Relationship between communication skills and care behaviors of nurses.

PURPOSE

In this study, we aimed to determine the relationship between communication competence and patient care behaviors of nurses.

DESIGN AND METHODS

The study was designed as a descriptive relational study and conducted in Akdeniz University Hospital between March 2018 and May 2018. Data of this study were collected from clinical nurses working in Akdeniz University Hospital. The study was carried out with 262 nurses who accepted to agreed participate in the study.

FINDINGS

Of all nurses, 97% were college graduates, 63% were married, and 35% had working experience between 5 and 9 years. There was a moderate positive correlation between communicative competence and care behaviors of nurses (r = 0.5, P < 0.01).

PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS

More training can be implemented to educate nurses about communication barriers to equip them with effective communication skills and strategies. The nursing process is a scientific method of exercising and implementing of nursing care, this is only achieved through dialogue, interpersonal environment, and specific verbal and nonverbal communication skills. In service training of nurses on effective communicative techniques will inevitably have a positive impact rather than reflection on patient care.