Communication in Nursing Essay

The importance of conversation is the essential foundation of treat practise it is primarily dependant upon communicatory and non- communicative talk. Encompassing both destination and behavioural aspects, efficient delivery and receiving of the nurse-patient messages initiates advantageous transactionhips, or contrarily, generates substantial repercussions if applied ineffectively, thus affecting the fibre of the nurse-patient human relationship. This set about allow discuss how effective verbal and non-verbal communication in nursing practice will facilitate a mutually satisfying therapeutic nurse-patient relationship. It will firstly discuss verbal communication, followed on by the complementary non-verbal communication and lastly audition. However, for communication to succeed properly it must be reciprocal. This carry has illustrated some examples of verbal and non-verbal communication.Verbal communication primarily entails the conscious use of the spoken word, and although accounting for still fifteen percent of all interpersonal communication, is the principal means of discourseing factual information in relations between nurse and patient (Ellis, Gates & Kentworthy, 2002). Whilst verbal communication is an imperative part of building the relationship between nurse and patient it is also just as important between nurse and colleague. A good relationship is vital to quality patient cargon, clearly both nurse and colleague defend the same agenda, to c atomic number 18 for the patient, improve and speed up recovery (Boal, Burke, & Mitchell 2004Gasparis, 2004).Boal, Burke and Mitchell (2004) believe better communication among providers can be a tremendous boon to older patients and their families thus, improved nurse-physician communication is not only if a remedy for diminished job satisfaction, it is also an elixir for improving patient care. intelligibly the use of verbal communication between the nurse and colleagues affects the relatio nships with patients, yet on that point are many factors tortuous in the way verbal communication is expressed.The effectiveness of this form of communication is however dependant upon some(prenominal) fundamental factors (Stein-Parbury, 1999). Certainly, the use of language reflecting age, gender, culture, and developmental level, is imperative in positively affecting the patients trust and pinch.For instance, the vocabulary used when communicating with a child, will no doubt differ from that of an big due to age difference and developmental stage. Similarly, when interacting with patients from different cultures, consideration of dialect and often-contrary meanings is a priority in nursing practice to avoid patient misinterpretation (Creasia, 1996).Whilst vocabulary content is of great consequence, the manner in which it is applied specifically intonation, clarity and timing can affect the nurse-patient relationship (Crisp & Taylor, 2003). To illustrate, a friendly, informal perfervid welcome in the initial communication can establish trust (Stein-Parbury, 1999). McCabe (2004) suggests that a patient relate approach is of close to importance when attending a patient. Encouraging words can give the client a sense of purpose it can encourage fundamental interaction, gives the opportunity for self expression and can establish the patients problem solving skills (Crisp & Taylor, 2003).Indeed initial verbal exchanges are critical to the insane asylum of a therapeutic nurse-patient relationship engendering sincerity, respect, empathy and catch (Crisp & Taylor, 2001). Despite the undoubted ability of verbal skills affirming the nurse-patient relationship, it is non-verbal communication which comprises the majority of interpersonal relationships in nursing practice (Arnold & Blogg, 1999).While both forms of communication are of equal significance argyle (Chambers, 1998) suggests that the non-verbal component of communion is five more times more influent ial than the verbal aspect. Bensing, Caris-Verhallen and Kerkstra, (1999) believe that there are five non-verbal behaviors found to be essential to the nursing care, eye gaze, head nodding, smiling and dead body positioning. These styles of non-verbal communication can be grouped together to form body language. Chambers (2003) also adds concern, strong-arm appearance and passive listening. Through careful consideration of those non-verbal signs, nurses are able to gain a more profound insight into the emotional needs and experiences of patients, thus encouraging additional patient probe (Stein-Parbury, 1999).Clearly these signs of non-verbal communication together with appropriate usewill endeavor to enhance the nurse-patient relationship. According to Caris-Verhallen, Kerkstra & Bensing (2002, p. 809) to express warmth and empathy the nurse need to make eye contact with the patient. However, eye contact is a special exception in non-verbal communication (Vernallen, Kerkstra & Ben sing, 2002). It can reveal some hidden and profound feelings that cannot be expressed in another manner that will serve as a role in emphatic connection (Benjamin, 2005). For instance, in western culture, looking people in the eye is assumed to debate honesty and straight forwardness, in Latin and Asian cultures it represents aggression and/or disrespect (Le Roux, 2002). Certainly in these circumstances, the importance of limiting eye contact and touch in appropriate cultures and regarding them as culturally heterogeneous ensures patient misinterpretation is avoided.Additionally the use of touch can in some cultures be a sensitive issue for example in the Muslim culture, even in an Australian hospital it is unlike for a male midwife or nurse to touch or deliver a infant of an Muslim patient (ICE, 2001). However, touch can have a very positive outcome in the healing of patients, emotionally and physically. Weiss (Bush,2002) established that touch can slow heart rate, lower the in cidence of cardiac arrest, decrease blood pressure, and reduce anxiety. Touch is often replaced by gestures and verbal responses. In spite of this, when patients are unwell or injured their feelings may be enhanced by a friendly, warm touch (Duldt 1998).Furthermore whilst touch is of great consequence, physical appearance is a powerful aspect of non-verbal communication (Bensing, Caris-Verhallen, & Kerksra, 2002). A nurse should communicate with his/her appearance that he/she is dedicated and professional. Crisp & Taylor (2001) believe it helps to establish the nurses trustworthiness and competence. If a nurses appearance is not portrayed in a professional behavior it could harm the nurse-patient relationship from the beginning. Whilst physical appearance is also of great importance listening is probably the most effective therapeutic communication (Sundeen, 1998).Listening is a non-intrusive way of sharing patients thoughts and feelings,it requires the nurses whole attention and in return the patient would recognize that the nurse is paying attention and thus will give them a feeling that they are of some significance and importance (Stein-Parbury, 1999).Accordingly, through this critical listening process, compassionate understanding of patient distress enhances their ability to confide in the nurse and further open the lines of communication (Balzer-Riley, 2004). because while listening is essential part of daily communication in nursing practice, active listening requires the ability not only to hear what the patient is saying but to reflect feeling or intent behind the words (Klagsburn, 2004).Furthermore, active listening can also encourage further interaction between nurse and patient (Stein-Parbury, 1999). For instance active listening to a new bereaved leave and responding with a simple I hear you may be all that is required to give her a sense of empathy (Stein-Parbury, 1999). Active listening does allow for patients to simplify and express their internal thought process in a period comfortable for them, though through this critical active listening process, compassionate understanding of patient distress is imperative in achieving a mutually satisfying nurse-patient relationship.While there are advocates for both verbal and non-verbal forms of communication, it appears that the two are mutually beneficial. As evidenced by Cohen, Rankin, Stuart and Sundeen (1998), the accuracy of verbal expression relies heavily on the support of its non-verbal counterpart. Indeed, as Stein-Parbury (1999) claims, this challenging practice of communication requires a significant degree of self-awareness, or, the ability to reflect inwardly at personal reactions, responses, and feelings regarding a situation, thus enhancing wisdom for the gain of circumstances.In essence, when communication involving vocal content and emotion do not correspond, they exhibit obvious inconsistencies thus calling for further inquiry to enable accurate validation of patient concerns (Duldt, 1998). For example, a patient who verbalizes an absence seizure of pain, yet displays obvious signs of discomfort through contradictory facial expressions and body language, imposes additional questioning by the nurseto gain clarification and therefore assist with appropriate care (Stein-Parbury, 1999).In Concluding, the multifaceted verbal and non-verbal styles of communication are extremely significant elements of nursing practice.This essay describes some important points and examples of different forms of communication, in particularly verbal and importantly the supportive non-verbal communication. Evidently, both verbal and non-verbal methods have inherently unique roles in nursing. However, it is when these methods are utilised in a complementary manner, that they most effectively denote empathy, trust and understanding. This essay also describes how listening is a big part of communication. Accordingly, the productive delivery and construal of bot h these communicative modes, contributes to the shaping of mutually satisfying therapeutic nurse-patient relationships, with the ultimate goal of assisting in patient recovery.ReferencesArnold, K., & Blogg, E. (2003). The interpersonal relationships (4thed.). Missouri Saunders.Balzer-Riley, J. (2004). Communication in nursing (5th ed.).MissouriMosby.Benjamin, L. (2005). Gaze, The American ledger of Psychiatry, 4, p.664.Bensing, J., Caris-Verhallen, W., & Kerksra, A. (2002). Non-verbalbehaviour in nurse-elderly patient communication. Journal ofAdvanced Nursing, 29(4), 808-818.Boal, J., Burke, M., & Mitchell, R.(2004). Communicating for bettercare meliorate nurse-physician communication. American JournalOf Nursing. (104)12, p. 40.Bush, E., (2002). The use of human touch to improve the well-being ofolder adults a holistic nursing intervention. The Journal ofHolistic Healing, 19, p.256.Chambers, S. (2003). 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