Effective Communication For Nursing & How To Improve It

Effective communication is essential for any healthcare worker, but especially for nurses. In addition to clinical skills and medical knowledge, registered nurses must be able to communicate clearly with physicians, other nurses and healthcare providers, patients, and their families, while managing the stresses and demands of a hospital or clinic setting. When your California medical recruiting agency sends nurses to a facility, one of their most important criteria will be exceptional communication skills.

Best Methods To Engage & Retain Healthcare Workers Successfully

What Does Effective Communication In Healthcare Looks?

In order for communication to be effective, the message must be delivered successfully, received, and fully understood by the receiver. In emergency and critical care environments, it’s imperative that nurses communicate with their colleagues in a way that ensures all details are preserved. Additionally, the nuances and compassion behind medical communication must be understood, especially by patients and their families.

Some of the most common barriers that contribute to poor communication include physical, social, psychological, or emotional barriers. This includes factors such as loud noises and excessive busyness; differences in language, religion, culture, age, and customs; as well as differing opinions, attitudes, and cognitive status between the nurse, their patient, and the family.

A nurse from your Colorado nurse recruiting agency with effective communication skills will be able to recognize each of these barriers, develop a plan to overcome them, and effectively work with the clinical team to provide the highest level of nursing care to all patients. 

Why Does Communication In Healthcare Matter?

Unlike any other field, collaboration is key in the healthcare industry and is vital to proper patient care. Especially in high-stress situations, communication between nurses and their patients can be misconstrued. Unfortunately, in a healthcare setting, this can mean the difference between life and death, between successful and unsuccessful treatment, and between a patient feeling encouraged or discouraged. Nurse communication is imperative so that messages are received accurately and on time.

Vital communication skills that nurses must master include:

  •       Verbal and non-verbal communication
  •       Active listening skills
  •       Written communication skills
  •       Effective presentation
  •       Patient education sills
  •       Personal connections and networking
  •       Trust between the nurse and patients, their families, and other care providers
  •       Cultural awareness
  •       Compassion and respect

4 Tips to Improve Nursing Communication Skills

Since communication is clearly so crucial to successful nursing care, how can nurses work with their Las Vegas nurse recruiting agency and their employers to improve their communication skills? Consider these four helpful tips:

1. Consider Your Body Language When Talking To Patients

In many situations, the physical cues you provide while speaking matter just as much – or more – than the words you use. The way that you position your body will affect the way you are perceived by families and patients, either positively or negatively. Eye contact is crucial to show your interest, compassion, and confidence as you communicate.

2. Expand Your Active Listening Skills

Paying attention and focusing during rounds is fairly easy, but active listening techniques will help improve your working relationship with families, patients, and other healthcare professionals. Active listening includes repeated key points back to the speaker, asking questions, and reflecting on the meaning of what is being shared with you. This is one of the most engaging forms of listening and is a crucial skill for nurses to develop.

3. Develop Patience For Patients & Your Healthcare Staff Teammates

When it’s the end of a long shift, a patient has been especially challenging, or you are feeling overwhelmed with something personal, it’s easy to feel irritated or frazzled by others. Develop the skill of patience, take time for self care, and step back from the situation. Even a deep breath and a moment of silence can be tremendously helpful when things feel like too much to handle. Gaining a fresh perspective on a situation will greatly enhance your communication skills.

4. Stay Positive To Improve Your Communication Skills

Keeping your communication positive will greatly increase your effectiveness as a nurse. Although it’s important to be honest and accurate, remaining positive will foster improved communication with your patients as you discuss treatments, provide care, and perform clinical tasks. Additionally, your coworkers will enjoy working with you and you will probably enjoy your job more when you focus on the positive.

Healthcare Communication Is Key

As they seek qualified healthcare employees, your California medical staffing agency will be sure to examine a candidate’s communication skills because it remains a vital tool in high-stress work environments. Effective communication will enable to you to improve your patient care skills and elevate your work life. There’s always room to grow, improve, and develop new skills that will benefit the people around you.

Is Your Facility Ready For Nursing Talent?

Whether you are seeking travel nurses, locum tenens, or permanent staffing, One Stop Recruiting is ready to provide solutions! Our extensive interview process enables us to provide a 90-day guarantee on all new placements while you benefit from experienced, qualified, and skilled healthcare professionals. Contact our team today to get started with medical staff recruiting at your facility!

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Office: 323-431-5787
8743 E Pecos Rd #127, Mesa, AZ 85212
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