Communication a problem for nurses rock climbing the answer?

[moonscar]

What I was wondering was has anyone found that miscommunication between doctor and nurse, patient and nurse or any other combination caused problems for you?

If so what would you like to see done about it. What I was thinking for our staff was enrolling them in a rock-climbing course to learn the importance of crystal clear communication that you can only get from a sport such as climbing. Do you think this is a good idea andwould you like to see it used at you facility?

Thanks for the advice

Moonscar

[UM Review RN, ASN, RN]

Not that this has anything to do with anything, and PLEASE take this as a compliment, but I always pictured you as slim and athletic and drop dead gorgeous...LOL...your posts always make me think of that person everyone is jealous of because they have a great personality and perfect looks. It's kind of nice to have someone with your personality to be overweight with me.

Wow! That IS quite a compliment! I USED to be slim and athletic. Never gorgeous, but passable. But sadly, nowadays, I look like Mrs. Pillsbury Dougboy--without the cute hat. Which is why I refuse to wear white scrubs, but that's another thread, isn't it.

Sorry to take the thread OT, OP, but you've really gotten a lot of sensible advice here, and I urge you to consider these thoughtful, intelligent responses. Nurses DO know how to cooperate; studies have consistently shown that it's the docs you have to get on board.

[nickola]

;-)

[canoehead, BSN, RN]

Here's a communication exercise that is free and will make everyone feel good. Pass out a list of your staff to everyone and they have to come up with at least one good thing to say about each individual. Then you get to put all the good comments together for each person and give a them a great lift.

[catlady, BSN, RN]

If there is not a solution to an easier problem, then explain why something can't be done.

Note to self: read it over before posting!! Try:

If there is not a viable solution to an existing problem, then explain why nothing can be done!

Just an FYI, as I have those moments, too!

After you've finished posting, there is an edit button that you can use to fix those pesky typos and verbal dribblings... I use mine OFTEN!

[catlady, BSN, RN]

Thanks everyone for all the helpful advice.

And improve the communication through rock climbing.

It sounds as if you are bound and determined to do the rock climbing regardless of the advice you've been given to the contrary.

[canoehead, BSN, RN]

Methinks their manager has just proven that lack of communication (at least the listening part) is certainly an issue for that unit.

[ERNP]

Most of the nurses I work with have no problem with communication. However, it does appear that others may have problems with the manner in which they are communicating.

Nurse to nurse communication can be particularly bad, downright catty sometimes. Then there is a run to the office to "tell" and someone with some imagined degree of authority by title comes out to save the day.

It isn't only nurses communicating in this way, from the physicians and administrators to the environmental service employees, it seems like everyone has something to say about someone.

How about not tolerating such juvenile behavior?

When person A complains about person B, assume they have a communication problem and invite them both in to hash it out with a neutral mediator. Not only solves problem between person A and person B but teaches communication skills.

If person initiating complaint isn't willing to participate, (ie wants to remain anonymous), then the odds are there isn't really anything more than a personality conflict in place.

Taking care of the "behind the scenes" issues are essential to effective communication. By utilizing a mediator, causing the parties to discuss the matter, and reach some agreed on resolution, you are teaching communication better than any rock climbing wall.

At the same time you are taking steps to rid your unit of an underlying source of negativity.