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
Benefits of Going to College
Education or training beyond high school is important. A college degree gives you more opportunities and a better life. "The purpose of college is not…
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn
Going Back to School to be a Registered Nurse
Want to change careers? See how becoming a registered nurse offers a relatively quick option for professionals to jumpstart a new, fulfilling career. In 2019,…
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn
College Prep for High School Seniors
Parents - Are you staying on top of your high school senior student with important dates and tasks as they explore their next adventure after…
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn
October Info Sessions Now Available – Enrolling for January 2024
Sumner College is accepting applications for BSN, LPN and RNBSN classes. If you want to jump-start your #career in nursing, register to attend one of…
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn
Tips to Stay Health in Nursing School
The key components to staying healthy during your nursing education and going forward are to minimize stress, a proper nutritional daily intake, and an active…
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn
Sumner College Student of the Month: July 2023
Congratulations to ADN student, Kindra, for being awarded the Student of the Month for July 2023. Kindra was introduced to the nursing profession through their…
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn
Sumner College Student of the Month: June 2023
Congratulations to PN student, Evan, for being awarded the Student of the Month for June 2023. Evan embarked on his nursing journey after hearing glowing…
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn
Sumner College Student of the Month: May 2023
Congratulations to ADN student, Jerald for being awarded the Student of the Month for May 2023. Jerald is a dedicated Sumner College student on a…
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn
Nursing and Care Staff Working in a Heatwave
During a heatwave, it is important we keep both staff and patients safe. It doesn’t matter if you work in a hospital, GP surgery, clinic,…
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn
Happy Labor Day!
Happy Labor Day! Here's to all the hard-working individuals who make our lives a little bit easier every day. Let's celebrate with some rest, relaxation,…
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn
Attention all nurses!
Attention all nurses! Continuing education is vital in expanding your skillset and staying one step ahead of the competition. Investing in further education brings many…
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn
New September Info Sessions – Registration Required
Are you looking to jump-start your #career in nursing? How about exploring Sumner College's BSN program? Aspiring nurses, join us for an information session in…
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn
School Nurse International Organization
School Nurses International provides a forum for nurses around the world working with school children to come together in a stimulating intellectual and happy environment…
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn
SNOW – School Nurse Organization of Washington
School Nurse Organization of Washington (SNOW) is a non-profit professional organization started in 1956. Mission Statement SNOW supports school nurses in the delivery of health…
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn
Oregon School Nurses Association
The Oregon School Nurses Association (OSNA) advocates for the health and success of all children through equitable access to school nursing services. OSNA is the only state association…
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn
Back to School Tool-Kit – School Nurses
Welcome to the 2022-2023 school year! Whether you are seasoned school nurse or in your first year on the job, NASN’s back-to-school toolkit highlights the…
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn
Nursing Scholarships
Trying to figure out how to pay for nursing school? If your desire is to earn your BSN there could be a nursing scholarship, grant,…
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn
Start a new career journey – Attend a BSN Info Session and learn more about the Sumner College’s BSN Program
Have you been considering going to nursing school? Learn more about the new BSN program offered at Sumner College by attending one of the August…
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn
#Hiring
#Hiring at Sumner College! We are recruiting for a few great candidates to join our team at the Portland, Oregon Campus. The following positions are…
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn
Classes Start Every Month – Phlebotomy – Mesa, AZ
Get ready to embark on a rewarding career in the medical field with Sumner's Phlebotomy Technician Program! Designed with convenience and quality in mind, our…
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn
The Importance of Phlebotomy to Medicine – New classes starting every month
Phlebotomists are skilled medical specialists who study in drawing blood after patients, typically for medicinal testing. Meanwhile, blood tests can offer data concerning a patient’s…
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn
Practical Nursing – Get Started Today
Passionate about healthcare and eager to make a difference? Sumner College's Practical Nursing Program can pave your way to a rewarding career as a Licensed…
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn
BSN Classes Enroll Now
Sumner is committed to helping aspiring healthcare professionals realize their dreams. We're thrilled to announce that enrollment is open for our Bachelor of Science in…
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn
New Career – New YOU
Start a healthcare career when you graduate from Sumner's 8-week Phlebotomy Technician Program. Our program will prepare you for opportunities to work in hospitals, long-term…
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn
How to Become A Pediatric Nurse
This article is shared from Forbes. If you remember the scraped knees and splinters from childhood, you might also recall reluctant trips to the doctor’s…
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn
Phlebotomy – Mesa
Looking for a comprehensive, flexible, and personal phlebotomy training program? Look no further than Sumner! We are proud to announce that enrollment is open for…
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn
Nursing Classes Start Today!
Welcome to Sumner College. New BSN, PN and RN to BSN students start classes today. Congratulations on embarking on your healthcare career journey.…
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn
The Vital Role of Phlebotomy in Medicine
Phlebotomy, or taking blood specimens, has been a part of medical care for centuries. Because drawing and handling blood samples are very crucial and strictly…
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn
Veterans Benefits – Thank you for your service!
Sumner College | VETERANS BENEFITS Thank you for your service to our country. We are honored to help you continue your education and provide the…
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn
Happy 4th of July – Enjoy your day
Sumner College Campus is closed today, to celebrate the 4th of July.…
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn