NR 351 Week 6 Professional Paper

Student Name

Chamberlain University

NR-351: Transitions in Professional Nursing

Prof. Name:

Date

Communication

Introduction to Communication in Nursing

Communication in nursing encompasses the exchange of information, emotions, and thoughts using speech or other expressive forms. Effective communication ensures that all parties accurately understand the conveyed message, a cornerstone of effective nursing practice. Nurses must prioritize clear communication with patients to guarantee that their instructions and guidance are understood correctly. Similarly, precise communication among healthcare professionals is vital to minimizing errors and ensuring appropriate treatment. As Hood (2018) emphasizes, communication serves as a critical tool for ensuring optimal care delivery.

Essential Principles of Communication in Professional Nursing

Interactions between nurses and patients form the foundation of healthcare delivery. Building trust is essential for patients to feel secure in the care they receive. According to Hood (2018), “Communication is an essential element of helping others; mutual goals cannot be defined or achieved without effective communication.” For patients to follow medical recommendations, they must have a clear understanding of their health conditions. Nurses often bridge communication gaps between patients and other healthcare providers, underscoring the need for clear, precise communication to ensure that patients receive accurate information regarding their care.

Communication Among Peers in Nursing

Collaboration among healthcare peers is equally crucial for delivering high-quality patient care. Hood (2018) asserts that “Nurses and other healthcare team members must work together to achieve the common goal of providing the best possible care for clients.” A well-coordinated healthcare plan demands clear communication to address all aspects of patient care. During provider handoffs, it is essential to share critical information, such as the patient’s current health status and relevant medical history. Robins and Dai (2015) suggest that implementing a structured, systematic approach can significantly enhance the accuracy and clarity of these communications.

Table: Key Points on Communication in Nursing

Topic	Key Points	References
Advantages of Checklist for Handoff	Using a checklist enhances report accuracy during handoffs, reducing the risk of missing critical information.	Robins & Dai, 2015
Importance of Systematic Approach	A structured approach ensures clear and concise communication during patient transitions, such as shift changes or post-operative care.	Robins & Dai, 2015
Reducing Medical Errors	Checklists provide a reliable reference for healthcare providers, minimizing the likelihood of errors during patient transitions.	Robins & Dai, 2015

Conclusion

Effective communication is essential for ensuring patients are well-informed and understand their health conditions. Additionally, thorough communication among healthcare professionals is critical to delivering high-quality care. Implementing structured systems, such as checklists during handoffs, improves the accuracy and efficiency of information transfer, reducing the likelihood of errors. By addressing these communication challenges, nurses and healthcare teams can better coordinate care, enhancing patient outcomes.

References

Hood, L. J. (2018). Leddy & Pepper’s professional nursing (9th ed.). Philadelphia, PA: Wolters Kluwer Health | Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.