How to Handle a Lack of Communication at Work Being a nurse can be challenging, as it requires extensive hard work and effort in order to carry out your duties successfully. It is imperative that you understand that collaborating and working with a team will benefit your patient. Therefore, communication plays a key role when working as a nurse. The International Nurses Association (INA) recommends that you try your best to focus on communication, as it plays a key role in caring for patients. With this in mind, it’s important to understand that there are a few things that you might want to do in order to improve communication where it’s lacking. Related: What to Do When Someone Complains About You Be the One to Take Initiative if No One Else Is If you fail at communicating with your colleagues, you should start initiating as many conversations as you can when you have time. It is important to put all personal opinions and issues aside, as you are required to work collaboratively with others to ensure the needs of all patients. Although you may feel hesitant to make the first move, it will not only benefit your communication, but it will show that you are not afraid to take on any challenges. Taking the initiative will not only help your communication but it will also show your colleagues that you take your work very seriously. Avoid Arguments Although it is quite impossible to avoid arguments with others, try your best to remain professional if you ever encounter a disagreements or arguments alike. Try to keep an open mind and listen to your colleague’s side. Once you understand where he or she is coming from, try to explain your side, and then see if there is a way to meet in the middle. Compromise is key because you are putting in that extra effort to make a change to work with others in harmony. Related: How to Manage your Personal and Professional Life as a Nurse
Don't Be Afraid to Compromise Even if you know that a colleague of yours isn’t right – go ahead and compromise – bite your tongue and move on. This might be a complete deal breaker. Of course, you need to ensure that this doesn’t, in any way, affect your work or the health of your patients. The only time a compromise would be necessary is if your discrepancies relate to personal preference or situations that do not directly affect the health of your patient. Discrepancies are a commonality in the work place; don't get discouraged if you encounter any on the job. Things to Keep in Mind In reality, communication is one of the most challenging parts in almost any line of work. When it comes to nursing, the job is incredibly dynamic; therefore, it is imperative that there are no issues with communication, as it can get in the way of the health of a patient. With this in mind, it is your moral and professional obligation as a nurse to set aside all of your personal issues and preferences with other colleagues to remain professional, and to ensure that your communication does not affect your work. What tips can you offer to fellow nurses who struggle to communicate? Related: Leading Registered Nurse Diane Lynn Shimko, RN, ADN, to be Published in the Worldwide Leaders in Healthcare as New Member of the International Nurses Association Please follow us on Facebook, Linkedin, Pinterest and Twitter