The Importance Of Communication In Nursing Care

Communication provides a means for people to connect to each other and provides a bridge so that we can share information, signals, or messages between us (Giger, 2013). In the healthcare setting it is imperative that the communication between patient and provider be exchanged quickly, accurately and effectivity. One of the most demanding situations for members of a linguistic team is assisting the conversation between the healthcare professional and the patient (Issacs, Laurier, Turner, & Segalowitz, 2011). I have had very limited exposure to working with patients that I could not converse with due to language. I speak Spanish fluently which has been an assist in so many ways. I have had a few polish speaking individuals under my care that I believe fit under the category of low English proficient and two Indian speaking individuals. Typically their families were at their bedside at all times. The Indian speaking individuals had a doctor that was able to converse in their native tongue. We have
When I asked the administrator she seemed slightly confused and asked if we had someone coming in that did not speak English. I did find out that we use a communication board for daily interactions with nursing assistance and we encourage family involvement. If information is being exchanged regarding medication changes, diagnosis and informed consent first we check if their doctor can translate, because many use doctors that speak their native tongue. This information is gathered at time of admit and a care plan is formulated for the patient anticipating their arrival, in regards to the language barrier. The interdisciplinary team will decide what services may be required and place in the care plan for the staff to utilize. An order is also written given staff direction as to where to call and numbers and staff can sign off and document what was covered, time, date, and outcome of