How to Communicate Well Like a Nursing Genius
The use of effective communication is essential for survival. We need communication not only to convey important information and knowledge but to relate to one another as human beings. As a nurse, communication is very vital in your day to day activities with patients. Below is a list of how to communicate well:
1. Privacy: A patient will be more comfortable if it is in a private setting and devoid of distractions. This will prevent third parties unrelated to the care of the individual from eavesdropping and subsequently promote trust.
2. Time: As a nurse, it is your duty to spend as much time as needed with the patient as needed. Each patient has his/her own way and pace to reveal their problem. …show more content…
Reflect: Learn the habit of reflecting or thinking about what the patient is saying to you. Repeat what has been said in your own words back to the person talking to you. This way, you can be corrected if you made a mistake instead of assuming you heard it right.
6. Mode of Communication: Choose the correct mode of communication depending on the type and condition of the patient. If the patient has a hearing problem, you can communicate through writing and vice versa.
7. Non-Verbal Cues: Be conscious of where your hands and arms are (crossed arms represent disinterest), neck and forehead rubbing means stress, nodding ‘yes’ represent listening etc. Remember, the most important thing in communication is hearing what isn’t said.
8. Cultural Differences: Be sensitive towards other cultures and be curious, not an expert. This will help you to learn from your patients. Every culture has different interpretation for gestures and words communicated. Always negotiate when working trans-culturally (working with people of different culture).
9. World-View: This is the way people view the world. As a nurse, having a definite world view (who you are, where you come from and where you are going) enables you to be sensitive to the world-view of your patients without judging them and being respectful of who they are and what they
The use of effective communication is essential for survival. We need communication not only to convey important information and knowledge but to relate to one another as human beings. As a nurse, communication is very vital in your day to day activities with patients. Below is a list of how to communicate well:
1. Privacy: A patient will be more comfortable if it is in a private setting and devoid of distractions. This will prevent third parties unrelated to the care of the individual from eavesdropping and subsequently promote trust.
2. Time: As a nurse, it is your duty to spend as much time as needed with the patient as needed. Each patient has his/her own way and pace to reveal their problem. …show more content…
Reflect: Learn the habit of reflecting or thinking about what the patient is saying to you. Repeat what has been said in your own words back to the person talking to you. This way, you can be corrected if you made a mistake instead of assuming you heard it right.
6. Mode of Communication: Choose the correct mode of communication depending on the type and condition of the patient. If the patient has a hearing problem, you can communicate through writing and vice versa.
7. Non-Verbal Cues: Be conscious of where your hands and arms are (crossed arms represent disinterest), neck and forehead rubbing means stress, nodding ‘yes’ represent listening etc. Remember, the most important thing in communication is hearing what isn’t said.
8. Cultural Differences: Be sensitive towards other cultures and be curious, not an expert. This will help you to learn from your patients. Every culture has different interpretation for gestures and words communicated. Always negotiate when working trans-culturally (working with people of different culture).
9. World-View: This is the way people view the world. As a nurse, having a definite world view (who you are, where you come from and where you are going) enables you to be sensitive to the world-view of your patients without judging them and being respectful of who they are and what they