Comminication for Nurses: Talking with Patients

Communication for Nurses offers direct, effective techniques that are delivered in a concise, user-friendly format that enables readers to develop a professional communication style. The early chapters review nursing, communication, and developmental theories. Issues of cultural diversity and patient rights are discussed, providing a thoughtful perspective on communication. Important concepts and interviewing techniques are presented for starting and developing the nurse-patient relationship. The later chapters profile communicating with specific groups, including patients of different ages, patients with physical impairments, and patients in crisis. A section on communicating with peers and other health care providers reviews relationship building, assertiveness, and negotiation skills. Exercises at the end of each chapter provide the opportunity to review, practice, and refine communication skills. The techniques and situations included enable nursing students and practicing nurses to develop their abilities, prepare for a variety of patients and situations, and tailor their personal style to effectively communicate with individual patients.