Impressions about communication styles and competence in nursing relationships

Viewing oneself as a friendly and flexible communicator best predicted an effective communicator across nursing relationships (e.g., interacting with a subordinate, peer, or supervisor).

Abstract

The importance of communication in the health professions has risen to the forefront in recent years. Yet, little is known about how nurses perceive themselves communicating in various work relationships. Data from two independent studies were triangulated in order to determine how general impressions of communication may be manifested as well as how these general impressions can be operationalized in a variety of specific communicator skills used in the daily work routine of nurses. Results revealed that viewing oneself as a friendly and flexible communicator best predicted an effective communicator across nursing relationships (e.g., interacting with a subordinate, peer, or supervisor). Nurses also reported both themselves and their supervisors to be equally friendly, attentive, and expressive communicators. A number of hypotheses were generated based on the results of Study One. The findings of Study Two provided evidence for ascribing the importance of particular communication skills depending on the work relationship. For example, listening was the most important skill in all relationships while managing conflict with hospital personnel was second. The findings are discussed in terms of practical application for nurses who are communicating in a variety of situations within the hospital hierarchy.