Communication among nurses

Abstract

Communication is a way of conveying messages to various people using a common system of symbols, signs or behaviour.¹ Language is used to transmit verbal messages; from single-letter words to complex discussions, in order to produce the anticipated effect. We start our first communication soon after birth when we cry to convey the message of discomfort or hunger, i.e. basic messages pertaining to our needs. Later in life, more complex messages needs to be communicated.² Nonverbal communication is a way of communicating without words. It includes behaviour such as “facial expressions, eye movement, touching and tone of voice, as well as less obvious messages, such as dress, posture and the spatial distance between two or more people”.³