course material

1. You will conduct a professional interview with a staff nurse and a staff
manager to discover their intra/inter-professional communications styles.
N402 Communication Interview Assignment and RubricYou will conduct a professional
interview with a staff nurse and a staff manager to discover their intra/inter-professional
communications styles. It will be important to incorporate learning objectives regarding
therapeutic communication styles including their method of caring, assertive, and
responsible communication in your discussion/analysis of the interview.The paper should
utilize APA 7th format using Times New Roman 12pt font and include a title page. There
should be less than 10% of direct quotations used in your paper, sources should be
paraphrased and cited appropriately. The use of headings should be incorporated in the
paper design. Additionally, provide citation for the personal communication with the
interviewees (use initials only). Support from at least 3 peer reviewed journal articles in
addition to your textbooks must be used. Use initials and avoid the use of patient names,
staff names, and facility names for HIPPA compliance. Complete the Contact Information
Form for Experiential Learning for all individuals interviewed and submit with your
completed assignment to the drop box Sunday by 11:59pm.You should use headings and
subheadings from the Instructions to set up your paperThe following information should be
included in your interview:Description the facility i.e.: a large metropolitan hospital, rural
nursing home or urban clinicStaff Nurse InterviewInterview a staff nurse regarding:· What
(s)he perceives are the main communication issues/barriers· how they communicate with
patients,· how they communicate with colleagues· how they communicate with
leadership/administration.Describe your findings in no more than 2 pages using terms and
vocabulary from course learning. Relates each interview question to content learned in the
class by providing analysis and synthesis of question and response and includes minimum
of one citation per question- you may cite the texts & or other peer reviewed journal
articles.Nurse Manager InterviewInterview a nurse in a leadership/administrative position
regarding:· What the manager perceives as the main communication issues/barriers· how
they communicate with patients,· how they communicate with colleagues, and· how they
communicate with leadership/administration.Describe your findings in no more than 2
pages using terms and vocabulary from course learning. Relates each interview question to
content learned in the class by providing analysis and synthesis of question and response
and includes minimum of one citation per question- you may cite the texts & or other peer

2. reviewed journal articles.Analysis of Interviews· Cohesive analysis of part I & II. Clearly
describe your main findings/ communication styles· List at least 3 actions that would
improve communication/ remove barriers. supported with 3 citations- you may cite the
texts & or other peer reviewed journal articles.Conclusion- Write a one-two paragraph
conclusion summarizing importance of Intra/interpersonal communicationReferences-
Create an APA reference page including all paraphrased and quoted sources. N402 Rubric
for Communication Interview Assignment Element ElementFullyAddressed
Element Partially Addressed Element In-sufficiently Addressed Points possible
PointsEarnedPart I: Staff Nurse Interview (this should be approximately 1 page of
the paper length) and follows APA 7th ed. Format. · Introduction : includes importance of
Interprofessional communication and description of facility 2
· Asks the 4 assigned questions during interview that relate to course
content/learning objectives: 2 points· Appropriately and adequately summarizes interview
responses (not verbatim) 4 points 6 · Relates each
interview question to content learned in the class by providing analysis and synthesis of
question and response and includes:Minimum : one citation per question- you may cite the
text &/or other source(s) 8 pts 8 Part II: Staff Nurse
Manager Interview: (this should be approximately 1 page of the paper length) and follows
APA 7th ed. Format. · Asks the 4 assigned questions during interview that relate to course
content/learning objectives: 2pts· Appropriately and adequately summarizes interview
responses (not verbatim) 4 pts 6 · Relates each
interview question to content learned in the class by providing analysis and synthesis of
question and response and includes:Minimum : one citation per question- you may cite the
text &/or other source(s) 8 pts 8 Analysis of
Interviews · Cohesive analysis of part I & II. Clearly describe your main findings of the
interviews. 4pts· List at least 3 actions that would improve communication/ remove
barriers supported by 3 citations 6 pts 10 · Conclusion:
summarizes importance of Intra/Interpersonal communication 4 pts
4 Spelling, Grammar, 7th ed. APA Format
· Free of spelling, typographical, & grammatical errors, cites interviewee . Uses
headings and subheadings from the Instructions 4 pts· Reference Page Complete and
follows APA format 2 pts 6 Total
50 Staff and Nurse Manager Interview/Communication AssignmentStudent
NameMinnesota State University, MankatoN402-8 Psychosocial/Interprofessional
CommunicationDr. Ellen Vorbeck, DNP, ANP-BC, ARNPMonth/day/year Professional
CommunicationI interviewed a staff nurse and a staff nurse manager about inter/intra-
professional communication styles for this assignment. Understanding communication
styles is essential for healthcare workers. Knowing how one communicates can help
improve communication clarity with both colleagues and patients. Both nurses who were
interviewed work at a large hospital in a busy emergency department.Staff Nurse
InterviewPerceived BarriersThe staff nurse, AR, identified a few barriers to communication
within the work environment. The main obstacle that AR discussed was between physicians
and nurses. Often, physicians do not clearly communicate with nurses or communicate in a

3. very aggressive manner. AR talked about how this kind of communication is very
frustrating, especially in an intense environment, like the emergency department. Those
who communicate in an aggressive manner are often not good listeners and interrupt
regularly (Baraldi, 2020). They adopt a commanding stance, speak loudly, and strive to
control people (Baraldi, 2020). This makes it difficult for AR to care for patients properly,
especially in a setting as intense as an emergency department.Communication with
PatientsAR talked about how important it is to read the situation and adjust your
communication approach as needed when communicating with patients. AR tries to use
patience, open-ended questions, active listening, and explains as much as possible while
working with patients. By using an assertive style of communication, AR finds that she can
communicate with patients best. Being assertive is vital to building successful relationships
with coworkers, family members, and patients (Blazer, 2020). This style of communication
helps minimize personal stress, improve patient safety, and improve nursing care (Blazer,
2020).Communication with ColleaguesAR discussed how building relationships with your
colleagues is critical. Using assertive communication has helped AR build better and more
trusting relationships with coworkers. This style of communication helps this nurse work
better with colleagues and find resolutions to problems faster. In a fast-paced work
environment, positive working relationships are critical to success (Spence Laschinger,
2010). A group of healthcare workers that respect each other’s efforts to the patient care
process and work well together is required for high-quality patient care (Spence Laschinger,
2010). AR states that there are a few coworkers who use an aggressive style of
communication. These coworkers are often tricky and draining to work
with.Communication with LeadershipAR feels that she and her coworkers can have good
communication with those in leadership positions. They have opportunities each morning
to ask questions and give any updates to leadership. Those in leadership make an effort to
keep the lines of communication open and are highly respected on the unit because of this.
Effective relationships between leadership and healthcare employees may lead to better
strategic planning, more efficient use of limited resources, a shared sense of purpose,
increased job satisfaction, higher staff retention rates, and improved patient outcomes
(Center for Rural Health Policies Analysis, 2013). AR feels that because there is good
communication between her and management, she feels supported and more comfortable
doing her job.Staff Nurse Manager InterviewPerceived BarriersThe nurse manager, NW,
discussed that the most significant barrier for communication seems to be between floor
nurses and doctors. Some of the physicians use a more aggressive style of communication
which frustrates a lot of the nursing staff. Aggressive styles of communication can lead to
feelings of distrust, increased stress and conflict, not feeling respected, and poor goal
achievement (Scott, 2020). NW, at times, speaks with those physicians to try and discuss
using a more assertive communication style rather than an aggressive style. NW feels that
there is still work to be done to help improve the communication between the nurses and
doctors.Communication with PatientsNW said that communication with each patient is a
little different depending on the situation. Explaining what is happening, being empathetic,
using a calm and assertive tone, and utilizing therapeutic communication techniques is how
NW usually communicates with patients. According to Balzer (2020), utilizing empathy

4. helps a person feel more connected with another person. Empathy also helps decrease a
patient’s feelings of isolation and loneliness (Balzer, 2020). NW discussed how, at times, a
firmer approach is needed when interacting with patients to help maintain order during a
chaotic or traumatic event but still tries to use a warm tone during these
situations.Communication with ColleaguesNW tries to communicate with coworkers in a
respectful as assertive manner. Communicating in this way helps maintain order when
things get chaotic in the emergency department. Assertive communication can help you
express your point of view while simultaneously showing respect for others’ beliefs and
rights (Mayo Clinic, 2020). NW discussed how it took some time to learn how to
communicate assertively. As a new nurse, NW recalled how her communication style was
probably seen as timid and unsure. Assessing your current communication style, practicing,
and rehearsing what you want to say, and using “I” statements are ways that nurses can
learn to be more assertive (Mayo Clinic, 2020). Learning how to be assertive is a lifelong
process in which one continually learns (Balzer, 2020). Communication with LeadershipNW
emphasized how important it is to keep an open line of communication with leadership,
especially in the emergency department. NW tries to make sure all the nursing staff’s
concerns are addressed, and any questions are answered as promptly as possible. NW feels
that this is very important given the intense critical care that is provided in this
environment. Strong communication from leadership in an emergency department is
essential to promote and strengthen teamwork (Lateef, 2018). When leadership allows for
staff to express their thoughts and ideas, communication can be improved, which helps
make sure that staff’s concerns are heard and can help improve morale (Lang et al.,
2020).Analysis of InterviewsAfter interviewing AR and NW, I feel like they both have a good
sense of the importance of communication within healthcare. It seems like the problems
with communication that they identified are fixable with time and continued
communication. It appears that the assertive communication style is the preference for both
nurses interviewed. It seems to assist them the most in their work and allow for a better
relationship with both patients and coworkers. Both nurses have a solid understanding of
their styles of communication. This understanding will enable them to build healthy and
trusting relationships with colleagues and patients. This understanding also allows the
nurses to be able to reflect and improve upon their communication skills.Communication
ImprovementsCommunication is a skill that can be learned and improved upon. By
understanding this, one can continue to strengthen relationships with colleagues and
patients. One area for improvement could be learning how to better communicate with
those who use an aggressive communication style. Aggressive communication can put
patients’ safety at risk when it is used (Balzer, 2020). Before dealing with an aggressive
colleague, taking a deep breath, remembering not to take their behavior personally, and
distinguishing between the problem and person is important (Balzer, 2020). By asking
questions to gather more information, one can create a conversation to help understand the
source of the aggression (Balzer, 2020). To determine whether the aggressor is aware of
their behavior and its effects, ask questions to better understand this (Balzer, 2020). Using
the CARE (clarify, articulate, request, encourage) confrontation technique, one can clearly
state how the aggressor’s behavior has affected them and what changes you would like to

5. see in their behavior (Balzer, 2020). By utilizing these techniques AR and NW could
minimize the amount of aggressive communication they experience while
working.Assertive communication is a skill that requires time to practice (Balzer, 2020).
Participating in assertive communication training has been associated with improved
assertiveness, enhanced self-esteem, and creating balanced connections with others
(Omura et al., 2016). Training can take numerous forms, including demonstration,
discussion groups, lecture, and role-playing using virtual or face-to-face scenarios (Omura
et al., 2016). This training has also been shown to enhance the well-being of healthcare
personnel by improving happiness, self-esteem, and reducing anxiety (Omura et al., 2016).
Furthermore, it has been shown to help with conflict management and as a coping method
for aggressive behavior (Omura et al., 2016). Both AR and NW could participate in this
training to improve upon a skill they frequently use in their practice. By doing this, they can
form better relationships with coworkers, patients, families, and improve and promote
patient safety (Balzer, 2020).Both interviewed nurses seemed to feel that there was some
breakdown in communication between physicians and nurses. Poor intra-professional
communication can be associated with delayed diagnosis, adverse medication events, and
inadequate patient monitoring (CMPA, n.d.). Poor intra-professional communication can
also increase a patient’s length of hospital stay and increase the cost of healthcare (Wang et
al., 2018). By understanding the detrimental effects poor intra-professional have on
patients, one can take steps to improve communication. Communication can be enhanced
by healthcare providers communicating effectively and being knowledgeable about their
scope of practice, duties and responsibilities, and relevant policies and procedures (CMPA,
n.d.). Similar mental models, shared objectives, and proper accountability also assist in
effective communication and trust-building within care teams (CMPA, n.d.). The SBAR
communication technique can assist in clarifying important information during patient
transitions and handoffs (CMPA, n.d.). Structured communication tools, like SBAR, can aid in
the simplification and organization of inter/intra-professional patient care planning and
increase communication clarity and patient safety (CMPA, n.d.). The use of communication
tools such as bedside whiteboards, daily goal sheet/form, and door communication cards
are other ways that can improve communication between physicians and nurses (Wang et
al., 2018). It was found that after the implementation and explaining of the use of daily goal
forms, the percentage of nurses and doctors who understood the daily goals for patients
increased (Wang et al., 2018). Additionally, patient length of stay decreased (Wang et al.,
2018).ConclusionUnderstanding how intra/interpersonal communication influences all
aspects of healthcare is essential. Interpersonal communication is critical not just for
understanding the patient but also for treating them as a person with their own wants and
challenges, instead of just a set of symptoms (Practo, 2015). Furthermore, it aids in the
patient’s understanding of their health condition and promotes active participation in self-
care (Practo, 2015). Good communication can also help improve and strengthen the
relationships between staff members (PCC Institute for Health Professionals, 2016). Good
interpersonal communication in healthcare has been shown to reduce stress and burnout
(Kognito, 2020). High turnover rates and low morale have been explicitly correlated with
poor communication between team members (Kognito, 2020). ReferencesBalzer-

6. Riley, J. W. (2020). Communication in nursing (9th ed.). Elsevier.Baraldi , A. M. (2020,
February 11). Principles of communication in Healthcare. NursingAnswers.net. Retrieved
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healthcare-6598.php.Center for Rural Health Policies Analysis . (2013, July 15). How
Hospital Leaders Can Build Good Working Relationships with Physicians. Rural Health
Value. Retrieved November 3, 2021, from https://ruralhealthvalue.public-
health.uiowa.edu/files/Physician%20Relationships.pdf.Kognito. (2020, December 8). The
importance of interpersonal communication in Healthcare. Kognito. Retrieved November 5,
2021, from https://kognito.com/blog/interpersonal-communication-in-healthcare.Lang, E.,
Ovens, H., Schull, M. J., Rosenberg, H., & Snider, C. (2020). Authentic Emergency Department
leadership during a pandemic. CJEM, 22(4), 400–403.
https://doi.org/10.1017/cem.2020.360Lateef, F. (2018). Grace under pressure: Leadership
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