Good Communicator Hca

Are you a good communicator? HCA 230 Are you a good communicator? Effective communication is vital in the healthcare workplace. The welfare of others is the fundamental focus and effective communication between colleagues can make the difference in the quality and consistency of care that is delivered to patients. Many people to consider themselves to be good communicators; Identifying what the effective communication process is helps to make that determination. According to Cheesebro, O’Conner, ; Rios, 2010, effective communication is “the process of sending and receiving messages. This means that a good communicator would be effective in both listening and responding appropriately. So, in order to establish a successful exchange of information is helpful to distinguish between the various types of communication. Focusing on verbal and non verbal communication we will examine communication and how it relates to the medical field. In the health care industry interpersonal relationships with patients and coworkers are essential in the quality of service that is provided.

Communication is vital to the development as well as the maintenance of all interpersonal relationships. In health care, the constant interaction with the patients, their families and co-workers of different race, ethnic background, gender, and religious beliefs require diversity from its employees. Using communication to build interpersonal relationships builds a trust and understanding between co-workers and patients. Thus patients feel more at ease discussing their ailments and receiving professional feedback.

Effective communication results in more positive outcomes, such as increased productivity and proficiency, better relationships, as well as improved workplace morale. On the other hand, poor and ineffective communication causes conflict, takes up time and additional resources. Eventually, it will negatively affect organization overall. Supportive communication is able to express further understanding and encourage communication with those around you. Defensive communication on he other hand, can cause the other person to be on edge, feeling threatened, and anxious. When the communication between two parties turn into a defensive situation they are less likely to see the value in the message. The use of empathy is a vital tool when attempting to establish rapport with a patient or co-worker and building trust. The key to demonstrating empathy is to use active listening. In this method, the receiver checks message with the sender to make sure they understand what is begin said as a way to clarify the information given.

In the medical filed assertiveness is expressed through communication by being expressive of thoughts, feelings, and needs without being aggressive and having presence on another person. The purpose is to improve the communication process instead of allowing aggression to create conflict and a hostile environment. In the medical field some of this can be avoided by refraining from using aggressive or sarcastic tones and body language which could give the receiver the wrong impression of the sender and the message being sent. The use of “I” statements and good body language can assist in the process.

Films Media Group. (2007). Communicating with aged care colleagues [H. 264] By including yourself and explaining way that can be helpful, the environment for open dialog is developed. Upon a self assessment of my own interpersonal relationships and skills, I discovered I am in need of some improvement. One element that particularly stood out to me was the inconsistence of verbal and nonverbal communication. When speaking to new people or on a topic in which I may not be as well informed on I have the tendency to fidget and use little eye contact.

Although I may be paying full attention or taking notes my nonverbal communication can be misinterpreted into lack of interest, boredom, or in some cultures just plain disrespect. As a result of knowing this I can make sure that I am prepared by doing some extra research on the topic if possible to increase my comfort lever when speaking on it. I can also make sure that my personal appearance, posture, gestures, and mannerisms, facial expression, eye contact and personal space is appropriate and consistent for the delivery of the message I am trying to send.

Just as many others I considered self to be a good communicator and saw where I could make the improvements o that I can be more effective in my professional and personal life. References 1. Cheesebro, T. , O’Conner, L. , & Rios, F. (2010). Communicating in the Workplace . : Prentice Hall. 2. Films Media Group. (2007). Communicating with aged care colleagues [H. 264] * Taken From: http://digital. films. com/PortalPlaylists. aspx? aid=7967&xtid=40257