Communication in Nursing

Communication in Nursing, 5e, is one of the leaders in detailing how nurses communicate with their patients. The author takes a spiritual, even artistic approach while at the same time using practical clinical applications; this helps the reader first understand the basic concepts of therapeutic communication , and then apply them to various clinical situations with clients and colleagues alike. Content has a wide array of topics, including being assertive, electronic communication, respect, humor, group communication, confrontation, and requesting support. Chapters are organized into four parts, building from the ground up: Getting Started, Building Relationships, Meeting Challenges, and finally, Building Confidence.

With a combination of special features like Moments of Connection, Wit & Wisdom, and Reflections On..., students gain valuable nursing knowledge, but with a personal touch; quotes, stories, and poetry excerpts go beyond the clinical setting and introduce students to empathy and sensitivity and how they are the prerequisites of successful communication in this field. Each chapter closes by offering exercises aimed at reinforcing chapter content and encouraging students to think beyond their years. Suggestions for further reading are also listed for research beyond the classroom.

• Wit & Wisdom boxes feature selected spiritual verses, bits of poetry, and quotations to add interest and humor to chapter content
• The Myers-Briggs Type Indicator is discussed as a tool to help the reader enhance his/her own communication style and recognize the different style of colleagues and clients
• Moments of Connection boxes are interspersed throughout each chapter to highlight the benefits and outcomes of successful communication
• Reflections On... boxes focus on what is learned from the chapter, how it will impact nursing practice, and how new knowledge and skills will be implemented
• Poetry excerpts can be found in every chapter to give a less clinical example of how best to achieve fruitful communication
• Includes communication strategies to manage professional issues such as burnout and verbal harassment
• Addresses the therapeutic use of humor and spirituality as part of a holistic approach to communication in nursing
• Offers insights on communicating with populations with special needs, such as family, children, the elderly, clients from different cultures, clients with HIV/AIDS, suicidal clients, and victims of abuse

Wit & Wisdom boxes feature selected spiritual verses, bits of poetry, and quotations to add interest and humor to the chapter's content

The Myers-Briggs Type Indicator is discussed as a tool to help the reader enhance his/her own communication style and recognize the different style of colleagues and clients

Moments of Connection boxes are interspersed throughout each chapter to highlight the benefits and outcomes of successful communication

Poetry excerpts can be found in every chapter to give a less clinical example of how best to achieve fruitful communication

Includes communication strategies to better handle professional issues such as burnout and verbal harassment

Chapters that address the therapeutic use of humor and spirituality offer a holistic approach to communication in nursing

Offers content on communicating with populations with special needs, such as family, children, the elderly, clients from different cultures, clients with HIV/AIDS, suicidal clients, and victims of abuse

Julia Balzer Riley, RN, MN, President, Constant Source Seminars, Ellenton, FL