Communication and Persuasion in Nursing

I remember many experiences growing up where I would come upon the scene of an injured individual- bleeding or in some sort of immense pain- and get really anxious because I didn’t know how to help.  I’d never felt so helpless as I watched- wanting to give comfort, but having no idea what actions to take.  As I began to learn more about methods and procedures of basic aid, I was filled with satisfaction knowing that at least in some small way I was giving assistance to the individual and bringing some comfort to their mind and body.  I think that most people in the world have an innate desire to want to help people.  There comes a certain satisfaction in being a part of the healing of an individual- coming to their aid in a moment they need it most.  

Everything that Nurses and medical workers do is built upon good, clear communication.  There are many times when the life of an individual depends on it.  No matter where the communication is taking place- a hospital, the sight of an accident, a doctor’s office- it is important that things are stated clearly, confidently, and in a timely manner.  Most of the time, the communication is done orally, a nurse speaking to a patient or a doctor, but there are forms of written communication as well. The nurse must adjust his or her way of speaking depending on the person receiving the message.  It’s obvious that to a doctor they would speak with professional words and medical terms- stating all of the facts and risks.  When it comes to speaking with the patient or the family of the patient, they would “dumb it down” in a sense and maybe not go into as much detail- striving to comfort them while also being realistic.   

There are many different situations where communication occurs.  When first getting to know the family, the nurse needs to really build his or her ethos.  This family is putting a lot of confidence in them and the nurse needs to show they are trustworthy and professional, as well as being a good listener.  They can give a lot of comfort and reassurance in a time when people are in the most fear and anxiety.  It’s interesting, however, because they must also speak in a way that doesn’t show guilt for mistakes or allow too much hope or dependency on the medical workers.

I’ve come to find out that nursing really is founded on being a master of communication; without it, nothing runs. Lives depend on it.