Communication is simply the exchange of information. When that information is critical, it requires masterful communication skills. Nurse administrators must be able to issue directives concisely while remaining empathetic and mindful of everyone involved. Effective communication ensures better outcomes across healthcare. For example, a Sermo article references findings that over 60% of hospital adverse events reviewed by The Joint Commission were linked to poor communication.
The online Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) – Nurse Administrator program from Arkansas State University (A-State) includes a Role Development in Advanced Nursing course that explores administrative role development. The coursework focuses on communication and implementation strategies, preparing students to become effective, knowledgeable healthcare leaders.
Types of Communication
According to Go1, there are four types of communication that healthcare administrators should be skilled in:
- Verbal: Speaking aloud to colleagues, patients or patients’ families requires awareness of the tone and intent of the messaging.
- Non-verbal: Body language or facial expressions can affect how messages are received.
- Written: Emails, memos or letters also require an intentional sense of clarity.
- Formal: Navigating the organizational hierarchies involves passing information according to established professional guidelines and protocols.
Challenges in Communication
Meaning and intent sometimes get lost in translation, whether the content is unclear or the recipient misunderstood its presentation. Misunderstandings can result in a breakdown in communication and possibly life-threatening consequences for patients. Creative Health Care Management identified the following barriers to communication:
- Different work shifts: Team members may be unable to have in-person conversations.
- Organization hierarchy structure: The chain of command may hinder the flow of information.
- Language barriers: Not everyone speaks the same language, which can intensify miscommunication.
- Technology: Essential messages may suffer technical malfunctions or user errors.
To improve communication, administrators must evaluate barriers and develop solutions to overcome them.
Building Communication Skills
By strengthening communication skills, nurse administrators can create positive work environments, build strong relationships and lead highly effective teams. In addition to non-verbal, verbal and written communication, AMN Healthcare identified the following as the top communication skills:
- Active listening: Active listening includes concentrating on the message before considering the response.
- Personal relationships: Remember that colleagues and patients are people, not tasks to complete. Be respectful and attentive to their humanity.
- Inspire trust: Keep your word and take complaints seriously, using your influence to rectify issues.
- Show compassion: To treat everyone with dignity, leaders must understand them as individuals.
- Cultural awareness: Be aware of and respect different cultures, customs and communication styles.
- Educating patients: Assess the knowledge level of the patients and their families, targeting the message to them.
How we deliver information can illustrate genuine caring and an awareness of other perspectives. These communication skills facilitate collaboration and build support within healthcare teams.
Benefits of Effective Communication
Nurse administrators’ communication styles directly impact work culture and the quality of healthcare delivery. Effective communication reduces errors and misunderstandings. It also promotes a positive workplace experience, increasing job satisfaction and lowering staff turnover rates.
Strong communication skills also encourage professional collaboration and build trust. Making personal connections with others, whether patients and colleagues, can make nurses more compassionate. Open and honest communication also allows nurses to be more receptive to the different beliefs, backgrounds and lifestyles of patients and coworkers, increasing cultural awareness and sensitivity.
Use of Communication in Daily Work for Nursing Administration
Nurse administrators manage, coordinate and plan many functions within daily healthcare operations. They interact with clinical staff, patients, families and other stakeholders. Nurse administrators must be able to effectively communicate instructions, explain policies and procedures while offering constructive feedback to staff.
Additionally, they must understand conflict resolution advocate for the safety and well-being of staff and patients. Graduates of A-State’s online MSN – Nurse Administrator program gain the strong communication skills to ensure smooth operations and promote excellent patient care.
Learn more about Arkansas State University’s online Master of Science in Nursing – Nurse Administrator program.