Essay on Importance of Communication

Communication is extremely important in any relationship. Importance of Communication has been stressed upon time and again. Lack of communication creates a number of problems that only increase with time.

It is often said that if there is a problem one should talk it out, if there is a moment of happiness then share it, if you are sad and low then tell it to someone close to you. Communication is of utmost importance in any given situation. It strengthens the bond between people. Here are essays on importance of communication of varying lengths to help you with the same in your exam. You can choose any importance of communication essay as per your need:

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Long and Short Essay on Importance of Communication

Importance of Communication Essay 1 (200 words)

It is often seen that the families where people talk to each other frequently are happier. They share their joys, sorrows and other emotions with each other. There is a lively atmosphere in such families. They laugh it out together and celebrate every moment whole-hearted. They never feel lonely or bored. They know whenever they want to talk about something or share an emotion they always have an ear to listen to. Such is the importance of communication.

Compared to this, the families where all the members are engrossed in their own tasks and do not bother to care about or talk to people around them are usually not as happy. The atmosphere in such families is quite dull and gloomy. People are busy with their own tasks. They have friends outside and are not as close with their family members. They plan outings with their friends and colleagues rather than their family members. This is because they have neglected the importance of communication all along and are thus not comfortable communicating with each other. And without good communication there is no way one can enjoy. People in such families often find themselves lonely and even get into depression.

Similarly, lack of communication is harmful in every situation. We must all realise the importance of communication.

Importance of Communication Essay 2 (300 words)

Introduction

As Paul J. Meyer puts it, “Communication – the human connection – is the key to personal and career success”. Importance of communication has been emphasized upon several times. Spiritual gurus and renowned leaders around the world have often stressed upon its importance.

Right to Communicate

Right to communicate has been stated as one of the basic human rights in India. This includes right to freedom of opinion and expression. This forms the basis of democracy. It is because the democratic government of India understands the importance of communication that is why it has granted this freedom. Communication helps in improving the political, economic as well as social condition of a country. People in India are free to give their opinions on various things. They can question the political leaders for anything that goes wrong or does not work as per their commitment. They are also free to give their suggestions on how to improve various spheres. This helps in improving the overall condition of the country. Many people have come forward to voice their opinions and provide suggestions to the government and have helped the nation build strong.

Communication at Personal Level

Communication is also extremely important at personal level. Individuals who resolve their issues and discuss their problems by communicating with each other are in a happy space. They express what they feel – be it something good or bad. They are also open to listening to the point of view of the other people to understand them better. This helps in clearing any kind of misunderstanding that leads to a whole lot of other problems.

On the other hand, people who avoid communication and resort to silence tend to complicate things. They do not clarify anything and often hold grudges against others.

Conclusion

We must understand the importance of communication at various levels. Communication is important for putting ones opinions across and also for understanding that of the other.

Importance of Communication Essay 3 (400 words)

Introduction

Communication is a way of putting across ones ideas and opinions and listening that of the others’. It is important to have a two way communication for a healthy conversation. People who understand the importance of communication develop healthier personal and professional relationships. On the other hand, people who keep things to themselves instead of discussing and resolving them experience problems at various levels.

Importance of Communication in Personal Relationships

It is extremely important to communicate with our near and dear ones to keep things smooth. Be it a parent child relationship, husband wife relationship, relationship with siblings or relationship with in-laws – it is essential to maintain a healthy two way communication to build a strong relationship. A relationship that lacks communication can never be successful and is faced with a lot of misunderstandings. For instance, a parent child relationship is beautiful when they communicate well with each other. A family where the children are not hesitant to discuss different kinds of matters with their parents is best for the child’s all round development. This kind of comfort level is build by the parents by way of communication. It is only when the parents communicate with their children and lends an ear to listen to them that the children feel comfortable with them and share their personal experiences with them.

Similarly, it is said that a husband-wife relationship works best if they develop a deep bond of friendship with each other. This is because friends share everything with each other and stand strong for one another through thick and thin. They do not have to worry about the reaction of the other person as they know they wouldn’t be judged. Husband wife who communicate more with each other build better trust and transparency and thus develop a stronger bond. On the other hand, those who do not discuss their problems with each other tend to bottle up the feelings, develop mistrust and it leads to major problems later on. Many of them discuss their problems with outsiders rather than discussing the same with each other and eventually to fall apart.

Many people have the habit of turning cold and giving silent treatment to their loved ones to show their anger. This is the worst punishment you can give someone.

Conclusion

It is time people should realise the importance of communication and communicate with one another to avoid misunderstandings and the problems that follow.

Importance of Communication Essay 4 (500 words)

Introduction

Importance of Communication has been emphasized time and again. While some people are born with the quality to communicate well others can learn it with some effort.

Two Way Communication is Important

Communication is said to be effective if it is two way. If only one person does the talking and the other one is not given a chance to put across his point then it is considered to be an unhealthy conversation. Importance of communication must be understood however at the same time people must ensure fair play in the same. Dominating the entire conversation isn’t right and so is letting the other person dominate the same. Be it at home or in a professional setting, people must recognize and realise the importance of two way communication.

Importance of Effective Communication

Many people understand the importance of communication and want to communicate their point to the other people however they are unable to do so. This is because they lack good communication skills. Here are few ways to communicate effectively:

1. Interruption

Interruption can be extremely annoying. It is essential to let the other person complete his/ her point before you make yours. Constantly interrupting the other person can make them wander from the point and the conversation can take a different turn.

2. Listen Patiently

Healthy conversation requires listening patiently as much as it requires putting ones point across. In order to communicate effectively you must first listen to what the other person has to say.

3. Watch Your Body Language

Your body language speaks volumes about you. It is essential to keep your body language warm and friendly rather than arrogant and haughty. Many people unintentionally give a wrong message through their body language. If you are not sure then it is a good idea to learn the art of body language.

4. Don’t Go Overboard With Your Point

The reason behind conversation is to express your thoughts to let the other person know what you feel. It is not to prove that your point is correct and the other person is wrong. Many people try to win the conversation which is absolutely wrong. It leads to unnecessary arguments and conflicts.

5. Watch Your Words

Before you say something to someone make sure you know what you are saying. At times, out of anger or anxiousness we say things that we must not say. Remember, words once spoken cannot be taken back. It is thus suggested not to say something you might regret later.

6. Practice

If there is a professional meeting, where there is a requirement of communicating about your product or work then it is suggested to practice the same beforehand. Choose how your conversation would begin, what all points you would be covering and how you would end it. Practice the same a couple of times in front of the mirror or with a friend.

Conclusion

Jim Rohn once said, “If you just communicate you can get by. But if you communicate skilfully you can work miracles”. So, it is essential to understand the importance of communication. However, it is all the more essential to learn the art of effective communication to put across ones point well.

Importance of Communication Essay 5 (600 words)

Introduction

Communication is the building block of a strong and healthy relationship. In personal relationships it is essential to avoid mistrust, ensure transparency and build a strong bond. In a professional setting, it is essential for the smooth functioning of the organization, effective knowledge sharing and avoiding any kind of work related confusion.

Importance of Communication in Professional Setting

Communication is of utmost importance in a professional setting. This is the reason why so much emphasis is given on assessing the candidates’ communication skills during job interviews. A person who can communicate his point well has better clarity of concepts. On the other hand, somebody who is confused about the facts is likely to fumble while talking about the same. So, ones communication skills are a good basis of judging his/ her knowledge and clarity of thoughts.

A person with good communication skills is always more confident and can handle clients better. Here is the importance of communication in the lives of different professionals:

Importance of Communication for a Teacher

Teachers must essentially possess good communication skills. They will be able to handle the students better only when they have this quality. Be it disciplining the children or teaching them academic lessons – they shall be able to do their task effectively only if they know how to communicate effectively.

Importance of Communication for a Doctor

A doctor must not only have complete knowledge about his field but must also know how to communicate well with his patients and their family members. He must know how to put his point in a way that the patients don’t take their health issues lightly yet don’t get into a state of panic.

Importance of Communication for a Team Leader

A person’s communication skills are particularly assessed while offering him a leadership role or managerial post. This is because the job is all about interacting with the team and deriving work from them. The way a team leader or manager communicates determines the performance and behaviour of his team to a large extent. He is supposed to set an example for them and bring out the best in them.

Importance of Written Communication 

In a professional setting, knowing the art of written communication is as much essential as verbal communication. There are a number of things that need to be documented and that is where written communication comes in. One must learn the art of writing professional emails and sending official texts to ensure effective written communication.

Lack of Communication Often Leads to Depression

While a lot has been said about the importance of communication, people these days mostly neglect this aspect. Everyone is so engrossed in their own lives that they do not bother to converse even with their near and dear ones. The growing use of internet and social media and the busy lifestyle of people is one of the main reasons for this. Young couples these days are so engrossed in their own lives that they overlook the importance of communicating with their parents. Spending quality time with them is quite out of the question. Parents are left alone during the old age. They have no one to talk to and often succumb to depression. Similarly, many women who choose to serve their family by staying at home are all alone for most part of the day. They do not have a good social circle and do not usually have people to lend an ear to them. This can be quite frustrating and eventually causes depression among many. 

Conclusion

Communication is of utmost importance. It is important to vent out one’s thoughts and feelings to live a fuller and happier life. The more we communicate the less we complicate and the better we feel about everything around.

Barriers to communication Argumentative Essay

Communication barriers are a major challenge facing most large organization in the modern competitive world. According to Dessein (2002: 3-5), these barriers impede the realization of goals and objectives by these organizations and are a threat to their existence. Large organizations are susceptible to communication barriers due to the complexity of the organizational structure, and the inherent bureaucracy in their operations.

There are different forms of communication barriers, and some of them include lack of trust, noise, inaccurate communication media, and differing status among others.

General Motors Corporation. General Motors Corporation is one company that faces communication barriers in its organizational structure and operations. General Motors was founded in 1908 and gradually grew to be the largest maker of automobiles in the world. However, despite its success in over a century, the company is facing financial problems which are attributable to the global economic meltdown as well as mismanagement. In addition to this, the company has communication problems which are caused by the following barriers to communication;

Differing status. According to Hitt et al. (2005: 527-530), this is a communication barrier which arises due to having different status between employees in the workplace. The employees with a lower status may either despise or fear the ones with higher status, and this hinders communication between the different employee ranks. Higher level employees and lower level employees have problems communicating within the General Motors workplace. This is due to the segregation of the higher level employees from the lower level ones, once they achieve high status.

The lower level employees on the other hand despise their seniors due to the preferential treatment given to them. As a result of this, messages received from senior employees are sometimes ignored or intentionally distorted due to the inherent problems caused by different status. This situation has impeded the effective implementation of some policies and decisions which are given by the top level management. Bureaucracy. This is another factor which impedes effective communication in General Motors.

There are very many procedures and a lot of documentation which is required before a decision made by the higher level management can reach the lower level employees. This situation sometimes leads to distortion of the message, since the many employees who handle the message interpret them differently and sometimes distort them. Bureaucracy also makes the top managers inaccessible to the lower level employees in General Motors, due to the many procedures that they have to go through before they can have access to them.

This makes the upper level management be unable to have knowledge on the problems facing lower level employees. This de-motivates them and causes low performance by the employees. Stress. Stress is a major barrier to communication in the General Motors workplace. Employees are stressed due to the poor financial performance of General Motors, which led to cutbacks, as well as the global recession. Stress makes employees be unable to understand some messages effectively, since most of the time they are thinking of their problems.

This is a major problem In General Motors, and there are inadequate measures that have been taken to help employees cope with this stress. Conclusion and recommendation. General Motors is currently facing many challenges due to its poor financial performance. In spite of these problems, the management of the company should realize that employees are the most valuable assets to any business. In line with this, the management should solve the communication barriers through reducing bureaucracy and preferential treatment given to senior employees.

When employees are treated as equals, they build mutual respect which improves communication in the organization. Finally, the company should provide counselors and psychiatrists to help employees deal with stress since it is a major problem to the organization. Bibliography. Dessein, W. 2002. Authority and communication in organizations. Review of Economic Studies. New York: Blackwell Synergy, p 3-5. Hitt, M. A. , Black, J. S. , Porter, L. W. 2005, Management, International edition. New York: Prentice Hall, p. 527-530.

Basic Concepts of Effective Communication

Objectives: * Describe the nature of communication in science and technology; * Understand the meaningful process of communication; * Explain the components of communication; * Overcome their difficulties in communication; * Consider the most describable characteristics of an effective style for technical writing; and * Compare and contrast technical writing from nontechnical writing. The nature of Communication Communication comes from the Latin word con-meaning with, munus- meaning a business, communis meaning common, and commonico-to confer or to relate with one another.

In layman’s language, communication emanates from the need to share ideas or information from one person to another by the use of symbols such as words, pictures, figures and graphs. Common Concepts about Communication Different authorities have common concepts about communication. Some of these are present hereunder. * Communication is a purposive activity which is prompted by need to express ideas, feelings, attitude and course of action to attain a predetermined goal * Communication is the process of conveying and exchanging facts, ideas, and research results.

Communication is a two-way process which entails a communicator and a receiver. * Communication is a continuing process which Is interactive. * Communication emerges in response to the different functions and contexts that it calls for. Be it oral or written, people communicate to ask and give information explain something, agree or argue with others, narrate or describe an event, report an accomplishment, and so forth. * Communication is needed when recent discoveries, inventions and developments in science and technology are to be disseminated.

Its importance is also felt when pertinent information should be imparted through letters, reports and memoranda. People are by nature social beings. They have to interact to attain a common goal. In so doing, use of language to communicate their ideas, opinions and feelings is undeniably inevitable. In communication, the skillful use of language can readily influence the opinion beliefs, values and behaviors of the members of an organization. Particularly, the use of simple, concise and accurate language in giving instructions in a certain industry or firm can facilitate mutual understanding between and among employee and employers.

Effective communication is one of the determiners of success in any organization. It is an essential instrument in implementing the goals and objectives of a company. It serves as a tool in decision- making , providing permanent record, information from top to bottom level of management, and the like. As such, it plays an important role in the operational efficiency of a form. Written communication, specification reports, could be considered as the prime mechanism by which technical men and businessmen transmit their messages to action. Likewise, jobs to be done in any firm or organization are formally requested through communication.

Findings of researches are known through oral and written communication. Oral presentation of reports is usually done in top-level management meetings. Consider the following illustrations: * In the morning, the engineer listens to the weather bureau’s forecast for the day over the ratio. * For a panel discussion, the computer technician presents through Powerpoint each detail of the researcher’s report. * A Veterinary Medicine sophomore writes a research paper on “The Effects of Rabies on Humans”. Each of the abovementioned situations illustrates the call for communication.

The individual, in each of the examples cited, enters the common, shared world of other human beings. Aside from oral and written communication, there are other means of communication like facial expressions, Gestures, nods, signal, marks on paper, electric data and others. However, the raw materials of language are the sounds made by the human voice and the written patterns that are formed from with them. The Process of Communication The cycle of communication, according to Eugene White , can also be applied in oral communication for science and technology.

This is usually done in presenting/reporting periodic activities during meetings with top management. The presentor will undergo eight stages: thinking, symbolizing, expressing, transmitting, receiving, decoding, reacting and monitoring. The speaker will think of what information will be provided to the audience. These ideas which will be transformed into words and sentences will be expressed to the listeners through an organized report. Such will affect the receiver via sound waves. As the message is sent, the reciever’s mind starts decoding the information.

The value of the information to the listener/receiver and the clarity of presentation will affect the reactions. Being aware of the audience’s reaction, the presentor and ends with his monitoring activities. Components of the Communication Process The communication process consists of the following components: A. Communication Situation- the particular context by which a need to tell something arises; B. Communicator- the provider of the information; C. Medium- this consist of oral and written modes of communication; D. Information-the message that will be imparted to a particular audience and; E.

Receiver- the reader or listener of the information Reports in Communication Process The communication process consists of the following components: A. Communication Situation- the particular context by which a need to tell something arises. B. Communicator- the provider of the information. C. Medium- this consists of oral and written modes of communication. D. Information- the message that will be imparted to a particular audience. E. Receiver- the reader or listener of the information. Reports in the Communication Process How do reports fit into the communication process? It requires a minimum of two persons to communicate.

In the case of superior-subordinate relationship, communication usually emanates from the former if he/she wants a certain course of action to be done. The subordinate, who is the report writer, will research and gather facts in fulfillment of the assignment give to him. If the supervisor is satisfied with the information given, the communication process will stop temporarily. But if it does not meet his standards, additional work will be asked for. Thereby, the process of communication will start again. In sum, communication process is unsending- it’s a continuing process.

Suppose the writer developed a description of the three phenomena, all in one paragraph. The paragraph would run quite long. Instead of one long paragraph, write three shorter ones, one on each phenomenon so that the material can be separated into small units. The style which is characterized by objectivity accuracy and conciseness should be utilized to communicate with people who belong to specialized professions. Example: Operation was becoming uneconomical both labor and full costs were more than what had been anticipated. -Adapted The word operation has different meanings to different people.

In this case, it means a military action or mission. The scientific style of writing uses the third person and the passive voice for an impersonal approach in writing. If possible, avoid using “I” which will only lead to subjectivity. Technical writing is concerned with the action being done and not the person who has done action. This concept does not imply that the use of personal pronouns and verbs in the active voice is erroneous. However, the adaptation of such will also create another style of writing. Example: Set up the testing equipment in the laboratory and run three tests before I read the conclusions stated in this report. First Person, Singular, Active Voice) The testing equipment was set up in the laboratory and three tests were run before the conclusions stated in this report. (Third Person, Passive Voice)

-Adapted The second example is the style commonly found in technical reports. Qualities of Good and Effective Scientific and Technical Style Some of the qualities that could lead to a good and effective scientific and technical style are the following : * Honesty about facts * Care in obtaining and evaluating the facts * Accuracy in Presenting Data * Dignity and Restraint in Manner Objectivity in Analyzing and Interpreting Information Ways of Presenting Information Different companies have varied ways of presenting information. Some follow standard formats and others adopt their own format. This denotes that all technical writers must consider the usual practice of a certain company and the expectation of the receiver of the message. Hence, the use of formal or informal style is dependent upon context. Personal communication between business associates or personal friends calls for a Personal Writing Style while major reports which are submitted to top management are usually Impersonal in Style.

It requires the format of a report. Requisites of a Technical Style The following are the requisites of a technical style in writing: Factual- refers to the orderly presentation of facts and ideas which could be achieved through careful planning. Functional- gives pertinent information and does not amuse or argue with anybody else. Informative- conveys facts and information. Objective- free from biases and prejudices, personal beliefs, emotions and attitudes. Concreteness- tantamount to definiteness, therefore generalizations should be supported by concrete facts or evidences.

Consistency- the shift of tense and point of view in presenting a report will lead to inconsistency. Shifting of such will affect the personality of the writer and his style as well. For long and formal reports, it is better to use the third person consistently. Dignity- is achieved when the writer avoids colloquial/slang expressions and contractions. Simplicity- simple and familiar words are more emphatic and striking, hence, highfalutin words are less preferred in technical writing.

Digital Communication

Digital communication can be defined as an electronic transmission of information that has been encoded digitally. This specifically means that digital communication is data communication of information that is converted from text to code digitally. Digital communication can also be effective communication dealing with web, multimedia, video or graphics, and digital media. Some forms of digital communication can be texting, IM, e-mail, podcasting etc.

Digital communication plays an important part in today's daily life in many different perspectives. In today's age, most people find digital communication a lot more easier and teachers and professors find it a bit more comprehensive. Today’s companies and organizations, use different types of media to reach and retain their audience. Digital communication helps jobs and businesses communicate a lot faster through e-mail, multimedia, texting, power point, presentations etc. As for students in any school or college, all these digital communication advantages also help and make it a lot more accessible.

Throughout the decades, technology has improved drastically and gets more highly skilled as time goes on. In the past there was no such thing as digital communication. All communication was through hand written letters, phone calls, or people would just have to go visit whoever it is in person. Digital communication has made a huge change and difference in today's age. Its more comprehended and explanatory. In today's society a lot more can be accomplished with the digital communication and technology that exists today. Some of these digital communications can be text messaging, video or graphics, multimedia, podcasting, and digital media.

Back then in about the 1990's, there was no such thing as any of these digital communications and advantages. Video or graphics and multimedia may have been in useable but, it definitely wasn't as advanced, updated, or even in good picture quality as today's technology and digital communication. This is significant in a couple of different ways. Not only is everything faster, and looks nicer but, all the improved technology saves every individual a lot of time in their life. With all the development and improved technology, digital communication has really made a difference for people in today's age.

Digital communication contains many advantages and disadvantages. Some being good and others being bad. Advantages of digital communication can be that it is faster and easier, no paper is wasted, messages can be stored in the device for longer times without being damaged unlike paper files that easily get damages, it can be done over large distances through internet and other things, it is comparatively cheaper and the work which requires a lot of people can be done simply by one person as folders and other such facilities can be maintained, and it provides facilities like video conferencing which save a lot of time, money and effort.

Digital communication also contains many disadvantages which can be that it is unreliable as the messages cannot be recognised by signatures, sometimes the quickness of digital communication is harmful as messages can be sent with the click of a mouse, it has completely ignored the human touch in which a personal touch cannot be established because all the computers will have the same font, and greater bandwidth.

In conclusion, digital communication can be defined as the ability to create communications in different media, which can be its websites, video, audio, text, or animated multimedia. It's important in today's society because it's much faster and more understanding other than having to deal with letters that you can't comprehend. In today's age, digital communication can be more visible and more fun with the advancement of video or graphics, multimedia, podcasting text messaging, e-mail etc.

This is significant because everything is much faster and more advanced. Overall digital communication had its advantages and disadvantages some being good and some being bad which in the end was still a very successful improvement of today's technology.

Work Cited

1. http://www. adobe. com/education/presentation/digital_communication/
2. http://www. macromediastudiomx. biz/uk/education/solutions/pdfs/dc_for_all_students. pdf
3. http://www. answerbag. com/q_view/31169

Effective and Ineffective Communication

Effective and Ineffective Communication Lisa Brady Loyola University Effective and Ineffective Communication Where we come from, what we’ve experienced, our culture, our norms, our circle of friends, and our history all affect the ways in which we communicate with each other. What constitutes effective and ineffective communication? How do we assess what works as opposed to what doesn’t? Communication is vital not only to patient care but in collaborating as a team to ensure goals are achieved.

In Contemporary Nursing, Cherry states that “effective communication is a foundational component of professional nursing practice. ” (Cherry & Jacob, 2011, p. 381) When I think of communication in the clinical setting, two examples are always in my fore mind both of which happened in nursing school. I keep these experiences in mind because they have had a profound effect on the ways in which I communicate with my patients daily. My example of ineffective communication stems from a rotation I did in the ICU. I was apprehensive about going to the ICU. Was I ready?

The patients were so acute and I was so inexperienced. I was filled with doubts and insecurity. The short version of this story entails an ICU nurse who was not aware she was getting a student and a shortage of computer tablets, so medications were pulled via a written paper brought to the pyxis. A patient was upset with medications he didn’t understand and the doctor had to be contacted. The doctor yelled at the nurse, the nurse ran from the unit crying and when she returned the scene was set for a near fatal accident. The nurse took me and her piece of paper to the pyxis and began to pull her medications.

Again for time and space, the shortened version explains that the nurse mistakenly pulled a night medication due at hour of sleep instead of the day medication. The nurse then instructed the nursing student to pass these medications. By the time the nurse realized she had pulled the wrong dosage and the nursing student had given them, the patient had to be intubated; stomach pumped and could easily have died. During this emergency treatment the nurse yelled at the nursing student, “and this is why you always check the computer prior to giving medication. I cannot express to you the fear, anger and confusion I had over what had transpired. I felt “thrown under the bus”. What had just happened? What happened was a serious disconnect in communication and a hard lesson in patient safety. The patient lived and recovered. I learned to never completely give up my power and to trust my instinct. I have never since and never will give a medication unless I have pulled it and have all the resources in front of me to verify the information.

The nurse later wrote on my evaluation that we both needed to learn our five rights. I was angry but in retrospect she was right. I may not have pulled those medications but she told me to give them and I obeyed. I was utilizing non-assertive communication. I have always thought communication was my strong suit. I strive to use the “I” statements that Cherry suggests. (Cherry & Jacob, 2011) I believe strongly in Jan Hargrave’s concept that “55% of what we say is non-verbal,…38% is in voice reflection and only 7% is in the actual words we say. (Cherry & Jacob, 2011, p. 385) The difficulties that arise in communication; it is dependent on a host of factors, including non-verbal communication and interpretation of the information. (Cherry & Jacob, 2011) I have since learned assertive communication techniques and am currently working on responding instead of reacting. It is a lifelong process. My second example is one of effective communication. A young mom with two babies arrived to the ER. She had no insurance, and her baby presented with fever and signs of pneumonia.

The ER doctor and the nurses expressed she was from the city hours away and was most likely attempting to obtain free care. The doctor discharged the patient and the nurses discussed amongst themselves the patient and the problems with patients abusing the system. Once again my gut instinct told me there was more to this patient and her story. I went to the patient to express concern and to listen and discovered that the patient was not at this particular hospital to avoid payment. She was in a domestic violence shelter with her two young babies and was attempting to change her life.

It upset me that she was pre-judged like this, when all it would have taken was a few minutes of building a rapport and trust to get to the truth of the matter. It has truly made a difference in how I work with my patients. I try to truly listen to what they are “not” saying. To work with our patients on a holistic level we must actively listen, validate their concerns and their feelings and earn their trust. In conclusion there is so much to take into consideration regarding how we express ourselves and interact with each other as professionals and with our patients.

We must always consider cultural differences and be keenly aware of body language. How we communicate with individuals varies greatly and is dependent upon where that person is in their life and at that moment. Physical touch is another form of communication and again must be assessed dependent on the person. Some patients don’t mind if we touch their hand or shoulder reassuringly, others are bothered by this. I always make an attempt to ask a patient for example if they are crying; can I give you hug?

It is so important to maintain open communication but at the same time keep boundaries. It is a gift to be able to care for our patients but it can be difficult to find the right path of communication for each person. In the end we do the best we can, utilizing the tools we’ve been given and making every effort to be authentic, genuine and in the moment. References Cherry, B. , & Jacob, S. R. (2011). Contemporary nursing issues trends and management (5th ed. ). St. Louis, Missouri: Elsevier Mosby.

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