Communication

Good communication skills are important in the nursing profession. Effective communication is essential in therapeutic nurse-patient relationships. Verbal and non-verbal cues include appropriate touch, respecting personal space, active listening and tone of voice. Congruence is essential between verbal and non-verbal preventing communication breakdown. Another aspect that affects communication is culture. For instance, some cultures are very touchy while others maintain personal space. I come from a culture where eye contact is considered as a challenge for authority, rude and inappropriate. I find it hard maintaining eye contact in conversations and this affects my communication with patients. It is therefore important for a Nurse to acknowledge cultural differences and incorporate them in the nursing practice.



References

College of Nurses of Ontario. (2006). Therapeutic nurse-client relationship, revised 2006. Toronto, ON. Author.