Importance of the Communication in Nursing Essay

Types of Communication

While examining the types of nursing communication in the context of the importance of specific approaches, classic concepts may be cited. In particular, Sibiya (2018) notes that there are two key types of interaction – verbal and non-verbal, and each of them has its unique goals and purposes. Verbal communication is carried out through speaking directly and exchanging words among the parties involved. Sibiya (2018) argues that this style of interaction is an important aspect of the nursing field and healthcare sector in general. Also, in addition to interpersonal professional contacts, employees can communicate with other stakeholders, for instance, patients and their relatives. Therefore, this form of interaction is significant in the considered environment.

The non-verbal mechanism is based not on speech but on body language. As Sibiya (2018) remarks, looks, gestures, emotional movements of hands, and other elements of non-verbal communication are involved in nursing, and about 60% of all interaction is carried out in this format (p. 21). In some situations, for instance, emergency cases, this type of contact is more effective than speech due to the natural ability of a person to perceive visual information more quickly.

While taking into account the specifics of the work of junior medical employees, additional communication methods may be identified based on the profile of their activities. However, the two styles considered are the most common principles of transmitting relevant information.

Communication Models

The analysis of nursing communication at a deeper level can make it possible to single out specific models that form the principles of transmission and perception of information. Sibiya (2018) cites three key interaction concepts – linear, interactive, and transactional. All these strategies are subordinate to the basic principles of communication, in particular, conveying data from one party to the other one, but the features of this transfer are distinctive.

The linear model is a classic strategy when speakers direct their messages to listeners and intend to convey certain information in the most understandable form. This principle is basic and does not have any unique features and associated conditions. The interactive model is a more complex form of interaction and involves a communication mode in which recipients of information can interpret certain data individually.

An example of communication among senior and junior nurses may be given in order to convey the meaning of such relationships in the context of advice and recommendations. Finally, the transactional model is the most complex form of interaction because, for its implementation, additional factors should be taken into account, for instance, time, place, environment, and other criteria that can affect the communication process. All the three models may be utilized in nursing and help healthcare providers understand one another successfully.

Barriers to Productive Communication

Despite clear instructions that medical employees should follow during their work, the communication process can be complicated by barriers caused by concomitant circumstances and affecting relationships. Norouzinia, Aghabarari, Shiri, Karimi, and Samami (2016) consider these aspects that make it difficult to maintain effective interaction and note several key obstacles – language, cultural, and educational. In addition, in some cases, more global factors may arise, for instance, political ones, when legal conventions affect nurses’ work (Norouzinia et al., 2016). These obstacles may occur both in verbal and non-verbal communication forms, which complicates the work to eliminate them.

These obstacles can be interconnected and create increased discomfort for employees. For instance, language barriers are characteristic of a diverse cultural environment, and accusations based on personal bias may cause conflicts in the workplace. Also, Norouzinia et al. (2016) mention the religious context and note that in some countries, nurses cannot touch colleagues or patients of the opposite sex, which creates challenges for non-verbal communication. As a result, performance indicators are reduced due to the inability to maintain a productive work environment in which each employee can count on effective interaction and support. Therefore, searching for methods to improve communication in the nursing area is one of the priority tasks in case one or more of the aforementioned barriers are identified.

Ways to Improve Communication

In order to minimize potential barriers to productive communication in nursing, it is essential for all employees to be aware of the importance of appropriate behavioral patterns. For this purpose, MacLean, Kelly