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The Important Aspects Of Effective Nursing

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Communication is one of the most important aspects in effective nursing. For a nurse to be successful, communicating with patients, families, physicians, peers and ancillary departments is necessary. Communication is not only verbal with language, words and sound, but also non-verbal. Non-verbal behaviors such as touch, facial expressions, eye contact and movement, posture and silence make up more than half of the art of communication (Giger, 2013). The population in the United States is comprised of various cultures with different views of the meaning of non-verbal communication. Understanding the views of various cultures can create a positive and healing environment for the patient, as well as increase patient and employee satisfaction (Starr & Wallace, 2011).

Many patients feel comforted by touch; a hand on the shoulder can help to alleviate fear in the hospital setting. Many cultures from Latin America, Spain and France are extremely affectionate and communicate through touch (Giger, 2013). These cultures often share kisses on the cheek, hugs and handshakes when greeting one another. As a nurse, I have experienced the embrace of a family from Mexico showing appreciation for taking care of their loved one. It is important to understand that other patients with different cultural backgrounds such as those from Germany and England, might find this type of physical contact invasive and inappropriate (Giger, 2013). Therefore, it is important for the nurse to understand the
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