NR 351 Week 6 Professional Paper

Name

Chamberlain University

NR-351: Transitions in Professional Nursing

Prof. Name

Date

Communication

Introduction to Communication in Nursing

Communication serves as the transfer of information, emotions, and thoughts between individuals, utilizing speech or other forms of expression. Effective communication is achieved when all parties accurately comprehend the conveyed message. It is essential for nurses to ensure that their communications with patients are understood correctly. Furthermore, precise communication among healthcare professionals is crucial to minimize errors and ensure appropriate treatment (Hood, 2018).

Essential Principles of Communication in Professional Nursing

The interaction between nurses and patients is a fundamental component of healthcare. Patients must have confidence in their nurses to deliver optimal care. As Hood (2018) notes, “Communication is an essential element of helping others; mutual goals cannot be defined or achieved without effective communication.” For patients to adhere to medical recommendations, they need to grasp their health conditions clearly. Effective communication between healthcare providers and patients is vital, as nurses often serve as the link among various medical staff, ensuring that patients are well-informed about their care.

Communication Among Peers in Nursing

Additionally, collaboration among peers is critical in providing quality patient care. According to Hood (2018), “Nurses and other healthcare team members must work together to achieve the common goal of providing the best possible care for clients.” A comprehensive healthcare plan necessitates effective communication to meet all patient needs. Clear communication during provider handoffs is essential, as it involves sharing the patient’s current health status and relevant medical history. Implementing a systematic approach can significantly enhance the clarity of these communications (Robins & Dai, 2015).

Topic	Key Points
Advantages of Checklist for Handoff	Utilizing a checklist can enhance the accuracy of reports during handoff, preventing important information from being overlooked (Robins & Dai, 2015).
Importance of Systematic Approach	A systems-based method provides a clear structure for handoffs, ensuring comprehensive and concise information transfer, particularly during shift changes or post-operative care (Robins & Dai, 2015).
Reducing Medical Errors	The use of a checklist can decrease the likelihood of medical errors by offering a reliable reference for providers during patient transitions (Robins & Dai, 2015).

Conclusion

Effective communication between nurses and patients is vital for ensuring that patients are well-informed and understand their health conditions. Moreover, communication among medical staff is equally important; thorough reporting is necessary to guarantee that patients receive the high-quality care they deserve. Implementing a checklist system for handoffs can streamline the process, equipping the receiving provider with the essential information needed to deliver optimal care. This strategy helps to mitigate gaps in patient healthcare and facilitates efficient service delivery.

NR 351 Week 6 Professional Paper

References

Hood, L. J. (2018). Leddy & Pepper’s professional nursing (9th ed.). Philadelphia, PA: Wolters Kluwer Health | Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.

Robins, H., & Dai, F. (2015). Handoffs in the postoperative anesthesia care unit: Use of a checklist for transfer of care. AANA Journal, 83(4), 264-268.