1. How Communication helps in Healthcare

2. We all choose our paths by following our passions and our desires.
Through all the stages of our lives, our self-esteem is shaped by how others communicate with us.(Wood,2010)
Andrea who states she has wanted to be a nurse since childhood. Was motivated to because her sister was a brittle diabetic. Andrea goes on to say “She was on dialysis and was dying of organ failure, it was at this point that I committed myself to going to nursing school.” (Larson, 2012)

3. Perception
Perception can be defined in many different ways, but it is most commonly defined as an active way to process meanings, people, objects and even situations and phenomena’s. (Wood, 2010)
Andrea states that perception can influence you in many ways, when talking not only doctors, but patients as well. “Most people perceive that doctors know it all, so they treat the doctors that way. But as a nurse if I think that a doctor is always right, that could possibly get me in trouble with my duties that may pertain to a patient.” (Larson, 2012)
Andrea adds “If my perception was that doctors are always right it could potentially be a life or death situation. There are some doctors who also do this. They perceive nurses to be inferior.” (Larson, 2012)

4. Interpersonal Communication
Interpersonal Communication is defined as focusing on what happens between people, not by where they are or by how many are present, We define Interpersonal Communication by the distinct interaction between people. (Wood, 2010)
KNOW YOUR AUDIENCE!
Interpersonal skills are used on a daily basis. We use these skills to speak with friends and family but we also use these skills when speaking to employers, instructors, and supervisors.
Andrea says we all have the potential to grow in those skills on a daily basis. “This can include listening, sending, non-verbal cues, and communications through our computer systems. Anything I do in my interactions with another person can affect the relationships I have with everyone not just with doctors and patients.” (Larson, 2012)
“I have to know how and when to communicate, what to communicate, and have the necessary skills for that communication. Know your audience!” (Larson, 2012)
Effective interpersonal Communication is NOT a solo performance but a relationship between people. (Wood, 2010)

5. Non-Verbal Communication
Most of us use this type of communication without even realizing it. Non-Verbal Communication can cover all aspects of communication other than words including body language, but also how we utter words. (Wood, 2010)
Andrea talks about how her body language can sometimes get her in trouble. Because she can be very emotional and her face will show something other than what she is trying to communicate. “At times this has gotten me into trouble both in my personal and professional life.” (Larson, 2012)

6. Conclusion
I know that I will always have the desire to learn more and that no matter how much knowledge I get I can always improve. I have learned that Interpersonal Communication, along with other forms of communication are vital, they will assist me in being the most professional that I can be. I’ve learned that it is important to be cautious in my non-verbal communication as well as how I perceive what I am trying to communicate or even observing
As I ended my interview with Andrea I asked her how she has resolved communication problems and what advice she would give someone who is learning about communication. This is what she had to say: “That it is important to listen to someone or help them make an appointment, you can see the stress come off of them once they understand what you are communicating and that they are getting help.” Her advice for those who are learning communication are to “Be a great listener, don’t just hear what people are saying make sure you are listening to what they are saying. Don’t interrupt people when they are talking. And always give the conversation your 100% attention.” (Larson, 2012)
What great advice. I know that I will take these things to heart when working throughout my life both in personal and professional capacity.