COMMUNICATION SKILLS IN NURSING AND MIDWIFERY PROFESSION

INTRODUCTION

Communication serve as the basic and pivotal means of co-ordinating all life process or activities.
DEFINITION:- Communication can be defined as the process of passing, sending and transferring
of meaningful information from one person to another, from one organization to another or from
one society to another in order educate, direct, or influence an action

Communication in Nursing simply refers to systematic approach of passing therapeutic

information from a Nurse or Midwife to a patient or transferring meaningful information from one
nurse to another, from nurse to co-workers in order enhance patient's care

TYPES OF COMMUNICATION

There are two types of communication.These are:-

1. Verbal (oral) communication

2. Non-verbal communication

1. VERBAL COMMUNICATION:- This is the type of communication that deals with passing a
meaningful information orally (mouth talk) i.e. oral conversation. It is divided in to three (3)
parts:-

a, Inter-personal communication

b, Intra-personal communication

c, Group communication.

a- Interpersonal communication:- This is the type of verbal communication that deals with face to
face interaction and conversation between one person to another.

b- Intra-personal communication:- This type of verbal of communication in which an individual

communicating with hs mind.
Intra-personal communication simply refers to the situation where by an individual talking to
himself, to the extent of voicing out his thoughts, feeling or emotions aloud.
In this type of communication, the stimuli and responses are within the individual. Examples:-

- When someone is saying to himself. "NO". " YES" , "WHY", "OH", "IT CAN'T",
Through Intra-personal communication, people make decisions and evaluations every day. Some
people may think of positive and negative ideas on a particular issue and it's possible
consequences through Intra-personal communication in order to find out the solution of a
difficulty situations or problems in life.

c- Group communication:- This is the type of verbal communication that deals with passing of
meaningful information to a large group of people. Examples like, Seminar presentation,
delivering lectures to a large group of audience , workshop , political rallies and occasion. etc.

ADVANTAGES OF VERBAL COMMUNICATION

1. Verbal communication is very cheap and easy

2. Various information can be passed within a short time

3. It facilitate good interpersonal relationship

4. It can be used to communicate with a large number of people. Example like class room lectures

5. It is very simple and provide room for clarification

DISADVANTAGES OF VERBAL COMMUNICATION

1. The information can easily be forgotten.

2. It has some limitations, as the verbal information can be difficult to passed to the high ranking
officers eg. Directors, HOD, Provost, Chairman, Governor etc

3. The audience/ receiver can denied the information

4. It is not binding with legal backing

2. NON-VERBAL COMMUNICATION:- This is the type of communication that deals with

extending or passing information through different ways such as body movement, attitudes,
graphical expression, visuals/visual appliances or documentary form (write-up)

NON-VERBAL COMMUNICATION INCLUDES:-

1. DOCUMENTARY (WRITE UP/ WRITTEN FORM) :- This is the process of extending

meaningful information through write up such as letter writing, journals, magzines, newspaper,
text book, memo, articles, circulars, etc
2 BODY LANGUAGE:- This is the process of exchanging ideas,thought or emotions by bodily
gastures, movement of some body parts etc eg. Nodding of head, waving of hands, flection of
fingers etc

3. SIGN LANGUAGE:- This is a unique systemati language that is use to communicate with those
people that stuffers partial or total hearing loss.

This method of communication combines the use of visuals, hand, fingers sign in order to enable
the deaf and people with hearing impairement to communicate with each other and also people
with normal hearing that can understand the sign language.

4. PARA LANGUAGE :- This is the type of non-verbal communication that deals with passing
meaningful information from one person to another through attitudes and facial expressions e.g
Smiling, frowning of face, sideways gazing etc

5. GRAPHICAL EXPRESSIONS:- This is the process of passing a meaningful information

through graphical representation such as use of a particular logos for easy identification.
eg.
* Use of Moon and Star logos to indicate mosque,
* Use of a Cross logos to indicate Churches,
* Use of syringe and needles logos to indicate hospital or clinic etc.

6. VISUALS:- This is the process of passing meaningful information by displaying static and
motions pictures and videos. Examples. Advertisement on billboard, posters, calenders, televisions
etc

STAGES IN COMMUNICATION

Effective Communication simply refers to the passing of meaningful information that can be well
understood and receiving a feedback. Therefore, communication consist of following stages:-

* SENDER :- This is the initiator of the idea of the messages to be send.The sender is also referred
to as the communicator, transmitter and encorder of the messages to be passed or send.

* MESSAGE:- This simply refers to the idea which the sender or communicator intended to pass
or send to the others.

* ENCODING THE MESSAGE:- This simply refers to the process of designing, arranging and
putting the messages in an appropriate manner and language that is understandable to the other
party.

The clearity and appropriateness of the language used, helps to determine the success of the
messages sent.
* SELLECTING THE APPROPRIATE MEDIUM : - This refers to the methods,ways or means by
which the messages can be transferred or transmitted from the sender to the receiver.
In selecting the appropriate medium, the following should be taking in to consideration:-

a, The receiver's level of education and status

b, The psychological and physiological make-up of the receiver

c, The nature of the messages i.e

(complex or confidential)

d, The nearness of the receiver

e, The urgency of the messages

f, The availability of the various medium to use

g, The simplicity and cost effective of the available media

The above factors should be looked in to consideration in order to ensure a successfull delivery of
the messages sent.

* RECEIVER:- This simply refers to the decoder or communicatee, listener, viewer or reader of
the messages sent or transmitted

* DECODING THE MESSAGE :- This simply refers to the ability of the receiver to listen, view,
or read the messages sent and get the information. In this stage, if the message is not clear, it will
be difficult for the receiver to decode or understand it very well

* INTERPRETING THE MESSAGE:- This simply refers to the ability of the receiver to find out
and understand the hidden meaning and the reasons behind the messages in order to act upon
effectively or to provide a positive feedback.

*PROVIDING FEEDBACK:- This is the most important stage in the entire process. Without
feedback, there is no communication.
Feedback simply refers to the response or reaction of the receiver towards the messages received
which could be positive or negative. It determines whether that the desires actions has been taken
or will be taken.
The feedback can be positive if the desired outcome is achieved and may be negative when there
is an evidence that the messages has either not been received or understood.

ELEMENTS / COMPONENTS OF COMMUNICATION:-

* Sender

* Message.-

* Appropriate medium -

* Receiver

* Feedback

CHANNELS OF COMMUNICATION:-

1. DOWNWARD COMMUNICATION:- This is the traditional way of communication in an

organizational setting in which directives or messages are passes from different level of hierarchy
(high ranking officers) to the lower level (junior officers) i.e from top to bottom

2. UPWARD COMMUNICATION:- This is a means of passing information from the lower

ranking officers to the higher ranking officers.

3. HORIZONTAL COMMUNICATION:- This is a way of passing meaningful information

between one high ranking officers to another. This kind of communication is limited within the
authorities or managements in an organizational setting.eg. Directors meeting, managers meeting
etc.

4. LATERAL COMMUNICATION:- This is a way of passing meaningful information between a

lower ranking officers to another, or from one department to another ( communication among
lower level officers)

PURPOSES OF COMMUNICATION

1. To achieve a desired goals (positive outcome)

2. To exchange ideas, thoughts, views and emotions

3. To impact knowledge and skills to the others

4. To instruct, directs and or control activities

5. To influences and motivate others

6. To make an inquiry, seeking for help or clarification

7.To establish good interpersonal relationship

8. To provide entertainments and refreshments etc.

FACTORS THAT PROMOTE EFFECTIVE COMMUNICATION

1. Appropriate manner of approach

2. Use of appropriate and acceptable language

3. Use of appropriate medium in passing the messages

4. Active listening,full attention and concentration from the audience

5. Clarity, simplicity and conciseness of the messages/information

6. Conducive and well ventilated environment

7. Respecting the religious and traditional beliefs of the audience

8. Use of word of motivation and encouragement

9. Physiological and psychological well-being of both sender and receivers

10 Motivation and encouragement

FACTORS AFFECTING COMMUNICATION

1. Poor manner of approach from the sender/communicator

2. Language barrier due to use of inappropriate acceptable language

3. Physiological barrier such as hearing impairement, sight defect etc

4.Psychological barrier due to emotional unstableness

5. Unfavourable environmental condition (eg. High level of noise, dusty and smoky appearance
etc)

6. Religious and cultural beliefs of the audience

7. Use of inappropriate medium by the communicator

8. Lack of attention and concentration from the audience

9. Physical barrier such as distraction

10. Insecurities and insurgency