Name
Chamberlain University
NR-222 Health & Wellness
Prof. Name
Date
The most important feature of small group communication is that it must be structured and clear. In healthcare, effective communication within small teams enhances collaboration in decision-making, reduces misunderstandings, and helps achieve goals through shared responsibility and active participation.
Nonverbal communication plays a central role in conveying messages beyond spoken words. It supports, enhances, or at times contradicts verbal communication.
Nonverbal Components in Communication
| Nonverbal Component | Example/Explanation |
|---|---|
| Eye contact | Builds trust and demonstrates attentiveness |
| Facial expressions | Reflects emotions and reactions |
| Gestures | Reinforces spoken words |
| Personal space | Respects boundaries |
| Posture and gait | Conveys confidence or discomfort |
| Physical appearance | Creates first impressions |
| Sounds | Includes sighs or tone that suggest feelings |
Effective communication serves several essential purposes in nursing. It reduces medical errors, improves patient outcomes, and enhances satisfaction. Furthermore, it fulfills ethical and legal responsibilities, while maintaining alignment with professional standards of practice.
In nursing, communication is a core element of practice. It assists in relationship-building, data collection, patient education, and the delivery of safe care. Effective communication supports patient safety, prevents mistakes, and improves client satisfaction.
A therapeutic nurse-client relationship emphasizes collaboration, respect, and adaptability. Each client has individual communication needs, and both verbal and nonverbal cues must be addressed. Privacy is especially important, particularly at the bedside.
The nursing process integrates communication into every stage of patient care.
Stages of the Nursing Process with Communication Examples
| Stage | Example |
|---|---|
| Assessment | Nurse asks about medical history (e.g., previous surgeries). |
| Diagnosis | Nurse interprets responses, such as fear of surgery. |
| Planning | Nurse sets mutual goals with the client. |
| Implementation | Nurse educates about postoperative care. |
| Evaluation | Nurse verifies understanding with follow-up questions. |
Communication in nursing occurs at different levels, each suited to specific contexts.
| Communication Level | Description |
|---|---|
| Intrapersonal (self-talk) | Internal dialogue affecting perception and behavior |
| Interpersonal (one-on-one) | Face-to-face communication; most common in nursing |
| Electronic | Secure technology-based interactions for continued care |
| Small Group | Goal-oriented teamwork interactions |
| Public | Addressing larger groups for education or professional purposes |
Effective verbal communication is based on clarity and context.
| Element | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Vocabulary | Miscommunication occurs when shared meaning is absent |
| Meaning | Words differ across culture and context |
| Pacing | Should flow naturally, not rushed |
| Intonation | Tone impacts perceived intent |
| Clarity and Brevity | Simple, concise messages are best |
| Timing and Relevance | Appropriate timing improves impact |
The nurse should use a certified interpreter to ensure accurate and ethical communication, particularly when discussing education or consent.
| Barrier Type | Examples |
|---|---|
| Emotional | Depression, anxiety, anger, confusion |
| Physical | Hearing or vision impairments, speech issues |
| Behavioral | Withdrawal, excessive talkativeness, inappropriate conduct |
Strategies for Hearing Impaired Clients
Use hearing aids or adaptive devices when needed.
Maintain eye contact and speak clearly.
Allow additional time for responses.
| Scenario | Question | Best Practice |
|---|---|---|
| Client speaks limited English and is deaf since childhood | What cues should alert the nurse? | Use sign language interpreter and assess visual needs. |
| Client nauseous and in pain before teaching | Proceed or delay teaching? | Delay until the client is comfortable. |
| Client requires teaching with daughter present | How to proceed? | Use a certified translator if required. |
| Therapeutic Techniques | Non-Therapeutic Techniques |
|---|---|
| Active listening | False reassurance |
| Clarifying, summarizing | Disapproval, arguing |
| Empathy, validation | Giving personal opinions |
| Asking relevant questions | Asking “why” questions |
| Using silence strategically | Parroting, oversharing |
| Letter | Strategy |
|---|---|
| S | Sit at an angle facing the client |
| U | Uncross arms and legs |
| R | Relaxed posture and tone |
| E | Establish eye contact |
| T | Use touch appropriately |
| Y | Trust your intuition |
| Phase | Description |
|---|---|
| Preinteraction | Nurse gathers information before meeting the client |
| Orientation | Rapport and trust are established |
| Working | Collaboration occurs to solve problems |
| Termination | The relationship concludes, and plans are made |
MI is a patient-centered technique that helps resolve ambivalence and promote behavior change. It is especially useful for clients resistant to lifestyle adjustments.
Examples of Clients Benefiting from MI
| Client Condition | Reason for MI Use |
|---|---|
| Asthma, owns a cat | Resistant to removing environmental triggers |
| Post–heart attack | Unwilling to adjust diet |
| Obese | Believes they lack time to exercise |
| Trait | Description |
|---|---|
| Autonomy | Acting independently with accountability |
| Courtesy | Showing respect through greetings and manners |
| Trustworthiness | Demonstrated through honesty and consistency |
Assertiveness and Professional Behavior Examples
| Type | Example |
|---|---|
| Assertive | “Next time, I would appreciate if you were on time.” |
| Passive | “It’s OK that you were late; I covered for you.” |
| Aggressive | “You’re always late. What’s your problem?” |
| Element | Description |
|---|---|
| Acknowledge | Greet the client respectfully |
| Introduce | State name, role, and credentials |
| Duration | Provide updates on expected timeframes |
| Explanation | Clarify next steps and answer questions |
| Thank You | Express appreciation for the client’s cooperation |
| Impairment Type | Strategy |
|---|---|
| Hearing | Face the client, reduce noise, use assistive devices |
| Vision | Provide verbal explanations and describe actions |
American Nurses Association. (2015). Code of ethics for nurses with interpretive statements. Silver Spring, MD: ANA.
Arnold, E. C., & Boggs, K. U. (2020). Interpersonal relationships: Professional communication skills for nurses (8th ed.). Elsevier.
Hargie, O. (2016). Skilled interpersonal communication: Research, theory and practice (6th ed.). Routledge.
Roll, M. (2022). Clinical communication in nursing. Oxford University Press.
