Communication in Health: Importance and Skills Employed

Running Head: COMMUNICATION IN HEALTH 1
COMMUNICATION IN HEALTH
Name
Institutional Affiliation

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Introduction
Communication is the exchange of information, thoughts, and feelings through the use of
speech or other forms amongst people. Communication process occurs in different contexts of
physical space, cultural and social values, and different psychological conditions. Effective
communication is a reflection of the knowledge of the people involved, their capabilities and the
way they think and feel (Burnard, 2017). The content of communication looks at what was said,
while the relationship focuses on how it was said. The kind of relationship depends on how the
involved parties understand the communication process (Arnold & Boggs, 2015). In nursing,
communication is a vital element in all areas of activity and its interventions (Street, 2013). The
process of nursing is scientific in exercise and its implementation and achieved through dialogue,
interpersonal environment with specific skills in communication (Northouse& Northouse, 2008).
Communication skills employed
In my interview with Ms. Edna who is a nurse, I used the skills of speaking and listening
and personal relationship skills. Active listening involves keeping communication channels open,
both verbal and non-verbal to show total engagement and focus. The relationship skill helped in
the transmission of information and also fostered the mental and emotional dynamics. Based on a
sender and recipient, the skills influence perception, attitude, content, emotional and physical
elements. The sender provides a message to the recipient who in turn processes the information
(Mick, Foley & Lin, 2014). The dyadic model highlights the importance of clarity and awareness
for the many factors that can affect verbal and nonverbal communication. As a responsible nurse
listening requires concentration, attention, and mobilization of all the senses for the perception of
verbal and nonverbal messages. I also developed a good personal relationship by asking
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questions with kindness, demonstrated interest, created feelings of acceptance and built trust and
a harmonious relationship. I also asked open questions, clarified and screened them to keep our
interview on progress. To some extent, I was summarizing and paraphrasing to keep our
communication effective.
Speaking and listening and personal relationship skills enhanced my interview with Ms.
Edna. She created some time for me, and we had a fruitful conversation which was clear and
precise despite the time barrier. I spent time listening and maintained eye contact with her even
though at some point I disagreed. My open questions also provided an understanding of her
feelings. Writing and nonverbal skills never worked. The writing skill wasn’t successful since
she never wanted her issue disclosed at some point (Atherton et al, 2012). I also disagreed with
some information she gave but never wanted to show it by use of body language.
Self- awareness concerning the Johari Window
Johari window’s self- awareness diagnostic helps people explore the qualities that make
them who they are(Jack & Smith, 2007). When I was conducting the interview, I was kind of
nervous. This is because I wasn’t sure whether it would be productive at the end. It was also
based on a personal matter which meant that Ms. Edna could conceal some information where
she felt the need to. Either I tried to be kind, soft and open to her in all matter possible. I
respected her decisions on not writing or recording any information. I was also determined to get
a good outcome of the interview and patiently waited for her to compose herself. I also had to
employ some creativity either to get the crucial information that I wanted. I’m a disciplined
person who respects the decisions of others. I’m also enthusiastic when it comes to matters of
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