Communication in Nursing

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“Communication is at the heart of who we are as human beings”. (Rimal & Lapinski,
2009). As people, in our day to day lives, we always communicate with each other; whether it be speaking, touch, hand gestures, facial expressions or body language.
Just to listen to someone is the most caring act of all. Listening and attending are by far the most important aspect of being a nurse. (Burnard, 1992). One of the most fundamental rules of good nursing is excellent communication skills with patients. Communication is an act achieved either verbally or non-verbally. Verbal communication is either done face to face or on the telephone. Non-verbal communication is done through body language, hand gestures and movements; which takes up to 80% of communication. (Wadsworth, 2009). If you are unable to communicate in a good manner with a patient this could damage the relationship between the two and result in the patient unable to have a level of trust with the nurse. The purpose of this essay is to explore the importance good communication skills has within the nursing profession. Without this the correct level of care needed for the patient may not be followed properly. Improving on communication is always vital. This essay will also highlight why communication is important and the impact it has on nursing care. By deciding to compare communication skills within the adult field to the child field this essay will be looking at similarities and differences between the two.
During treatment, patients interact more with nurses than any other health care professional in the health care setting. (Cacolice-Hildebrand, 2008). Nurses communicate using a whole range of communication skills, this is vital because nursing/patient care and patient safety are what comes first when looking after a patient. Simple things such as answering questions and reassuring the patient can

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