An Analysis of Verbal and Nonverbal Communication in Nursing using Evidence Based Practice
David Loetterle
Simpson University
Nursing 3340
Professor Bosenko
November 19th, 2015 Communication is fundamental to Nursing. A nurse needs to be adept at using and receiving both verbal and nonverbal communication as a professional. Much of the efficacy of Nursing care comes from effective communication. This is the core of what makes communication in Nursing so important. As both verbal and nonverbal communication have their importance it is important not to rely on one more heavily than the other. “Verbal communication is the use of sounds or words to express something, while nonverbal communication is this same expression, …show more content…
What can be said to convey and express the intentions of the assessment, diagnosis, plan, interventions and evaluation is usually done in words. As these skills are originally learned through reading, as such their transference to the client can rely too heavily on words. This in turn may not be enough to convey the teaching or intervention. This is where nonverbal communication comes in. As verbal communication express the original intent, nonverbal communication, using gestures and tone, conveys a deeper meaning of what is being said, while providing much needed depth and environmental context. Nurses, “are not only responsible for delivering the message, but also for communicating the information so that the patient will understand it and follow the suggested plan of treatment” (Klein. 2005). This need for the patient to understand the information is of critical importance in healthcare. As such, nonverbal communication does a great job in conveying that understanding both consciously and …show more content…
Something is said and meant, then what was conveyed is to be understood by the patient or client for favorable outcomes. As much as it is difficult to imagine, results in treatment stem from a Nurse’s ability to communicate. “Communication consists of ten percent words, forty percent of how words are said, and fifty percent nonverbal features including body language” (Klein. 2005). This idea of how important nonverbal communication is for conveyance is not something that is always so apparent. “Listening also plays a major part in effective communication. Proper responses require engaged listening without interruption” (Klein. 2005). This is Klein’s way of describing how important the role of the listener is to effective communication. “Words” in the scenario of nursing can refer to the actual message being stated to or written down physically for the patient. This could come across in many forms from assessment questions, to passing on directives from the doctor and even during greeting and discharge. When Klein refers to “How words are said” it is about the intonation, inflection, and crafting of the sentence or question. This is the begining of having positive dialogue with a patient. Verbal expression in nursing can mean using language that is easy to understand when describing things to a patient - or even a time tested analogy. When the quote talks about “fifty percent nonverbal features including body
David Loetterle
Simpson University
Nursing 3340
Professor Bosenko
November 19th, 2015 Communication is fundamental to Nursing. A nurse needs to be adept at using and receiving both verbal and nonverbal communication as a professional. Much of the efficacy of Nursing care comes from effective communication. This is the core of what makes communication in Nursing so important. As both verbal and nonverbal communication have their importance it is important not to rely on one more heavily than the other. “Verbal communication is the use of sounds or words to express something, while nonverbal communication is this same expression, …show more content…
What can be said to convey and express the intentions of the assessment, diagnosis, plan, interventions and evaluation is usually done in words. As these skills are originally learned through reading, as such their transference to the client can rely too heavily on words. This in turn may not be enough to convey the teaching or intervention. This is where nonverbal communication comes in. As verbal communication express the original intent, nonverbal communication, using gestures and tone, conveys a deeper meaning of what is being said, while providing much needed depth and environmental context. Nurses, “are not only responsible for delivering the message, but also for communicating the information so that the patient will understand it and follow the suggested plan of treatment” (Klein. 2005). This need for the patient to understand the information is of critical importance in healthcare. As such, nonverbal communication does a great job in conveying that understanding both consciously and …show more content…
Something is said and meant, then what was conveyed is to be understood by the patient or client for favorable outcomes. As much as it is difficult to imagine, results in treatment stem from a Nurse’s ability to communicate. “Communication consists of ten percent words, forty percent of how words are said, and fifty percent nonverbal features including body language” (Klein. 2005). This idea of how important nonverbal communication is for conveyance is not something that is always so apparent. “Listening also plays a major part in effective communication. Proper responses require engaged listening without interruption” (Klein. 2005). This is Klein’s way of describing how important the role of the listener is to effective communication. “Words” in the scenario of nursing can refer to the actual message being stated to or written down physically for the patient. This could come across in many forms from assessment questions, to passing on directives from the doctor and even during greeting and discharge. When Klein refers to “How words are said” it is about the intonation, inflection, and crafting of the sentence or question. This is the begining of having positive dialogue with a patient. Verbal expression in nursing can mean using language that is easy to understand when describing things to a patient - or even a time tested analogy. When the quote talks about “fifty percent nonverbal features including body