What role do communication techniques play in nursing as evaluated by the NGN?

Effective communication is essential in nursing as it directly impacts patient safety, patient understanding, and team collaboration. Through clear and open dialogue, nurses can accurately assess patient needs, convey critical health information, and ensure that patients understand their treatment plans. This is particularly vital in preventing errors, as miscommunication can lead to medication mistakes or misunderstandings about procedures.

Moreover, effective communication fosters a positive therapeutic relationship between nurses and patients, allowing for better emotional support and trust. It enhances teamwork within the healthcare environment, enabling healthcare providers to share essential information swiftly and reduce the likelihood of misunderstandings that could compromise patient care.

In contrast, the other options reflect misconceptions about the significance and scope of communication in nursing. Dismissing communication as optional undermines its fundamental role in nursing practice and patient outcomes, while suggesting that it prioritizes over clinical practice disregards the need for a balance between clinical skills and interpersonal skills. Focusing solely on written communication overlooks the multifaceted nature of communication, which includes verbal and non-verbal interactions that are crucial in clinical settings.