is Trust Important in Nursing ? Retrieved from https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/why-trust-important-nursing-meera-singh
