Miscommunication Among Nurses and How to Avoid It

Nurses are among the essential workers in the healthcare world, especially now that we have a pandemic. However, miscommunication among nurses is an issue that happens quite often.

How can this be avoided? What causes miscommunication among nurses?

How Can Miscommunication Among Nurses Be Avoided?

There are a couple of ways that nurses can avoid miscommunication. Keep in mind that being able to relay the correct information about their patients can make a difference in nursing care.

As a nurse, you must provide accurate data regarding their condition so proper nursing can be given. Here’s how you can do that:

1. Make eye contact when endorsing patients.

There is a sense of relief whenever the shift is over, especially if it has been toxic since you first clocked in. While it is exciting to exit the nurse’s station once your shift ends, make proper endorsements first.

The best way to ensure no miscommunication is to make eye contact with the next nurse on duty when endorsing the patient’s chart.

Take the time to explain everything, from the procedures done to the patient, medications given, the diagnosis (if you have to), and even the physician/s who came to check in with them.

Making eye contact gives you a chance to scan for any uncertainty in their face or if they understood what was said to them. It is also the best way to engage someone in a conversation and ensure they listen to what you say.

2. Use bedside nursing boards.

Bedside nursing boards are also commonly known as bed-census boards. These can help you with an open line of communication among nurses in the team/building, the patient’s families, and you as health care providers.

The boards help with the patient’s condition and communicate with their families and the rest of the hospital staff. Understand that there are tons of healthcare providers in the hospital working on patients.

Failing to communicate properly can lead to negative consequences.

Bedside boards are essential in providing reports to the next nurse on duty. It can help them understand what happened during your shift and fill them in on the patient’s history if this is their first time handling them.

Bed census boards also prove to the patient’s families that proper care is given to their loved ones.

3. Take time to talk to your patients.

Nurses are often busy on each shift, and, unsurprisingly, they cannot give their patients’ full attention. However, taking the time to check on your patients, listen to their concerns, and show that you can help are enough to put them at ease. It is also a good nursing quality to have.

Allowing a few minutes of one-on-one conversation with your patients can be rewarding. It is easier to see how they are improving and establish a sense of trust as their nurse. Although you may not do this daily, it is best to create a routine and stick to it.

How Can Nurses Improve Their Communication Skills?

Improving communication among nurses is possible. To do this, nurses like you practice patience and become better listeners. When you listen, you don’t offer one ear but both. Keep in mind that you are working with other nurses who are also busy. Listening to each other is crucial to providing better services to patients.

You can also avoid communication conflict when you practice active listening. Active listening is repeating the key points of the conversation to the speaker. So, make it a habit to listen to your coworkers and improve your listening skills.

Another way to avoid miscommunication among nurses is not to interrupt the speaker. This could be helpful during endorsements at the end of the shift. Allow the person to finish talking first before asking questions.

Keep in mind that even the slightest cues can determine the condition of patients. Resist the urge to ask questions whenever someone is talking.

As a nurse, you must also learn to maintain a positive attitude. Remember, happiness is contagious! Your positive outlook can also affect your coworkers and even your patients.

When things get a little serious, be sure to keep your emotions in check. Your nurse training taught you to remain professional and courteous during conversations. No matter how angry or upset you are, keep it cool.

Be aware that your emotions can affect others and your ability to communicate at work. When you do so, miscommunication among nurses will not happen.

In Closing

Communication is an essential part of patient care, and when this is done accordingly,

it is nurses can work together effectively. If you feel like you or your coworkers are missing out on proper communication, take the step to address this issue.

It will surely help your team and other hospital staff improve as you provide nursing care to your patients.

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