Communication As A Charge Nurse

Effective communication is essential for a nurse in a leadership position. If a nurse is not able to convey or transfer pertinent information to other team members or clients, conflict or problems can arise. A nurse is able to effectively communicate through creating synergy, establishing a purpose or goal, actively listening, being truthful, and being responsible. When a nurse leader is able to successfully communicate, patient safety increases and medical errors decrease which leads to a higher percentage of positive patient outcomes. Effective communication fosters positive nurse-patient and nurse-team member relationships.

Nursing leaders have to understand a healthy work environment feeds on the results of effective communication and respect among nurses (Hendricks & Cope, 2012). According to Kupperschmidt, Kientz, Ward & Reinholz (2010) supported that skilful communication is paramount to nursing practice. Different generation nurses have their preferred means of communication, it can be feedbacks, informal discussions and group discussions etc. (Hendricks & Cope, 2012) but the way of delivering effective communication is universal. Hence, nursing leaders should focus on being genuine, mindful, honest, impartial and insightful (Kupperschmidt, Kientz, Ward & Reinholz, 2010) when communication takes place. Therefore, leaders in nursing, to be proficient in effective communication in the workforce will not only benefit them but in return, nurses will feel respected. Furthermore, the cooperation, accommodation and assimilation of multiple generations of nurses can be enhanced in an

This week’s clinical day I had the opportunity of being a charge nurse and it was very different from having just my assigned patients to provide care. Being a charge nurse I quickly came to terms with the fact I had responsibility for all patients on the floor at a level that meets my scope of practice as a student and also responsibility for the students nurses. This required my familiarization with most of the patients so I am better able to be of assistance. Being a charge nurse requires patience, being knowledgeable of everything happening in the unit. Rounding in each and every room in the unit and also helping out with different patients I got to learn a lot and also help some students realize something they did not see before in the room and learn from my fellow students as well. In addition, it is very important to separate friendship from professional responsibilities and be adamant otherwise very little will be accomplished.

I feel assertive communication from the nurse leader can assist in the resolution of the exchange but there are other things essential to assist in the resolution of the exchange including the leader to actively listen, and to receive the message being sent rather than forming a response before the transmission of the message is complete.

Communication is any form of expressing and receiving of messages between individuals. The importance of Communication in the nursing profession is to maintain high quality care for the patient but also maintain effective collaboration between professionals. Boykins, D (2014) states that the “registered nurse is expected to communicate in various formats and in all areas of practice”. Various formats include speaking to patients and coworkers as well as utilizing appropriate protocols and systems to effectively communicate regards to patient’s status.

Communication is a tool that nurse leaders should master to send information, perception, and understanding to achieve work activities and goals. Effective communication involves clear and direct messaging of thoughts and ideas. The three elements that leaders utilize when creating and enhancing effective communication are trust, respect, and empathy. For this paper, I will discuss some of the issues found in chapter seven’s critical thinking exercise. Nurse Olivia Witte, who is in charge of an interdisciplinary team, faces several issues regarding communicating with the organization’s physicians about a critical pathway development for ventilator-dependent patients, the dietician who wants to integrate dietary protocols for the pathway, and a home health care representative who is absent from meetings because of accreditation survey work.

A nursing leader exhibits many styles whereby communication skills are described as being the most critical leadership skill of all (Marquis & Huston,

Brandt continues to learn more about department issues during his rounds, meetings and also from patient input. He will need to ensure to collaborate with Charge Nurse consistently to unsure all aspects of operations are covered and reviewed. This important collaboration will improve his assessment on identifying root case of problems and improving options in problem solving.

Taking care of your staff, emotional needs, physical needs, and establishing an excellent work environment is imperative to the production of work, and the retention of your staff. Therefore with the participative style of leadership, effective communication is imperative in nursing. Communication whether through emails, meetings, one-on-one, or in a group must be done with respect, directly to the point of what is being said and required along with the awareness of their own feelings and biases so that what is being communicated is acceptable to enhance the workplace and not hinder it (Huber, 2014). One of the ways I communicate is with nursing meetings. In the meetings I usually start with things that are facility wide, then maybe new procedures that is being implemented, and I always end with the nurses bringing in any problems, concerns, needs or wants. The last key element that is important for the leader to be able to have meaningful recognition of their employees. Recognition of employees not only facilitates the wiliness to strive more, but it also reiterates to the staff, that they are appreciated (Huber, 2014). There are several ways to recognize staff; one is

Holistic healthcare demands interpersonal collaboration within the nurses and the community for the excellent care of the patient. For example, for a patient suffering from a mental disorder, it is necessary for the nurses to collaborate with each other as well as with the social workers assigned to the patient and his family, which is true if the patient is also a guardian. (Wagner, Liston, & Miller, 2011). The nurses will have to take medical care of the patient while the social worker tends to his social needs such as the welfare of his family. Therefore, it is imperative that the nursing and social work personnel have good communication skills. Communication enhances teamwork that will lead to the caregivers sharing insights and ideas with

The interview was conducted with a registered nurse with more than 10 years’ experience. Her current role is working in the Medical Assessment and Planning Unit, in particular, the palliative care area. On a regular basis, her role involves providing safe and quality care to her patients, and more specifically end of life care. In doing so, two predominant skills of communication

As stated by the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA, 2014), when using social media, health practitioners should be aware that National codes of ethics and professional conduct apply. The British journal of Nursing (Farrelly, 2014) articulates that as a student nurse and future health professional, I have a responsibility to understand social media and confidentiality in the health care context. To become a successful nurse I will need to build trusting relationships with my patients, which will involve them being confident that their personal information will be protected by myself as a nurse. To achieve this it is essential that I adjust the ways I use social media and become more cautious of what I am posting online. For example, as a student and future RN, it is crucial that I do not discuss patients or post pictures, case studies or sensitive material which may enable patients to be identified. The misuse of social media may also have a negative effect on team-based patient care, for example if it is used as a tool to “cyber bully”

Leadership is more than delegate and dictate orders in Nursing, is also more than lead. Leadership is the ability to communicate with a people who work with you, and influence them so they show willingness to change, following orders. Leaders provide a sense of confidence and take responsibility when a particular situation demands. Leaders also do the right things, and know that even mistakes can be an opportunity to learn. They provide an analysis of the performance, preparation and assistance for professional development of people in a way that increases individual and organizational success. Leaders may effectively resolve disagreements and conflicts, and solve disputes by focusing on solving problems without offending coworkers. They provide support and expertise to other leaders and assess the appropriateness of alternative dispute resolution mechanisms. Confidence in a solid leadership is a reliable indicator of employee satisfaction in an healthcare facility. Effective communication by leadership in three critical areas is important to win the trust of the organization and partners. That can transmit power to the people under his command which helps them develop their potential to generate confidence in this initiative towards an ideal which allows them to accept mistakes.

Reflecting on learning the importance of nursing documentation/record keeping and written communication. I recognise it’s one of many skill sets imperative to communicating with others, and needed to be effective in my field. Gaps in communication can be risky to patient’s continuity of care, and can lead to detrimental errors such as incorrect medication dosage or treatments, impinging on their safety. Further breaching the (NMC, 2015, C: 13-16), where it is a requirement to protect the public and patients. Poor record keeping would affect my competence, duty of candour and my ability to raise concerns. Further putting patient’s safety at risk. Therefore it is crucial to for records to contain

1. Why do you think that research has found that physicians with good communication skills had fewer patient complaints and lawsuits? Identify at least two specific ways that a doctor’s communication skills can improve the patient’s experience.