Chapter 8, Transitions, Communications Study Guide
Summer 2025
I. Understanding the Communication Process
A. Steps of the Communication Process (Berlo)
1. Stimulus Initiation: Communication begins with a reason or trigger.
2. Sender/Source (Encoder): The individual or entity who originates the message and
encodes it (translates thoughts into a communicable form).
3. Message: The actual communication product from the source, conveying information or
meaning.
4. Channel of Communication: The medium through which the message is transmitted
(e.g., auditory, visual, kinesthetic).
5. Receiver (Decoder): The individual who receives the message and decodes it (translates
and interprets its meaning).
6. Confirmation/Feedback: The receiver's response that indicates understanding or lack
thereof, providing feedback to the sender.
B. Components in the Process of Communication
(Implied by the Berlo model steps)
II. Forms of Communication
A. Verbal Communication
1. Relies on the understanding and use of language.
2. Includes spoken and written words.
B. Nonverbal Communication
1. Facial Expressions, Gestures, Eye Contact, Touch: Convey emotions and intentions.
2. Space, Time, Boundaries: Personal space, timeliness, and professional limits.
3. Body Movements, Posture, Gait: How one carries themselves.
4. General Physical Appearance and Mode of Dress or Grooming: Overall presentation.
5. Sounds: Non-linguistic vocalizations like moaning, crying, gasping, sighing.
III. Communication Technologies
A. Electronic Communication
1. Social Media: Platforms like Facebook, Twitter, etc., with guidelines for RNs from ANA
and NCSBN.
2. E-mail and Text Messages: Risks of violating patient privacy and confidentiality;
healthcare agencies use security measures.
3. Telehealth and Telemedicine: Providing healthcare remotely through technology.
IV. Levels of Communication
A. Intrapersonal
1. Self-talk: Communication occurring within a person's own mind.
2. Example: A nurse reassuring themselves before a presentation.
B. Interpersonal
1. Occurs between two or more people.
2. Goal is to exchange messages.
1
, Chapter 8, Transitions, Communications Study Guide
Summer 2025
C. Group Communication
1. Small-Group: Communication within a limited number of individuals working toward a
common goal.
2. Organizational Communication: Communication within a larger, structured entity.
3. Group Dynamics: The interactive processes and relationships within a group.
V. Characteristics of Effective and Ineffective Groups
1. Group Identity: A sense of belonging and shared purpose.
2. Cohesiveness: The degree of unity and attraction among group members.
3. Patterns of Interaction: How members communicate and relate to each other.
4. Decision Making: The process by which the group reaches conclusions.
5. Responsibility: How accountability is distributed among members.
6. Leadership: The influence and guidance provided within the group.
7. Power: The ability of individuals or subgroups to influence others.
VI. Factors Influencing Communication
1. Developmental Level: Age, cognitive ability, and emotional maturity.
2. Sociocultural Differences: Cultural background, beliefs, and values.
3. Roles and Responsibilities: Professional roles and associated expectations.
4. Space and Territoriality: Personal space and boundaries.
5. Physical, Mental, and Emotional State: Impact of health and well-being.
6. Values: Personal beliefs that influence perception and communication.
7. Environment: The setting in which communication occurs.
VII. Therapeutic Relationships
A. Nature of the Therapeutic Relationship
1. Climate Setting: Establishes an environment for common goal attainment.
2. Non-Spontaneous: Requires intentional effort and skill.
3. Unequal Information Sharing: Patient typically shares more personal information.
4. Patient-Centered: Built primarily on the patient's needs.
5. Nurse as Carer: The nurse provides professional assistance.
6. Communication as Foundation: Essential for rapport and trust.
B. Characteristics of the Therapeutic Nurse–Patient Relationship
1. Caring, Person-Centered: Focus on the individual's well-being.
2. Dynamic: Both participants are active.
3. Purposeful and Time-Limited: Has specific goals and a defined duration.
4. Professionally Accountable: Nurse is responsible for outcomes.
5. Cooperatively Determined Goals: Goals are set with patient input based on their needs.
C. Phases of the Therapeutic Relationship
Orientation Phase: Establishing roles, purpose, and boundaries.
Agreement or contract about the relationship is established.
Defining goals, frequency, location, length of contacts, and duration.
Working Phase:Nurse provides assistance to achieve patient goals.
Includes counseling and teaching.
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Summer 2025
I. Understanding the Communication Process
A. Steps of the Communication Process (Berlo)
1. Stimulus Initiation: Communication begins with a reason or trigger.
2. Sender/Source (Encoder): The individual or entity who originates the message and
encodes it (translates thoughts into a communicable form).
3. Message: The actual communication product from the source, conveying information or
meaning.
4. Channel of Communication: The medium through which the message is transmitted
(e.g., auditory, visual, kinesthetic).
5. Receiver (Decoder): The individual who receives the message and decodes it (translates
and interprets its meaning).
6. Confirmation/Feedback: The receiver's response that indicates understanding or lack
thereof, providing feedback to the sender.
B. Components in the Process of Communication
(Implied by the Berlo model steps)
II. Forms of Communication
A. Verbal Communication
1. Relies on the understanding and use of language.
2. Includes spoken and written words.
B. Nonverbal Communication
1. Facial Expressions, Gestures, Eye Contact, Touch: Convey emotions and intentions.
2. Space, Time, Boundaries: Personal space, timeliness, and professional limits.
3. Body Movements, Posture, Gait: How one carries themselves.
4. General Physical Appearance and Mode of Dress or Grooming: Overall presentation.
5. Sounds: Non-linguistic vocalizations like moaning, crying, gasping, sighing.
III. Communication Technologies
A. Electronic Communication
1. Social Media: Platforms like Facebook, Twitter, etc., with guidelines for RNs from ANA
and NCSBN.
2. E-mail and Text Messages: Risks of violating patient privacy and confidentiality;
healthcare agencies use security measures.
3. Telehealth and Telemedicine: Providing healthcare remotely through technology.
IV. Levels of Communication
A. Intrapersonal
1. Self-talk: Communication occurring within a person's own mind.
2. Example: A nurse reassuring themselves before a presentation.
B. Interpersonal
1. Occurs between two or more people.
2. Goal is to exchange messages.
1
, Chapter 8, Transitions, Communications Study Guide
Summer 2025
C. Group Communication
1. Small-Group: Communication within a limited number of individuals working toward a
common goal.
2. Organizational Communication: Communication within a larger, structured entity.
3. Group Dynamics: The interactive processes and relationships within a group.
V. Characteristics of Effective and Ineffective Groups
1. Group Identity: A sense of belonging and shared purpose.
2. Cohesiveness: The degree of unity and attraction among group members.
3. Patterns of Interaction: How members communicate and relate to each other.
4. Decision Making: The process by which the group reaches conclusions.
5. Responsibility: How accountability is distributed among members.
6. Leadership: The influence and guidance provided within the group.
7. Power: The ability of individuals or subgroups to influence others.
VI. Factors Influencing Communication
1. Developmental Level: Age, cognitive ability, and emotional maturity.
2. Sociocultural Differences: Cultural background, beliefs, and values.
3. Roles and Responsibilities: Professional roles and associated expectations.
4. Space and Territoriality: Personal space and boundaries.
5. Physical, Mental, and Emotional State: Impact of health and well-being.
6. Values: Personal beliefs that influence perception and communication.
7. Environment: The setting in which communication occurs.
VII. Therapeutic Relationships
A. Nature of the Therapeutic Relationship
1. Climate Setting: Establishes an environment for common goal attainment.
2. Non-Spontaneous: Requires intentional effort and skill.
3. Unequal Information Sharing: Patient typically shares more personal information.
4. Patient-Centered: Built primarily on the patient's needs.
5. Nurse as Carer: The nurse provides professional assistance.
6. Communication as Foundation: Essential for rapport and trust.
B. Characteristics of the Therapeutic Nurse–Patient Relationship
1. Caring, Person-Centered: Focus on the individual's well-being.
2. Dynamic: Both participants are active.
3. Purposeful and Time-Limited: Has specific goals and a defined duration.
4. Professionally Accountable: Nurse is responsible for outcomes.
5. Cooperatively Determined Goals: Goals are set with patient input based on their needs.
C. Phases of the Therapeutic Relationship
Orientation Phase: Establishing roles, purpose, and boundaries.
Agreement or contract about the relationship is established.
Defining goals, frequency, location, length of contacts, and duration.
Working Phase:Nurse provides assistance to achieve patient goals.
Includes counseling and teaching.
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