Effective Communication Tips For Nurses

On an average day, Nurses interact with many patients, their families and friends, and exchange information with numerous healthcare staff. It is critical to be a good communicator because medical errors will occur if providers aren’t all on the same page about patients’ diagnoses, treatment plans, etc.
Some effective communication skills every Nurse should possess:
VERBAL
Verbal communication is one of the most important skills in Nursing. The goal is to always speak clearly, in a professional tone, and with honesty. Be aware of your patient’s level of health literacy and avoid complex medical jargon. Vocally make sure everyone on the medical staff is on the same page about any vital patient information.
NON-VERBAL
Patient’s pick up on body language and nonverbal cues just as much as verbal language. According to Indeed, some examples of nonverbal communication skills include:
- Maintaining eye contact when speaking or listening to someone
- Having a relaxed facial expression
- Smiling
- Nodding
- Keeping arms uncrossed
- Crouching when interacting with a bedridden patient
- Respecting the patient’s personal space
CULTURAL AWARENESS
Nurses care for patients from all different backgrounds and cultures. It is important to be sensitive to the needs of each individual. For example, when working with a deaf patient or someone who speaks a language you aren’t fluent in, bring in a translator if necessary. Or if someone has a preferred name or pronoun, you should respect them and refer to them by what they prefer.
WRITTEN
We understand how incredibly busy you are every minute of your shift. Transitioning patient information to the next caregiver is critical and you must be as clear and concise as possible. This includes creating and updating your patient’s medical record and whiteboard.
Try to jot down notes as soon after meeting with your patient as possible so you don’t forget anything and write clearly so others don’t get confused. Notebooks and charting books are great tools for every shift. You can write down any concerns or important information about patients and discuss them later on with other team members.
ACTIVE LISTENING
Active listening means you are listening to understand the other person’s experience and empathize with their situation. This requires your ultimate attention and engagement. Some active listening techniques include:
- Nodding your head, but never interrupting.
- Leaning forward and maintaining eye contact to let the patient know you’re engaged.
- Include minimal verbal encouragement, such as “I understand,” and “go on.”
- Repeating back to them their main point or concern
COMPASSION
Compassionate communication is the ability to exchange your thoughts and ideas with someone, while being empathetic to their suffering and anxiety. Put yourself in their shoes and create a judgment free space for them.
You can demonstrate compassion by using the parroting response which is repeating back what the patient said, but be careful not to overuse this technique because it will inhibit the patient from saying more. It’s also important to validate the patient’s feelings with a response of understanding or sympathy.
As you know, Nursing is challenging, but incredibly rewarding as well. Effective communication skills improves your patient’s well-being and puts you and your healthcare team on the same page
Article shared from DiversityNursing.com blog. For more information on the website visit DiversityNursing.com
Nurses Nurture Their Emotional Health
Article Shared from TravelNursing.com By Jennifer Larson, contributor “How are you feeling?” If the truthful answer to this question is something along the lines of…
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn
Why BSNs are Important
Article shared from TravelNursing.com Cost vs. reward still a factor for BSN-prepared nurses By Debra Wood, RN, contributor When the Institute of Medicine (IOM) released…
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn
8 Fast-growing Travel Nurse Specialties
This article is sourced from TravelNursing.com. With a nursing shortage compounded by the COVID-19 pandemic, which has driven thousands of nurses from the bedside, many…
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn
Congratulations Sumner College Graduate – Prolyn
PROLYN’S STORY “Prior to enrolling at Sumner College’s Medical Assisting program, I was a psychology student who was extremely interested in medicine. I wanted to…
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn
Congratulations Sumner College Graduate – Alora
ALORA’S STORY “Prior to enrolling at Sumner College, I was working as an EMT and a CNA. I really loved the work I was doing,…
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn
Congratulations Sumner College Graduate – Tina
TINA’S STORY “I had been working in real estate for 20 years when I decided to take my excellent, customer service skills into the medical…
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn
Congratulations Sumner College Graduate – Caroline
CAROLINE’S STORY “I originally began my healthcare career working as a CNA/Medication Technician. I really enjoy helping others, especially the elderly. I wanted to expand…
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn
Pursuing a career as an RN?
How to Become a Registered Nurse Registered nurses must be able to effectively communicate with patients to understand their concerns and assess their health conditions.…
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn
Next Generation NCLEX-RN
With new changes to the NCLEX going into effect in April, it is imperative students and educators are prepared as the nursing shortage continues to…
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn
Congratulations Sumner College Graduate – Ryan
RYAN’S STORY “I started out working as a personal trainer but knew becoming a nurse was my ultimate goal. Helping people has always been the…
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn
Congratulations Sumner College Graduate – Julianne
JULIANNE’S STORY “Previously, I was working as a CNA at an adult family home. I wanted to increase my skill set and employment opportunities, so…
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn
Congratulations Sumner College Graduate – Sydnee
SYDNEE’S STORY “Before apply to Sumner College’s ADN program, I had completed their LPN program and was working at an assisted living facility. I’ve wanted…
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn
Congratulations Sumner College Graduate – Gloria
GLORIA’S STORY “Before attending Sumner College’s Medical Assisting program, I was employed as a Clinical Specialist for VeiMed Healthcare. Since I can remember, I have…
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn
Congratulations Sumner College Graduate – Lowell
LOWELL’S STORY “Before applying to Sumner College, I was working in Residential Construction. I really like to help people. I chose Sumner College because of…
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn
Congratulations Sumner College Graduate – Camila
CAMILA’S STORY "Before applying to Sumner College’s ADN program, I was working as a Medical Assistant at The Vancouver Clinic. I really wanted to expand…
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn
Sumner College’s NEW Bachelor of Science Degree in Nursing
PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — Sumner College has launched its new Bachelor of Science in Nursing program — featuring a Clinical Simulation Lab and a new…
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn
January Student of the Month: Hamza Bagala, LPN
Hamza was selected by Sumner College faculty and staff for the January Student of the Month. Some of the reasons was was selected include: "Hamza…
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn
2023 Top Paying Nursing Jobs
Article Shared from DiversityNursing.com Whether you are considering a career in Nursing or are a Nurse looking to switch pathways, something to consider is salary. Many factors…
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn
Nurses Secure The Spot For Most Trusted Profession 22nd Time In A Row
Article shared from DiversityNursing.com. The Gallup polls are in and for more than two decades, Nurses have achieved the highest ethics rating from Americans. According to the findings, the…
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn
Travel Phlebotomist Jobs Growing at a rate of 17% through 2029
Content for this article is shared form AMN Healthcare | Club Staffing . Growth for Phlebotomy careers is much faster than the average for all…
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn
Where do Registered Nurses Work?
RN Work Environment Registered nurses work in many settings, from schools to doctors' offices. Registered nurses held about 3.1 million jobs in 2021. The largest…
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn
Presidents Day
Sumner College is closed today in honor of Presidents Day.…
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn
February 18th is Critical Care Transport Nurses Day
The Air & Surface Transport Nurses Association sponsors the annual Critical Care Transport Nurses Day which takes place on February 18th each year. This day…
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn
Bachelor of Science in Nursing | Info Sessions
Interested in learning more about the BSN program at Sumner College? Schedule a FREE BSN Info Session online at www.sumnercollege.edu. Reserve your spot today -…
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn
Bachelor of Science Degree in Nursing at Sumner College
Sumner College now offers a Bachelor of Science Degree in Nursing! The Bachelor of Science Degree in Nursing Program is the only program in Oregon…
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn
Happy Valentine’s Day from Sumner College! Gift ideas for Valentine’s Day to honor the nurses in your life
Best Valentine’s Day Gifts for Nurses Full Time Nurse's February 2nd blog has some suggested ideas for honoring the nurse in your life for Valentine's…
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn
Ambulatory Care Nursing Week is February 6-12
Ambulatory Care Nurses are critical thinkers, leaders, communicators, listeners, courageous, caregivers, and so much more. Join us to celebrate and support them! This celebration takes…
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn
What Color Tubes Are Used for Which Tests in Phlebotomy
Tube Colors And What They Mean The various tube colors phlebotomists use denote specific types of draws. The tube color refers to the color of…
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn
Registered Nursing – Occupational Outlook
The field of nursing is an occupation that has exploded in recent years and is poised for continued impressive growth. According to the Bureau of…
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn
Welcome to Sumner College – February 6th Nursing Classes Start Today!
Today we welcome the new students enrolled in Sumner College's February 6th cohorts for Registered Nursing, Practical Nursing and RN-BSN.…
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn