What is communication in nursing ? Communication in nursing is not only the transferring of information from the patient and their relatives to the healthcare staff that are caring for them, it is also a way of making patients feel that they are important and involved in their own care. In doing this we are empowering the patients to have a say in their treatment. We need to pass on information efficiently to ensure that it is correct for that patient as an individual and that their views are heard and addressed. We need to gain the trust of the public so that they know that any communication between us will be passed on correctly. Within nursing we constantly use communication between the nurse the patient their families and the nurses co- workers (Anderson 2010). What is communication in nursing ? Communication in nursing is not only the transferring of information from the patient and their relatives to the healthcare staff that are caring for them, it is also a way of making patients feel that they are important and involved in their own care. In doing this we are empowering the patients to have a say in their treatment. We need to pass on information efficiently to ensure that it is correct for that patient as an individual and that their views are heard and addressed. We need to gain the trust of the public so that they know that any communication between us will be passed on correctly. Within nursing we constantly use communication between the nurse the patient their families and the nurses co- workers (Anderson 2010). What do we see ? Anger First impression’s Learn to look beyond Education As a healthcare support worker (HCSW) just like any other healthcare worker education is important, in order that you can perform your duties responsibly and to the best of your ability. The course that I have almost completed titled Certificate in Higher Education in Healthcare Nursing Support Worker Education has enhanced my clinical practice. While working through the modules I found that my confidence has grown enabling me to approach patients on noticing that they don’t seem comfortable in the hospital setting. Rage Nasty Rude Old Lady FeebleDithery Weak Talk to patients Get to know them What are they all about Conclusion I would like to end by saying that although communication is a small part of caring for the patient it is a very important part. If patients feel that they are being talked at and not to, talked about and not with, it can leave them feeling very dissatisfied. It doesn't even have to mean that staff are rude, just that they feel they are being ignored. Take time to reflect on how you yourself may feel in the same situation. Whether you are a registered nurse or a healthcare support worker it is easy to become complacent and over look the sometimes smallest things that really matter to a patient. I hope that this poster will draw your attention to communication and either make you want to learn more, or refresh your memory in what you all ready know. Or is this person anxious, upset, in pain? People are not born old they have a life time of history. What a difference you can make by taking time to communicate. Listen to what they have to say References Anderson, L., Nurse together. Communication in Nursing. Available at nursing.aspx.[Accessed 12 th April 2011]. nursing.aspx.[Accessed Brett, S and Brett, C., 2001 Health Care Assistants Programme. Non verbal Communication. Hants: Radcliffe Medical Press LTD. Sheldon, L,K., School of Nursing & Midwifery Clinical Communication. Why is good communication important? Available at [Accessed 12 th April 2011]. Welsh Assembly Government, Fundamentals of Care: Cardiff : WAG. Available at [Accessed 22nd March 2011]. Welsh Assembly Government, Code of Conduct for Healthcare Support Workers in Wales. [Accessed 3rd May 2011]. Is communication important ? Communication is an important part of being a healthcare support worker, as we are very often the first port of contact for patients attending the out patients department. Patients can feel vulnerable in a clinical setting that they are unfamiliar with. This can lead to the individual showing signs of behaviour that they wouldn’t show under normal circumstances. Good communication skills can strengthen nursing care, with patients being able to share their worries and stories with the nursing staff (Sheldon 2004). Communication is important to offer a good service to the public. Complaints about health and social care have commented on failures in misunderstandings, inadequate information or failures in communication (Welsh Assembly Government 2003). Is communication important ? Communication is an important part of being a healthcare support worker, as we are very often the first port of contact for patients attending the out patients department. Patients can feel vulnerable in a clinical setting that they are unfamiliar with. This can lead to the individual showing signs of behaviour that they wouldn’t show under normal circumstances. Good communication skills can strengthen nursing care, with patients being able to share their worries and stories with the nursing staff (Sheldon 2004). Communication is important to offer a good service to the public. Complaints about health and social care have commented on failures in misunderstandings, inadequate information or failures in communication (Welsh Assembly Government 2003). How can we communicate? Communication is not only by verbal conversation, we can also use gestures, body language and our physical appearance. When we meet a patient for the first time just a smile can be a form of communication that will suggest that you are a friendly face. Eye contact should be made if a patient tries to gain your attention. A gentle touch to a person that may need it, just at that moment can be a form of communication in the way of offering support. A professional dress code will instil confidence in a patient so that they are able to identify who you are, this way patients and their relatives will know who to communicate with. Being able to read a situation and recognise what a patient is really feeling is a great advantage when communicating with them (Brett and Brett 2001). How can we communicate? Communication is not only by verbal conversation, we can also use gestures, body language and our physical appearance. When we meet a patient for the first time just a smile can be a form of communication that will suggest that you are a friendly face. Eye contact should be made if a patient tries to gain your attention. A gentle touch to a person that may need it, just at that moment can be a form of communication in the way of offering support. A professional dress code will instil confidence in a patient so that they are able to identify who you are, this way patients and their relatives will know who to communicate with. Being able to read a situation and recognise what a patient is really feeling is a great advantage when communicating with them (Brett and Brett 2001). I believe that as a healthcare support worker the public will expect a good level of knowledge, care and support. When dealing with patients, carers and colleagues you must ensure that you work within the limits of your role where communication is concerned (Welsh Assembly Government 2011). Through developing a better insight into communication this has enabled me to deliver better support to patients and the healthcare team within my clinical environment