In speaking with various nurse leaders across the country, I have learned that effective communication in nursing continues to be a priority. Whether it is practicing and perfecting delegation skills or stepping into leadership roles in our nursing teams, we as nurse professionals need to speak in a professional way.

But what does ‘professional’ communication really look and feel like? More importantly, how do we do it? I’d love to hear in the comments below some of your thoughts on the ideal communication tactics. What has worked for you and what communication techniques have helped you up-level your nursing career?

To me, an ideal communicator practices some, if not all, of the following:

• They are able to stay present with the conversation, waiting for the participant they are engaged with to finish speaking before mindfully responding.
• They are open to multiple perspectives and realize their own perceptions can be influencing their role in the conversation. Basically, they are able to see where the other side may be coming from.
• They are respectful, honest and show up with integrity. While they do not allow the other communicator to walk all over them, they do value give-and-take in their talk that invites both parties to be honored.
• They are able to go through the process. From listening to sharing, from discussing to deciding- they talk through the issues and come to a strategic and honorable resolution.

But don’t let me hog all of the glory. I know a few nurse leaders who have lots to say on this topic. The upcoming Nurse’s Week virtual conference, the Art of Nursing 2.0, will highlight four nursing professionals expert in the topic of communication and collaboration.

• Learn more about the DESC Model with Kathleen Bartholomew, a nationally known keynote speaker for nurses. Kathleen will present how to build trust through communication.
• Receive state-of-the-art information from Jamie Davis- a nurse, educator, and journalist who uses a unique platform (podcasting) to get the profession of nursing ‘on the map’. You will receive information on this high-tech solution that can kick your nursing career into high gear.
• Julia Riley will take us on a journey through the platinum rule of communication. As a holistic nurse entrepreneur, Julia’s mission is to Re-Spirit, Re-Inspire, and Re-vitalize nurses to deliver sensitive care finding joy, humor, and meaning along the journey.
• Finally, close the day out with Barbara Phillips, a nationally certified as a family nurse practitioner who will wrap up the key themes and shed light on important take-away messages from the three video interviews above.

Here’s a quick sneak peek on what’s coming your way:

Jamie Davis on Podcasting in Nursing

Julia Riley on Using the Platinum Rule in Communication

Of course we’d love for you to join us and celebrate the profession of nursing during National Nurse’s Week. To register, visit https://elizabethscala.com/landing/aon2/.  I’d also love to hear your thoughts on effective communication in nursing. What’s worked for you? What would you add to the list above? And if something wasn’t quite as successful as you had hoped it would be, what did you learn from that? Thanks for the comments and enjoy the day!

About the Author: As a speaker, workshop facilitator, and Reiki Master, Elizabeth partners with hospitals, organizations, associations, and nursing groups to help transform the field of nursing from the inside out. As the  host of the Your Next Shift Workshop, Elizabeth is guides nurses and nursing students to a change in perspective, helping them make the inner shift needed to better maneuver the sometimes challenging realities of being a caregiver.