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8 Communication Basics

Laura K. Garner-Jones

Photo collage of several healthcare settings with healthcare providers working and communicating.

 

Introduction: Communication and Collaboration

Communication in health care is essential. The act of communication involves the sharing of ideas and thoughts among people, and it should be clear, honest, and confidential. For healthcare providers to offer care, they require information from the patient, and effective communication is the best way to obtain that information. Patients should feel comfortable sharing medical information with their healthcare providers and never feel intimidated, fearful, or disrespected.

Strong communication skills are essential to provide safe, quality, client-centered care. Nurses develop therapeutic relationships with clients and their family members each day to ensure that healthcare concerns and needs are addressed. If communication breaks down, information exchange stops, and needs go unidentified. Nurses optimize communication channels with clients and their families by establishing trust and actively listening to their healthcare concerns and needs. Additionally, the nurse plays a vital role in ensuring that information is transferred effectively within the multidisciplinary team.

Before getting started, view the following video and reflect on the often invisible needs of those around us and the difference we can make by creating caring human connections.

 

View the video: Empathy: The Human Connection to Patient Care.

 

The following is an overview of the communication and collaboration portions of this book:

 

Chapter 8 – Communication Basics

Chapter 9 – Effective Communication

Chapter 10 – Person-Centered Communication

Chapter 11 – Difficult Conversations and Conflict Resolution

Chapter 12 – Interprofessional Communication and Collaboration

 

 

 

Chapter 8 Overview

  • Review the different forms of communication and their application to nursing
  • Identify communication styles: passive, aggressive, and assertive
  • Understand personal space and listening, and the impact on communication
  • Give examples of communication barriers

 

Introduction to Communication

Professional nursing practice requires effective communication to be maintained at a high level. Developing a trusting relationship with patients, advocating for their needs, providing patient-centered care, and ensuring the delivery of safe and high-quality care are vital reasons why effective communication is an essential skill for nurses.

According to “skilled communication” standards defined by the American Association of Critical Care Nurses (2016), nurses should be as proficient in communication skills as they are in clinical skills. Becoming proficient in communicating with others and understanding the barriers to successful interactions is a necessity for all nurses. Unless nurses view communication skills as equally important as honing clinical skills, work environment and patient outcomes are at risk.

The Scope and Standards of Practice, developed by the American Nurses Association (ANA, 2021), serves as a template for professional nursing practice for all registered nurses. Standard 10, Communication, states, “The registered nurse communicates effectively in all areas of practice.” (ANA, 2021, p. 94). The following is a summary of the competencies of the Communication standard:

    • Assesses one’s own communication skills and effectiveness.
    • Demonstrates professionalism and respect in all forms of communication.
    • Maintains communication with interprofessional team members and others to facilitate safe transitions and continuity in care delivery.
    • Assesses communication ability, health literacy, resources, and preferences of healthcare consumers to inform the interprofessional team and others.
    • Demonstrates continuous improvement of communication skills.
    • Uses communication styles and methods that demonstrate caring, respect, active listening, authenticity, and trust (ANA, 2021, pp. 94-95).

Forms of Communication

Communication is the exchange of ideas and thoughts among people, as well as the means of sending or receiving information. Communication is an interactive process whereby one person (the sender) provides another (the receiver) with information (a message). These messages can be conveyed in various ways, including verbal, nonverbal, and written (Table 8.1). These forms may be used alone or in combination; however, communication is often more effective and understood when more than one form is utilized (Mosaic Projects, 2025).

For example, when a nurse attends a verbal lecture on the latest medical equipment and has the opportunity to ask questions during the lecture, they are more likely to receive all the intended communication because more than one communication method was utilized: verbal and visual. Combining different forms of communication can make the message clearer for the receiver.

 

Table 8.1 – Forms of Communication

Type of Communication Example
Verbal Spoken Word
Non-Verbal Facial expressions and gestures
Written Text messages, emails

 

Verbal Communication

Verbal communication is defined as the use of spoken words people use to interact with each other (Rasmussen University, 2025). The term verbal communication can be defined as the production of spoken language to send to a listener. Verbal communication encompasses a range of aspects, including pitch, tone, volume, pace, clarity, pronunciation, and content. The pitch of verbal communication can be affected by the situation. For instance, a person communicating with an infant may use a higher pitch when speaking, allowing the infant to learn sound patterns and develop speech. The tone of the verbal communication can convey information to the listener. For example, an angry person may use a curt or rude tone, which can alter the way the communication is received.Verbal communication can occur face-to-face, one-on-one, in groups, over the telephone, or via video conferencing. Content is important in verbal communication, especially among healthcare providers. Healthcare providers should carefully consider their words when communicating with patients. When healthcare providers speak medical jargon to patients, much of the intended communication can be lost.  As a nurse, you will engage in verbal communication with clients, families, colleagues, and interprofessional teams.

Verbal Communication Considerations in Nursing Practice

  • Some patients have specific communication needs. For example, the patient may be a non-native speaker of the language, which can make communication difficult. Or a patient could have a clinical condition that affects their ability to communicate verbally, such as a stroke or a cleft palate. In such instances, nurses should carefully consider their communication techniques and make necessary accommodations. It is essential for nurses to assess the patient’s level of health literacy, any medical conditions that may impact communication, and other potential barriers when first providing care.

Nonverbal Communication

In addition to communicating verbally, the nurse must also be aware of messages sent by nonverbal communication. The term nonverbal communication can be defined as all forms of communication that are not spoken, including facial expressions, body language, tone of voice, posture, eye contact, gestures, and physical touch. Non-verbal communication occurs continuously, with and without verbal communication. Nonverbal communication is more powerful than verbal messages and can have a significant impact on the communication experience, accounting for up to 80% of communication (see Figure 8.1).

Nonverbal communication can be a useful strategy for conveying emotions such as empathy, compassion, and acceptance. It is often how nurses respond, rather than what they say, that leaves a lasting impression on clients; therefore, it is essential to be aware of how you communicate using non-verbal behaviors.

 

Figure 8.1 – Nonverbal Communication

 

Pie chart showing that 20% of communication is verbal and 80% is nonverbal

 

 

When a healthcare provider communicates with a patient, they should make their verbal and nonverbal communication congruent. When noncongruent messages are sent, the receiver is more likely to pay attention to the nonverbal communication than the verbal communication. Nurses should be attentive to the nonverbal communication cues and messages they convey to patients and their families. Additionally, nurses can interpret their patients’ nonverbal behaviors, such as body language, as part of the assessment process. 
    • Head nodding conveys acceptance, and healthcare providers should use this nonverbal cue when verbally agreeing with the patient.
    • Eye contact is also important for healthcare providers, especially when delivering unpleasant news or communicating in a difficult manner. If the healthcare provider maintains eye contact throughout the communication, they are more likely to be viewed as respectful and honest (Baugh et al., 2020).
    • Display an open body posture as part of active listening during patient assessment or education, or when listening to patient concerns. This technique builds trust (Benbenishty & Hannink, 2015) and fosters open, effective, and honest communication. Some behaviors that are not congruent with open body posture include crossing arms, having your hands in your pockets, or angling your body or feet away from the patient.
    • Other nonverbal techniques that nurses can employ include getting down to the patient’s level and leaning slightly forward. These techniques communicate to the patient that you care about what they are saying and that they have your full attention (Stickley, 2011).
    • SOLER is a common mnemonic used to facilitate nonverbal communication (Sit with Open posture and Lean in with good Eye contact in a Relaxed manner).

 

Non-Verbal Communication Considerations in Nursing Practice
  • Some patient conditions may rely heavily on nonverbal communication. For example, if a patient is blind, using nonverbal communication, such as touch, is an appropriate approach. The healthcare provider should exercise caution when communicating nonverbally, carefully assessing the patient’s situation (Bambaeeroo & Shokrpourm, 2017).
  • Touch can be therapeutic with clients when used appropriately. It can convey encouragement, empathy, and compassion. You should strike a balance between when it is therapeutically appropriate and when it is an intrusion for clients. It will take practice to learn when touch is appropriate.

Written Communication

Written communication is a type of communication that occurs through written words, symbols, pictures, and diagrams. Any written message, including formal letters, emails, text messages, or scholarly papers, is considered written communication. As a nurse, written communication also involves documentation, such as notes and scholarly writing, including essays, peer-reviewed publications, protocols, practice standards, and best practice guidelines.

Written communication is often considered the most prevalent form of communication; however, miscommunication can occur with written communication (Vermeir et al., 2015). To create clear written communication, nurses should concentrate on providing good structure, clarity, and content. Using paragraphs, punctuation, and line breaks can help the reader better comprehend the written communication, as reading long paragraphs of text can lead to miscommunication. Clarity and content are equally important, as is ensuring the patient understands the message. Written communication can be referred back to by patients for clarification after the encounter with the healthcare provider is over.

 

Written Communication Considerations in Nursing Practice
  • Because text messages are not secure, they should not be used for discussing protected health information with other providers. Text messaging is an appropriate means of communication for providers to use with patients who have provided written consent. Utilizing text messaging for patient communication should only be done in accordance with the policies of the healthcare organization. Text messaging can also be used among providers, utilizing secure electronic messaging, such as internal messaging within a healthcare facility or specific platforms recommended by the facility as secure, as insecure communication between providers is more likely to violate HIPAA guidelines.

 

Communication Styles

In addition to different types of communication, people communicate with others using one of three communication styles: passive, aggressive, or assertive.

    • A passive communicator puts the rights of others before their own. Passive communicators tend to be apologetic or sound tentative when they speak, and often do not speak up if they feel they are being wronged.
    • Aggressive communicators, on the other hand, often come across as advocating for their own rights, despite potentially violating the rights of others. They tend to communicate in a way that tells others their feelings don’t matter. Aggressive communicators will use “you” messages, and it can feel as if the sender is verbally attacking the receiver rather than dealing with the issue at hand.
    • Assertive communicators, in contrast, respect the rights of others while also standing up for their own ideas and rights when communicating. Assertive communication refers to a way of conveying information that describes the facts and the sender’s feelings without disrespecting the receiver’s feelings. Omura et al. (2016) discuss assertiveness as a powerful tool that eliminates the power differences between individuals. When individuals assert themselves, they are acting in their own best interest (such as advocating on the patient’s behalf). Assertive communicators use “I” messages such as “I feel…,” “I understand…,” or “Help me to understand…” Using assertive communication is an effective way to solve problems with clients, coworkers, and health care team members.

 

Table 8.2 – Communication Styles Compared

Passive Communication Aggressive Communication Assertive Communication
  • Not expressive
  • Disregards their own rights, in turn, encourages others to disregard their rights
  • Speaks in an apologetic way
  • Hesitant to share feelings with others
  • Does not respond clearly
  • Unconsciously accumulates complaints, which often causes an outburst, leading to unacceptable behavior and damaged relationships, in turn, causing blame and guilt, leading again to passive behavior (Tripathy, 2018)
  • Domineering
  • Ambitious
  • Demands that others maintain order, especially when the situation gets out of control
  • Bullies and intimidates peers (Tripathy, 2018)
  • Considered the best form of communication, a balance between passive and aggressive
  • Positive attitude
  • Good listener, respects others’ opinions
  • Shares views in a calm and peaceful way
  • Peers establish strong relationships with these communicators
  • Expresses their thoughts, feelings, and emotions openly (Tripathy, 2018)

 

Example of Aggressive Versus Assertive Communication

  • Aggressive communication: “Why is it always so messy in your clients’ rooms? I dread following you on the next shift!”
  • Assertive communication: “I feel frustrated spending the first part of my shift decluttering our clients’ rooms. Help me understand why it is a challenge to keep things organized during your shift?”

 

Watch this video: How to Communicate Assertively.

 

Other Key Elements in Communication

Personal Space

While being aware of verbal and nonverbal messages and communicating assertively, it is also important to be aware of others’ personal space. Proxemics is the study of personal space, providing guidelines for effective professional communication and interaction. According to Psychology Today (2025), the public zone is defined as a distance of over 10 feet between people, generally involving the avoidance of physical contact. The social zone is defined as the distance of four to 10 feet between people. It is used during social interactions and business settings. The personal zone is typically defined as a space of 18 inches to four feet and is generally reserved for friends and family. Less than 18 inches is reserved for close relationships, but may be invaded when in crowds or playing sports (See Figure 8.1).

Nurses usually communicate within the social zone to maintain professional boundaries. However, when assessing clients and performing procedures, nurses often enter a client’s personal space. Nurses must be aware of clients’ feelings of psychological discomfort that can occur when invading this zone. Additionally, cultural considerations may impact the appropriateness of personal space when providing client care.

 

Figure 8.1 – Personal Space Zones

 

Graphic depicting personal space limits,

 

Listening

Listening to others is imperative in communication. There are three main types of listening: competitive, passive, and active.

    • Competitive listening occurs when we are focused on sharing our own perspective rather than truly listening to someone else.
    • Passive listening occurs when we are not interested in listening to the other person and assume we understand what they are communicating correctly without verifying.
    • Active listening involves showing interest in what clients have to say, acknowledging that you’re listening and understanding, and engaging with them throughout the conversation.

 

Communication Barriers

Communication barriers are anything that prevents the message sent from being received or understood (Kunsman, 2024). Communication barriers can impact the health care that is delivered and produce negative outcomes. Miscommunication can lead to breakdowns in the healthcare team and the nurse-patient relationship, and can impact entire healthcare facilities. 
Storlie (2015) found that poor communication not only reduced health outcomes but also affected the healthcare provider and organization, resulting in financial and time losses. Nurses need to prevent miscommunication from occurring by recognizing common communication barriers and taking steps to prevent them from happening in the first place. Barriers to communication may originate from the patient’s or nurse’s perspective, the physical environment, or the structure of team dynamics. Nurses can often identify communication barriers between the patient and the entire healthcare team and assist individuals in how to reduce miscommunication.

Impact of Poor Communication

Patients

  • Chronic elevated levels of stress
  • Hurt feelings
  • Delay of care
  • Dissatisfaction of care

Healthcare Provider

  • Interpersonal conflicts
  • Health risks
  • Poor morale
  • Absenteeism
  • Burnout
  • Staff turnover

Employer

  • Reduced quality of care (leading to reduced reimbursement and a poor reputation)
  • Reduced patient satisfaction (leading to reduced reimbursement and a poor reputation)
  • Lower staff retention rates leading to increased cost for new hires

(Storlie, 2015)

 

Types of Communication Barriers

There are many types of communication barriers, including environmental, psychological, physical, social, and professional barriers. Nurses should identify and analyze all possible communication barriers and develop or utilize strategies to overcome these challenges. Nurses who employ effective strategies to overcome communication barriers can engage in effective communication with their colleagues, patients, and families, thereby promoting safe and effective healthcare.

 

Environmental Barriers

An environmental barrier is one of the biggest challenges to communication (See Table 8.3). Each of these environmental barriers can cause difficulties with communication, and if more than one is present, a communication breakdown can occur.

 

Table 8.3 – Environmental Barriers
Environmental Barrier Definition
Noise & light Healthcare environments can be very noisy, with people talking in the room or hallway, the TV playing, alarms beeping, and pages being announced overhead, and even construction.Create a calm, quiet environment when communicating with clients by closing doors to the hallway, reducing the volume of the TV, or moving to a quieter area, if possible. Nurses can use written communication if they are unable to decrease the noise to overcome the communication barrier.

A room that is too dark or too light can also create communication barriers. Ensure the lighting is appropriate according to the patient’s preference.
Space configuration Healthcare providers need to have both common areas for patient care and private areas. Respect for a patient’s confidentiality demands certain designs for facilities.Nurses should be aware of the architecture when delivering sensitive information to patients and adjust their locations as needed.
Distance Distance refers to the physical area separating a patient from a healthcare provider. Examples of distance include trying to communicate from across the room, over the call button intercom, the nurses’ station, or through glass.Distance can also include patients being in a remote area without access to healthcare. Sometimes technology can overcome a distance barrier, but that implies that the patient has access to technology. Telehealth, the delivery of healthcare remotely via telecommunication, can help bridge the distance.

Psychological Barriers

Psychological barriers can also hinder communication. A psychological barrier is a mental limitation that influences how others’ actions are perceived or expressed. In healthcare, psychological barriers (See Table 8.4) can disrupt the communication process, and nurses should attempt to mitigate these barriers whenever possible.

The psychological states of the sender and the receiver influence how the message is sent, received, and perceived. For example, if nurses are feeling stressed and overwhelmed with required tasks, the nonverbal communication associated with their messages, such as a lack of eye contact, a hurried pace, or a short tone, can affect how the client perceives the message.

 

Table 8.4 – Psychological Barriers
Psychological Barrier Definition
Fear Fear occurs when a patient feels frightened or intimidated by the facility, procedure, personnel, or consequences. When patients are afraid, they are less likely to seek out help or information.
Pride Pride is a feeling of great satisfaction in oneself or one’s own achievements. Patients who are proud may delay seeking healthcare because they might be perceived as weak.Healthcare providers can also disrupt communication with feelings of pride. Healthcare providers may be reluctant to ask for help because they want to appear competent and professional. In many situations, help is necessary, and failing to seek help can lead to detrimental healthcare outcomes.
Anger Anger is a strong feeling of annoyance, antagonism, or displeasure. Patients who are angry at either healthcare providers or healthcare processes are less likely to accept and interpret communication appropriately. Nurses should try to de-escalate anger when it is present in communication.
Anxiety Patients in any healthcare setting often experience some form of anxiety. Anxiety is a feeling of unease, trepidation, or uncertainty. Patients who are anxious are less likely to hear and correctly interpret an entire message, often hearing only parts of it.Healthcare providers can also experience anxiety and may change the way they send the message to the patient.
Stress If a client is feeling stressed, they may not be able to “hear” the message, or they may perceive it differently than it was intended. It is essential to recognize the signs of the stress response in ourselves and our patients, and to implement effective strategies to manage it.
Perception & Attitude Everyone has their own beliefs and perspectives and wants to feel “heard.” When patients feel their beliefs or perspectives are not valued, they often become disengaged from the conversation or the plan of care. Nurses should provide healthcare information in a nonjudgmental manner, even if the patient’s perspectives, viewpoints, and beliefs differ from their own.

Physical Barriers

Physical barriers are physiological conditions that interfere with a patient’s ability to communicate effectively. Pain, sedation, fatigue, memory loss, and sensory loss can each affect how patients process information, respond to questions, or express their needs (See Table 8.5). These barriers may limit attention, comprehension, or participation in conversations. Nurses should recognize and address these factors by adjusting their communication approach.

 

Table 8.5 – Physical Barriers
Physical Barrier Definition
Pain It is important to be aware of clients’ potential physiological barriers when communicating. For example, if a client is in pain, they are less likely to hear and remember what was said; therefore, pain relief should be provided as needed before delivering client education.
Sedation It is important to remember that sedatives and certain types of pain medications often impair the client’s ability to receive and perceive messages, so health care documents cannot be signed by a client after receiving these types of medications.
Fatigue Fatigue can act as a barrier to communication by reducing a person’s ability to concentrate, listen actively, and process information. When patients are physically or emotionally exhausted, they may struggle to engage in conversation, follow instructions, or express their needs clearly.Nurses should recognize signs of fatigue and adjust their communication by keeping messages simple, allowing rest periods, and confirming understanding.
Memory Loss Memory loss can hinder effective communication by impairing a person’s ability to recall information, follow conversations, or remember instructions. Patients experiencing memory loss may become confused, anxious, or frustrated during interactions with others. Nurses should provide information slowly, repeat key points, use written reminders when appropriate, and verify understanding to promote clarity and support patient safety.

 

Social Barriers

Social barriers can also significantly impact communication (See Table 8.6). A social barrier is a result of disparities that limit understanding of two-way communication. Nurses, due to bias, can discriminate against patients based on social identities and characteristics. When this occurs, it affects nurse-patient communication, care outcomes, and patient willingness to disclose (Madula et al., 2018)

 

Table 8.6 – Social Barriers
Social Barrier Definition
Health Literacy Health literacy refers to a patient’s ability to find, understand, and use health information to make informed decisions about their care. When health literacy is limited, it becomes a significant communication barrier, as patients may struggle to comprehend medical terms, follow treatment instructions, or understand the importance of health recommendations. This can lead to confusion, anxiety, or non-adherence to care plans.Nurses can help overcome this barrier by using plain language, confirming understanding through teach-back methods, providing written materials at an appropriate reading level, and creating a supportive environment that encourages patients to ask questions.
Language If English is not your client’s primary language, it is important to seek a medical interpreter and to also provide written handouts in the client’s preferred language when possible. Most agencies have access to an interpreter service available by phone if they are not available on-site.
Beliefs and Values Nurses should meet and respect a patient’s views and beliefs and adjust their approach accordingly. The norms of social interaction vary significantly, as do the ways emotions are expressed. For example, the concept of personal space varies, and some clients are stoic about pain, whereas others are more verbally expressive.When the healthcare provider does not prioritize person-centered care, gaps in communication occur, and the healthcare provided may be deficient. Nurses should treat their patients as unique individuals, and determining what is important to the patient, what they believe, and what they value can overcome barriers and improve outcomes.
Disability Disability can serve as a communication barrier when a physical, sensory, cognitive, or developmental impairment affects a patient’s ability to send, receive, or process information effectively. Examples include hearing loss, visual impairment, speech difficulties, or cognitive limitations. These challenges can make it harder for patients to understand instructions, express needs, or engage in meaningful dialogue.Nurses should identify each patient’s specific communication needs and adapt their approach, such as using assistive devices, visual aids, interpreters, or alternative communication methods to ensure equitable, respectful, and effective communication for all patients.
Jargon Subramaniam et al. (2017) define jargon as the language that is focused on a specific profession or group. Jargon is commonly used in communication by medical professionals, and those unfamiliar with these terms are often excluded from the conversation.Avoid using medical terminology, complicated, or unfamiliar words. When communicating with patients, explain information in plain language that is easy to understand by those without a medical or nursing background.

 

Professional Barriers

Many communication barriers emanate from the healthcare system itself. A shortage of nursing staff, high workload, burnout, and limited time are examples of professional barriers (See Table 8.7) related to healthcare (Kwame & Petrucka, 2021).

Nurses have an ethical responsibility to prevent personal issues from impacting professional communication (Arnold & Boggs, 2019). Incorporating self-awareness and reflection into practice can help nurses reduce communication barriers. Nurses may consider taking a brief “planning pause” before an interaction to remind themselves of the goal of the upcoming communication and consider how non-verbal behaviors may contradict the spoken word.

 

Table 8.7 – Professional Barriers
Professional Barrier Definition
Workload Workload can be a communication barrier when heavy responsibilities, time constraints, or staffing shortages limit the nurse’s ability to engage fully with patients. High workload can lead to rushed interactions, reduced active listening, and missed opportunities for clarification or emotional support. This is supported by research indicating that a high workload directly impacts the number of nurse interactions with patients and families (Loghmani et al., 2014) and is ranked as the #1 barrier to effective communication (Anoosheh et al., 2019).When communication feels hurried or incomplete, patients may feel undervalued or uncertain about their care. Nurses can help reduce this barrier by prioritizing clear and focused communication, using concise yet compassionate language, and ensuring that patients have opportunities to ask questions and express concerns, even during busy shifts.
Hierarchy Hierarchy is defined as “the classification of a group of people according to ability or to economic, social, or professional standing” (Merriam-Webster, 2019). This definition applies to different units and professions throughout most healthcare organizations. Hierarchical relationships, such as nurse-physician, novice-to-senior nurse, or other relationships throughout the organization, where levels of education, knowledge, or status vary.Historically, nurses have held subordinate roles in their daily work alongside physicians. The hierarchical structures, where physicians hold a senior position within the team, disempower nurses, resulting in a lack of confidence, fear of humiliation, and the feeling that their knowledge and opinions are not valued. Quality patient care is compromised when nurses are reluctant to communicate with physicians to avoid conflict and fear of repercussions (Gillespie et al., 2010). Addressing this dangerous and unsafe communication barrier is crucial for improving communication and achieving optimal patient care outcomes.

It is the nurse’s ethical responsibility to take action in reducing the impact of hierarchical structures. By collaborating with management, nurses are taking a crucial step toward enhancing the delivery of safe, high-quality patient care. When employees are given opportunities to communicate in a safe way, without fear of repercussion or conflict, it minimizes the negative aspects of the hierarchical relationship (Clapper, 2018).
Interuptions Frequent disruptions, from phone calls, alarms, other staff members, or environmental noise, can cause confusion, misunderstandings, or incomplete communication between nurses and patients. Interruptions may also make patients feel that their concerns are not a priority.Nurses can minimize this barrier by choosing quiet settings for important discussions, limiting distractions when possible, and refocusing the conversation to ensure that critical information is accurately understood and documented.
Interprofessional Communication Gaps When multiple healthcare professionals from various disciplines collaborate on patient care, communication breakdowns may result. Inadequate or inappropriate communication can lead to errors, compromising patient care and outcomes. Healthcare providers must communicate effectively with other members of the healthcare team to ensure patient safety and deliver high-quality care.
Task-Centered Care Nurses are typically very busy with several tasks to complete for multiple patients. It is easy to become focused on the tasks instead of the patient. Studies have shown that when nurses focus on their tasks, communication with patients and families, as well as acknowledgment of their needs and preferences, is negatively affected (Loghmani et al., 2014; Yoo et al., 2020). In addition, when nurses are more task-focused, patients can be treated like “objects” (Yoo et al., 2020), primarily focusing on obtaining a history, conducting assessments, administering medication, and reviewing test results.When tasks are the focus, without prioritizing connection with the patient, communication becomes impersonal and rigid; nonverbal communication signs are often overlooked, and the unique identities of patients and their families are disregarded (Johnsson et al., 2018)

When entering a patient’s room, it is helpful to pause, take a deep breath, and mindfully focus on the patient in front of you to give them your full attention. Patients should feel as if they are the center of your attention when you are with them, no matter how many other things you have going on.
Time Healthcare is a time-sensitive profession, and nurses should always try to respect the timeliness of communication. Nurses may not be able to check all orders immediately; however, they should recognize that the timeliness of their response can help overcome communication gaps.
Electronic Communication Providing information via e-mail or text is often less effective than face-to-face communication. The inability to perceive the nonverbal communication associated with a message, such as tone of voice, facial expressions, and general body language, often leads to misinterpretation of the message by the receiver.When possible, it is best to deliver important information to others through face-to-face communication, allowing nonverbal cues to accompany the message.

 

Conclusion

Communication is a fundamental element of nursing practice and the foundation of safe, person-centered care. Verbal, nonverbal, and written forms of communication work together to ensure that messages are clear, accurate, and compassionate. Each interaction provides an opportunity to listen actively, demonstrate empathy, and build trust with patients, families, and colleagues. By understanding various communication styles and recognizing potential barriers, nurses can adapt their approach to meet the unique needs of every patient.

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Nursing Informatics, Communication, and Collaboration Copyright © 2025 by Laura K. Garner-Jones is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International License, except where otherwise noted.

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