Effective nursing communication goes beyond sharing information; it’s about empathy, clarity, and connection. Strong bedside manner builds trust, reduces errors, and improves patient satisfaction. Marian University’s Accelerated BSN program helps students develop these skills through coursework, simulations, and clinical practice, preparing them to deliver compassionate, patient-centered care.
In nursing, communication is more than just exchanging information. It’s about connecting with patients, understanding their needs, and giving comfort and clarity during stressful times. It’s also about communicating with other members of the healthcare team to provide quality care.
If you want to switch careers to nursing and hold a non-nursing bachelor’s degree, you could be eligible for Marian University’s Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN) program. With start dates in January, May, and August, you can begin your nursing journey sooner and earn your BSN in as few as 16 months.
Our comprehensive curriculum will help you master effective communication skills and develop a strong bedside manner, both crucial components for excelling in patient care.
Importance of Communication in Nursing
Effective communication in nursing is fundamental to ensuring high-quality patient care and improving patient outcomes. Communication significantly influences the entire healthcare experience, from initial patient interaction through diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up care. Nurses must articulate healthcare concepts clearly, interpret patient concerns, and foster a caring, empathetic environment.
Enhancing Patient Outcomes Through Communication
Effective nurse-patient communication builds trust and helps reduce errors. The American Nurses Association emphasizes communicating with clarity and compassion. It suggests the following tactics:
- Ask open-ended questions
- Allow patients to speak
- Paraphrase in a way that shows understanding and respect
- Use verbal and non-verbal cues to show compassion and active listening
Clear verbal communication ensures that patients comprehend their diagnoses and the steps they need to take for their health.
Building Trust with Patients
The role of a nurse often extends beyond providing medical care; it involves instilling trust and reassurance. Patients are more likely to confide in nurses who communicate effectively and demonstrate a genuine interest in their well-being. Year after year, nurses have been voted the No. 1 most trusted and ethical profession in Gallup’s poll. It takes time to build trust with patients, but being patient-centered and showing respect will help foster that relationship.
Effective communication in nursing also involves being sensitive to cultural differences and utilizing interpreters to overcome language barriers.
Marian University is committed to providing each student with an education that profoundly transforms lives and society through its core values: dignity of the individual, peace and justice, reconciliation, and responsible stewardship.
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What is Bedside Manner and Why It Matters
Bedside manner refers to the way healthcare professionals interact with and communicate with patients, no matter the setting. A good bedside manner is characterized by kindness, attentiveness, empathy, and effective communication. It's about making patients feel heard, respected, and cared for during their healthcare experiences.
Conversely, poor bedside manner can lead to miscommunication, patient dissatisfaction, and even foster mistrust in healthcare providers.
How to Effectively Communicate
Developing an effective bedside manner requires intentional practice and reflection. Here are some strategies nurses can employ to enhance their communication with patients.
Some specific strategies include:
- Introduce yourself with a smile
- Take time to listen to a patient’s story
- Treat patients as equal partners in their care
- Be honest yet nonjudgmental
- Ask patients if they have questions
- Outline next steps clearly
Listening
Active listening involves giving patients your full attention, acknowledging their concerns, and responding thoughtfully. Be aware of your environment and try to remove distractions. Let the patient speak and resist the urge to go into problem-solving mode immediately.
Non-Verbal Communication
Non-verbal cues, such as eye contact, facial expressions, and gestures, can reinforce trust and understanding between nurses and patients. These signals often convey more than words and should align with verbal communication to promote clarity and compassion.
Clear and Concise Communication
Providing information in a clear, direct, and understandable manner is essential, especially when discussing medical terms and treatment plans. Avoid using jargon that may confuse patients and ensure they fully understand their healthcare treatment plan. Use open-ended questions to encourage patient interaction and feedback.
Developing Communication Skills in Nursing
Improving communication skills is an ongoing process that requires dedication and practice. Whether you are a nursing student or a seasoned professional, there are several ways to enhance your skills.
Educational Programs
Participating in educational programs, like Marian University's ABSN, can provide valuable training in communication skills. Through online coursework and in-person skills training, students practice communication, patient interaction, and cultural competence, laying a strong foundation for their futures as nurses. Our curriculum offers relevant courses, including:
- Health Assessment & Communication
- Mental Health Nursing
- Care of the Adult Client in Community/Acute Care Settings
- Community Health Nursing
- Leadership
Simulation and Skills Labs
Hands-on experiences in simulation and skills labs can provide nursing students with realistic scenarios where they can practice communication and receive feedback. These simulations are critical for preparing students to handle varied patient interactions in real clinical settings. Through specially designed scenarios, students develop their skills in a controlled, true-to-life setting using hospital equipment to treat lifelike medical manikins.
Marian’s ABSN program operates learning sites in Indianapolis, Indiana and Nashville, Tennessee.
Clinical Rotations
Putting nursing theory and skills into practice through clinical rotations is essential preparation for being an effective nurse. Marian ABSN students complete hundreds of clinical practice hours at top healthcare facilities in Indianapolis and Nashville.
Reflective Practice
Reflective practice involves regularly reviewing and analyzing past interactions with patients to identify areas for improvement. By critically assessing one's communication style and effectiveness, nurses can continuously develop their bedside manner and enhance overall patient care.
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Hone Your Communication Skills Through Marian’s ABSN Program
By integrating experiential learning and a focus on communication skills, Marian University's ABSN program prepares nurses to meet these challenges head-on. As healthcare changes, so too must our approaches to patient interaction. An effective bedside manner is a necessity for successful nursing practice.
In addition to those with a non-nursing bachelor’s degree, Marian welcomes applicants who are enrolled in its Associate of Science in Health Sciences (ASHS) degree transfer track.
Contact an admissions advisor today to review your academic background and start your nursing journey.