THE PROFESSIONAL COMMUNICATION IN NURSING

Running head: PROFESSIONAL COMMUNICATION IN NURSING 1
Professional Communication in Nursing
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Institutional Affiliation

PROFESSIONAL COMMUNICATION IN NURSING 2
Introduction
Effective communication is an indispensable component of nursing practice.
Communication helps nurses in the development of therapeutic nurse-patient relationships. A
case scenario of George Pham, 73-year-old male who visits a general practitioners office for
health assessment helps to demonstrate a real-life scenario of the importance of effective
communication in nursing practice. The patient has a stressful and active lifestyle and wants
support to change his lifestyles and eating habits to improve his health outcomes.
Verbal and Non-Verbal Communication Skills
Verbal and non-verbal communication are essential when dealing with George. The
nurse needs to communicate effectively with George Pham so as to understand the health
problems and develop a suitable care plan that aligns with the available needs and resources.
The nurses should conduct their roles of understanding and helping their patients by
demonstrating courtesy, sincerity and kindness. They should also devote adequate time to
communicate with their patients while demonstrating high levels of confidentiality.
Communication in clinical setting also involves other persons surrounding the sick person
including the caregivers and families. Therefore, providing adequate attention and using
appropriate language in the communication should focus on ensuring that all the involved
parties understand the message a nurse is passing (Kourkouta, & Papathanasiou, 2014).
According to Levett-Jones (2020) patient safe communication focuses on the prevention of
adverse effects and supporting patients to achieve optimal health outcomes. Safe
communication with the patients helps nurses to obtain and share accurate information
interpretations. They also facilitate nurses to establish collaborative communication with the
patients and other healthcare professionals with the aim of improving quality and safety in
patient care.

PROFESSIONAL COMMUNICATION IN NURSING 3
Pham is an old man, and has a lot of needs to meet, both for him selves and his
families. At an old age, Pham needs to balance his activities and change his lifestyle to reduce
deterioration of his health outcomes. Therapeutic communication involves the patient
conveying his fears and concerns to the nurse to inform proper diagnosis. The patient then
conveys the concerns to a nurse who transmits the information in the plans for treatment,
diagnosis and rehabilitation (Kourkouta & Papathanasiou, 2014). Levett-Jones (2020)
explained that the success in all aspects of healthcare depends on how well the nurses are able
to communicate with the patients. Incomplete of misinterpreted information has the potential
of causing adverse effects on patients such as distress and harm. Unsafe communication in
healthcare settings also regarded to be a breach of the professional standards and may even
cause litigation. The nurse needs to interview Pham using verbal and non-verbal
communication skills and ensure that the patients provides all the necessary information. A
welcoming posture, kindness, respect and courtesy in the communication helps to instil
confidence and openness on George. Effective communication will also facilitate George to
provide accurate information.
Patient-Centred Care
The nurse needs to act in the best interest of George Pham, in order to achieve the
desired health outcomes. Patient-centred relationships are characterised by trust, concern, and
growth. Person-centred care is distinguished from other forms of relationships and care by
various aspects. The person-centred care is initiated for a specific purpose and with a specific
person, in this case, George Pham. Person-centred care between George and the nurse entails
sharing information equally between participants, including that patient and the nurse. The
patients, share adequate information regarding their personal health problems with the nurse.
On the other hand, the nurse provides the patient with adequate information regarding the
professional role such as treatment and care procedures and plans. Additionally, patient-