Fundamentals of Nursing

1. Communication
Earnest Lamuel, M.Sc. (N) I Year

2. Definition

3. Scope
The scope of communication is very wide and comprehensive. It is
a subject of almost unlimited dimensions and is an
interdisciplinary one.
It is a two way process involving both transmission and reception.
It is a continuous process of exchange of ideas, feelings, attitudes,
opinions, figures and interactions with others.
Both written and oral or verbal media can be used to transmit
messages.

4. Theories
• Bull’s Eye Theory
• Ping Pong Theory
• Spiral Theory

5. Objectives

6. Elements

7. Principles

8. Forms / Types
1. Verbal Communication – is an
exchange of information using
words including both the
spoken and the written word.
The most important aspects of
verbal communication are the
following:-
• Language
• Pacing
• Intonation
• Clarity & Brevity
• Timing & Relevance

9. Forms / Types
2. Non Verbal
Communication –
Information is
exchanged through
non – verbal
communication in
various ways. It is
sometimes referred
as body language.
Duribleby & Brutan
(1992) suggested
that body language
has several
elements:-
• Gesture
• Facial Expressions
• Posture
• Gait
• Body Space &
Personality
• Touch
• Personal
Appearance
• Eye Contact
• Sounds
• Silence

10. Forms / Types
3. Symbolic Communication – involves the verbal and non verbal
symbolism to convey meaning.
4. Meta Communication – is communication about communication
so that the deeper message within a message can be uncovered
and understood.
5. Written communication – is the best method when the
communicator and the recipient are beyond oral
communication. It exchanges facts, ideas, opinions through
written material.

11. Patterns
A. One Way Communication –
or one directional means a
speaker encodes a message
and sends it to a listener
through one or more of the
sensory channels. The listener
then decodes the message.
Source
Encodes
Message
Listener
Decoder
Message

12. Patterns
B. Two Way Communication –
The source encodes a message
and sends it to the receiver
through one or more sensory
channels. The receiver then
decodes the message received.
The receiver then encodes the
feedback to the source,
making it an interactive
communication.
Source
Encodes
Message
Listener
Decoder
Message

13. Levels
• Transpersonal Communication – is interaction that occurs within
a person’s spiritual domain. Nurses who value human spirituality
use this level for patients and for themselves.
• Small Group Communication – is interaction that takes place
with gathering of small number of persons. It is usually goal-
oriented and requires an understanding of group dynamics.

14. Levels
• Public Communication – is interaction with an audience. Nurses
use this form for group health education, class room discussion
with students or peers.
• Organizational Communication – is interaction between an
individual and groups with an organization in order to achieve
established goal.

15. Levels
• Intrapersonal Communication – is a powerful form of communication
that occurs within an individual. This level of communication is also
self-talk, self verbalization and inner thought.
• Interpersonal Communication – is one to one interaction that occurs
face to face. This level of communication is frequently used in nursing
situations. It results in expression of feelings, exchange of ideas,
decision, team building, etc.

16. Phases

17. Benefits

18. Functions

19. Influencers

20. Barriers

21. Role of Communication in Nursing
Effective communication plays an instrumental role in throughout
a patient’s entire healthcare experience, and a large portion of
the responsibility falls on nurses. Responsible for relaying
information to a number of individuals, nurses must be able to
communicate clearly, especially during times of intense stress.
Good written and verbal communication in nursing is in valuable
to all involved.

22. Establishing Good Communication
in Nursing
Nurses posses a tremendous amount of medical knowledge and
clinical experience. Yet greatest challenge and most vital task is
communication.
Every step of the way, from patient intake to patient discharge
and beyond, nurses must communicate well to provide
comprehensive care.

23. Benefits of Communication in
Nursing
Studies show that good communication between nurses and
patients have many benefits. First, it greatly contributes to the
ability to provide patients with individualized care.
Nurses who take the time to understand the unique challenges and
concerns of the parents will be better prepared to advocate on
their behalf and properly address issues as they arise.

24. Communication is Key in Nursing
Nurses have a multitude of responsibilities when it comes to
patient care. Arguably communication tops the list. Nurses act as
the hub of communication, relaying and interpreting
information between physicians, caregivers, family members and
patients.

25. References
• K. P. Neerja, A Textbook of Nursing Education, Ist Edition,
2009, Jaypee Publications.
• Pramila R, A Textbook of Nursing Education & Educational
Technology, Ist Edition, 2010, Jaypee Brothers Medical
Publishers.

26. Thank You
Earnest Lamuel, M.Sc. (N) I Year