Select a 2nd choice campus if you are open to another or all campuses. It’s a good idea to tailor your communication strategies depending on the patient’s age, as well: Whether applying to a first-professional, campus based program or a post-professional distance program, an assigned Enrollment Advisor is available to assist you from application to acceptance. [note]Institute for Healthcare Communication. 700 Windy Point Drive For many patients, a trip to the doctor is anxiety-inducing. Understanding each patient’s cultural background can help nurses avoid prejudice and communicate clearly. In the modern caregiving environment, it is no longer acceptable … Analytical skills… Select a 2nd choice campus if you are open to another or all campuses. Active Listening. Every patient and coworker is unique, and it’s important to be aware and sensitive. Effective NP communication skills are especially critical, considering many NPs spend each day seeing patients and coordinating care. Chen CS et al., “Nurses’ Perceptions of Psychosocial Care and Barriers to Its Provision: A Qualitative Study,” Strong communication skills. Active listening includes both verbal and nonverbal communication skills. Write legibly and clearly, using simple language. As a step in promoting a culture of open communication, nurse professionals must display fortitude in reporting unsafe conditions and adverse events. Also remember to protect patient confidentiality. For nurses, good communication means approaching every patient interaction with the intention to understand the patient’s concerns, experiences, and opinions. According to the book Interpersonal Relationships: Professional Communication for Nurses by Arnold and Boggs, communication competency offers a primary means for establishing a trusting, collaborative relationship with patients and families. A report by the Joint Commission found that poor communication during patient transfers contributed to 80% of serious medical errors. A nurse practitioner uses therapeutic listening skills at all times. NPs: There’s More to Nonverbal Communication than You Think! Building trust takes time. I understand that calls may be generated using automated technology. Excellent verbal communication is key. Below, we explore 10 communication skills that are important for nurses. If you are feeling stressed out or frustrated, be aware of your tone of voice and don’t let these emotions leak into your patient interaction. To create a safe and comfortable environment, try closing doors, opening blinds, and mitigating outside noises whenever you can. Lean forward and maintain eye contact to let the person know you’re engaged. Show interest in their lives and share stories of your own. 800 S. Douglas Road Can you explain it to me in your own words?”. Complete coursework when and where you want—and earn your advanced nursing degree while keeping your work and life in balance. Simply smiling can go a long way. This includes using verbal and nonverbal communication skills, along with active listening and patient teach-back techniques. San Marcos, CA 92069, Austin, TX Campus This skill is especially important for family nurse practitioners who work with patients and families to provide health and education counseling. Select a 2nd choice campus if you are open to another or all campuses. Patient-centered relationships are critical in helping patients feel safe and comfortable. Select a 2nd choice campus if you are open to another or all campuses. Select a 2nd choice campus if you are open to another or all campuses. 1 University Boulevard Role specialties include Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP), Nurse Educator (MSN only), and Nurse Executive. This skill is important not only for clinical nurses, but also for nurse executives as a tool for building trust and commitment with their staff. Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, “Use the Teach-Back Method: Tool #5.” Last reviewed February 2015: https://www.ahrq.gov/health-literacy/quality-resources/tools/literacy-toolkit/healthlittoolkit2-tool5.html. The Joint Commission, “Joint Commission Center for Transforming Healthcare Releases Targeted Solutions Tool for Hand-Off Communications,” August 2012, Volume 32, Issue 8, 2019. Some health care organizations may still foster a culture that discourages employees from reporting negative events. It’s a good idea to: Nurses are in charge of most of the communication between the healthcare team and patients. The Master of Occupational Therapy (MOT) program is also offered in a convenient Flex format (Online + Weekend Labs on campus). The Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program is also available at our Miami, FL, Austin, TX and San Marcos, CA campuses.