WHAT IS VERBAL COMMUNICATION IN NURSING?

Nurses spend lots of time caring for their patients as this is their main goal and part of what is expected of them in the nursing industry. Most part of their job entails observation and monitoring patient’s progress by checking their conditions through studying their vital signs. Nursing involves checking a patient’s temperature, his blood sugar levels, their physical well-being as this is part of their daily job description. The job, however, is not easy since it requires people with deep preparations and the right attitude for the job.

 Nursing skills are key to any job position that one is which will help them gain and learn hence acquiring upon the skills and characteristics needed to succeed on the job. There are many skills that are known to be of importance to nurses and one of the main ones is that they require to have great communication skills.

Verbal communication is necessary since nurses are always at the frontline of care duties. They are the first people that are in direct contact with the patient before even they meet the doctors. It is so because nurses always pass information either to the patient or family members which is often passed through them by the physicians and doctors. Good communication skills are important in nursing since it creates an open dialogue with patients and their families on matters regarding diagnosis, or any other concern that requires their attention.

Good verbal skills ensure that the information passed along to patients and their families is clear, accurate and honest and use the appropriate language depending on the patient’s culture, age group and even their level of understanding. It assists in the smooth operation of healthcare operations as many of them want to be addressed in a respectful manner. It is evident because some love to be addressed by their first names whereas others by their surnames.

Achieving great verbal communication, nurses shall always understand that many of the patients that are receiving care require courtesy, kindness, and sincerity plus also dedicate their time to listen what the patient communicates to them. Confidentiality is also key, as they interact with the sick and is not focused on their physical abilities but on their education and experience as well.

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Communication is defined as the exchange of thoughts, information, and feelings among people. it is a key element in nursing since it encompasses all departments in an organization for the smooth running of activities such as treatment, therapy, rehabilitation, and prevention. Good effective communication requires one to understand the patient and how they express their selves. Nurses need to convey the message received making sure that it is acceptable and understandable by the receiving party. Good communication assists patients since nurses can provide individualized care hence are better prepared and equipped if there is an anomaly or if an issue arises. However, a greater focus on this skill often leads to good progress and outcomes resulting in quality care offered.

Verbal communication helps build a rapport between the nurse and the patient hence making them become comfortable in disclosing whatever is ailing them that they may sometimes feel embarrassed to disclose.

Many nursing schools put more emphasis on communication in most of the programs they offer. Professional interpersonal communication which includes both verbal and written helps nurses prepare for life in the clinical workplace. Although the implication of verbal communication is well understood, the requirement to use clear and concise written communication is often misjudged. With the rising in technology and the use of electronic medical records, lawsuits and insurance denials, it has become increasingly vital for nurses to fully document patient encounters and treatment plans.

Non-verbal communication is also a way for effective communication since a patient’s body language, gestures, touch and even facial expressions say a lot about how the patient is feeling. It is an effective form of communication that helps in building trust and improving the welfare of the patient in the hospital or healthcare facility.