In nursing, communication skills are essential for keeping patients safe. For example, a 2023 report published in BMC Health Services Research showed how interpersonal communication can improve health outcomes, especially when dealing with older adult patients.
Many nurses have strong communication skills. But even the most gifted communicators can benefit from continuous improvement. Nurses who are seeking opportunities to grow in their careers may enroll in nursing programs that teach effective communication techniques that can help optimize patient care.
Why Is Communication Important in Nursing?
Healthcare organizations that prioritize robust nurse-patient communication also tend to record higher levels of patient satisfaction. Conversely, poor communication in healthcare can lead to inadequate care, faulty treatment plans, and poor patient outcomes. This can cause frustration, anger, and burnout on the part of nurses, and sometimes even cause them to leave the profession.
A study published in the journal Patient Education and Counseling highlights how effective communication — including verbal and nonverbal communication, active listening, and conflict resolution — has a significant impact on quality of care and patient outcomes. These skills are crucial for fostering trust and delivering patient-centered care, promoting teamwork, and educating patients.
Communication Skills in Nursing
Medical care teams that communicate proactively are better prepared to prevent injuries, treat illnesses, and educate patients and their families. When nurses, doctors, and staff regularly share information about patients’ backgrounds and conditions within their teams, nurses are equipped to build rapport, instill trust, and facilitate an open dialogue with patients. Ultimately, these benefits can lead to improved patient assessments, reduced errors, and better adherence to medical instructions..
The following are examples of key communication skills in nursing.
1. Verbal Communication
Because they spend a significant portion of their day engaging with patients and healthcare colleagues, nurses must have the verbal skills to communicate clearly and professionally. This helps ensure that nurses will accurately convey important information about injuries, illnesses, and treatment options to patients and doctors.
2. Nonverbal Communication
Nurses also use their body language when talking to patients. Nonverbal communication cues should signal that nurses are calm and confident, which helps patients feel better. Examples of these nonverbal skills include nodding, making eye contact with the patient, and having a relaxed facial expression. It is important to present a welcoming, open demeanor and avoid physical cues that patients could perceive negatively, such as crossed arms. Nurses can also help patients feel at ease by giving them enough personal space.
3. Active Listening
Lack of support can deter patients from seeking medical help or following recommended treatments. To encourage patients to share their views and feel supported, nurses should express respect and empathy by applying their active listening skills. A nurse who practices active listening demonstrates that they are paying attention to what their patient is saying, makes an effort to understand their needs and concerns, and asks thoughtful follow-up questions.
4. Compassion
When patients and their families are faced with difficult situations — such as a serious illness, a medical crisis, or end-of-life care — they often experience a range of emotions like grief, confusion, and fear. Compassion is a fundamental skill that allows nurses to also address the emotional and psychological well-being of patients and families during challenging times.
5. Cultural Awareness
Effective communication also means being sensitive to cultural differences. Hospitals often provide language services. Beyond language, however, being sensitive to cultural norms and distinctions allows nurses to appreciate and understand how culture can influence the impact of healthcare and its delivery.
6. Patient Education
Engaging with patients' families through informative discussions about discharge, medications, follow-up, and home healthcare is essential. Doing so helps patients understand how to stay safe and continue healing in their homes. When patients and their families are well informed and prepared, they are more likely to adhere to treatment plans, manage their conditions effectively, and avoid complications, ultimately contributing to improved health outcomes and a higher quality of life.
Benefits of Earning a Nursing Degree
Strong communication skills are just one aspect of a successful nursing career. Earning a nursing degree offers a wide range of benefits that can enhance professional growth and prepare nurses to make an impact in the healthcare sector.
Nursing degree programs may provide opportunities for nurses to:
Pursue career advancement and professional development
Specialize in areas such as surgical nursing, pediatrics, geriatrics, oncology, or diabetes management
Develop skills that can translate to managerial or advanced clinical roles
Work in diverse healthcare settings, including positions in schools and outpatient centers, as well as non-clinical roles in education and administration
Stay up to date with ongoing changes in the field, including emerging technologies and new clinical nursing skills
Enhance Your Nursing Communication Skills
Effective communication is critical to the success of nursing teams, driving improvements in collaboration, patient satisfaction, and health outcomes. With demand for nurses rising due to an aging U.S. population and other factors, this field offers a diverse range of opportunities in various clinical settings.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employment of nurses is projected to grow 6% from 2022 to 2032, exceeding the average growth of the U.S. job market as a whole during that period.
Fortis can help students who are looking to develop lifelong skills and contribute to patient-centered care in the field of nursing. Fortis nursing school programs include an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) program that prepares students to become registered nurses, as well as a Practical Nursing program for nurses who are looking to become licensed practical nurses (LPNs) or licensed vocational nurses (LVNs).
Learn how Fortis nursing school programs can empower you to make an impact and pursue your nursing career goals.
Recommended Readings
How Long Does It Take to Become a Nurse?
LPN vs. RN: What’s the Difference?
How to Become a Pediatric Nurse
Sources:
Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, “Nursing and Patient Safety”
American Association of Critical-Care Nurses, “Skilled Communication”
AMN Healthcare, “10 Essential Nurse Communication Skills”
BMC Health Services Research, “Quality Communication Can Improve Patient-centered Health Outcomes Among Older Patients: A Rapid Review”
Dovetail, “What Is Effective Communication In Nursing?”
HIPAA Journal, “Effects of Poor Communication in Healthcare”
Indeed, “Communication Skills in Nursing: Definition and Examples”
Keona Health, “Nursing: Why Brilliant Communication Skills Are Crucial For Care”
Patient Education and Counseling, “The Aspects of Healthcare Quality That Are Important to Health Professionals and Patients: A Qualitative Study”
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Registered Nurses