In the fifteen years that I have been a registered nurse, the primary job skill that I have found both the most useful, and in its absence, the most problematic, is communication. Being able to communicate clearly and succinctly is, without a doubt, the most important skill an employee can learn. In addition to the face to face spoken word, communication also comes in the form of telephone calls and emails, as well as non-verbal body language. For patient safety sake, it is essential that the nurse be able to give information to a physician, as well as receive accurate orders from a physician, in order to care for the patient. These conversations may occur either face to face, or via telephone, and clear communication on both ends is necessary. If the communication is not clear and concise regarding the patient condition, a physician may fail to act and intervene for the patient, and fail to order a test or medication that is needed. If a nurse is unable to correctly interpret a written medication order, and then fails to contact the physician about it to clarify, the patient may receive either an incorrect medication or no medication, worsening their condition.
In the hospital, communication via email is also wide spread. A manager uses email to disseminate information to all staff, and oftentimes, email is the easiest, quickest way to get it out. Unfortunately, it is easy to misinterpret tone, and misunderstandings may occur if the manager is unable to express the message in a clear manner. As a result, feelings are hurt, gossip prevails, and the overall well-being of the unit is damaged.
I believe that communication with the patient is the most important communication that I do. It is imperative that I am clear in my teaching and instructions to the patient. If they are going home for self-care, I must be able to teach the patient in a way that leaves