How should a nurse communicate with a patient? Expert guide to therapeutic communication

September 25, 2025 •

5 min read

According to the International Hospital Federation, poor communication was a factor in 1,744 deaths from malpractice cases examined over a five-year period. This statistic underscores why it is vital to know how should a nurse communicate with a patient to ensure safety, build trust, and deliver high-quality, patient-centered care.

Quick Summary

A nurse should communicate with a patient by using therapeutic techniques such as active listening, maintaining eye contact, and using clear, jargon-free language to build trust and ensure comprehension. Demonstrating empathy and cultural awareness, respecting personal space, and employing both verbal and nonverbal cues are also essential to fostering a supportive, safe environment.

Key Points

Embrace Active Listening: Give the patient your full, undivided attention to truly understand their concerns beyond their spoken words.
Use Clear, Simple Language: Avoid medical jargon and complex terminology to ensure patients fully comprehend their condition and treatment plan.
Pay Attention to Nonverbal Cues: Be mindful of your own body language, facial expressions, and eye contact, and observe the patient's nonverbal signs for unspoken distress.
Practice Empathetic Communication: Show compassion and acknowledge the patient's feelings to build a trusting and supportive nurse-patient relationship.
Verify Patient Understanding: Use the 'teach-back' method to confirm that the patient has understood instructions for their care and medications.
Be Culturally Sensitive: Adapt your communication style to respect cultural differences, beliefs, and preferences regarding personal space and touch.
Respect Patient Autonomy: Encourage patients to ask questions and participate in decisions about their care plan, respecting their right to agree or disagree with recommendations.

Why Effective Communication is the Core of Nursing

Effective communication is far more than simply relaying information; it is the cornerstone of providing safe, quality, patient-centered care. For a nurse, mastering therapeutic communication techniques is fundamental to building a strong nurse-patient relationship, which is critical for positive clinical outcomes and patient satisfaction. Communication breakdowns can lead to errors, unidentified needs, and a lack of trust, negatively impacting the patient experience and potentially jeopardizing safety.

The Importance of Verbal Communication

Verbal communication is the exchange of information using spoken words. For nurses, this involves conveying complex medical information in a simple, respectful, and clear manner that patients can easily understand. A nurse's tone of voice and word choice are powerful tools that can convey compassion and shape the patient's experience.

Use plain language: Avoid using medical jargon or technical terms that can confuse patients. If a medical term is necessary, explain it clearly and concisely in simpler words.
Speak clearly and calmly: Maintain a calm and welcoming tone of voice. Speak at a moderate pace, allowing the patient time to process the information and ask questions.
Ask open-ended questions: Instead of questions that can be answered with a simple 'yes' or 'no,' ask open-ended questions that encourage patients to share more information. For example, asking, "What's on your mind today?" allows a patient to direct the flow of conversation.
Provide clear instructions: When giving instructions for medication, wound care, or other aspects of treatment, be specific and use the 'teach-back' method to confirm understanding.

The Power of Nonverbal Communication

Nonverbal cues, such as body language, facial expressions, and eye contact, play a significant role in communication—some experts suggest they account for up to 93% of the message conveyed. Being mindful of both your own and the patient's nonverbal communication is crucial for building trust and rapport.

Use open body language: An open posture, such as uncrossed arms and legs, signals that you are receptive and approachable. Crouching or sitting at eye level with a patient, especially one who is in a bed, conveys respect and makes the patient feel heard.
Maintain eye contact: Appropriate and sustained eye contact shows that you are actively listening and focused on the patient. It can reassure them and build confidence in your care.
Express empathy: Facial expressions and a gentle touch (with permission) can convey empathy and provide comfort during stressful or painful procedures.
Respect personal space: Be mindful of the patient's personal space and cultural boundaries. Be aware that invading personal space, especially during procedures, can cause psychological discomfort.

Active Listening and Building Trust

Active listening is a fundamental skill for nurses. It goes beyond simply hearing the words; it involves paying full attention, processing the information, and understanding the speaker's intent and feelings. Active listening helps nurses build trust and a strong rapport with patients, encouraging them to share important information they might otherwise withhold.

Give your full attention: Minimize distractions like phones or other tasks. Turn toward the patient and focus on their message, both verbal and nonverbal.
Repeat and clarify: Summarize or paraphrase what the patient has said to ensure your understanding is correct. This also shows the patient that you have been listening attentively.
Avoid interrupting: Allow the patient to finish their thoughts without interruption, and be comfortable with moments of silence, which can give them time to collect their thoughts or express their emotions.

Overcoming Barriers to Communication

Numerous factors can interfere with effective nurse-patient communication. Being aware of these potential barriers and developing strategies to overcome them is a key nursing skill.

Language and cultural differences: For patients with different primary languages, use a medical interpreter and provide written materials in their preferred language. Be aware of cultural variations in communication, such as different norms for eye contact or physical touch.
Environmental barriers: Busy, noisy, or chaotic hospital environments can be distracting. When discussing sensitive information, try to find a quieter area or close the door to the patient's room.
Psychological and physiological barriers: Patient anxiety, pain, or emotional distress can inhibit their ability to communicate or retain information. Address the patient's pain or anxiety before providing crucial education.
Jargon: Using complex medical terminology with patients can create an unnecessary barrier. Stick to plain language to ensure clarity.

Comparison of Communication Styles

To illustrate the difference between effective and ineffective communication, consider the following comparison of two hypothetical nurses and their interactions with a patient named Mrs. Jones.


Feature	Ineffective Communication (Nurse A)	Effective Communication (Nurse B)
Introduction	Walks into the room without introduction, proceeds with tasks.	Enters, introduces herself by name and role, and explains her purpose.
Nonverbal Cues	Checks watch frequently, stands over the patient, has a tense expression.	Sits at eye level with Mrs. Jones, uses open and relaxed body language.
Verbal Style	Uses complex medical terms like "hyponatremia" without explanation.	Asks, "How are you feeling today?" and uses simple language to explain procedures.
Listening	Interrupts Mrs. Jones to ask a different question.	Listens patiently, nods to show she is engaged, and waits for Mrs. Jones to finish.
Closing the Loop	Rushes out of the room after giving verbal instructions.	Asks, "Just to make sure I explained everything clearly, can you tell me in your own words how you will take your medication?"

The Importance of Written Communication

In addition to verbal and nonverbal techniques, written communication is essential for reinforcing patient education and providing a reference for both patients and other healthcare team members. Printed handouts on conditions and medications are excellent tools. Accurate and detailed documentation in the patient's electronic health record is also crucial for ensuring continuity of care and preventing medical errors. For more on the importance of medical documentation, see this resource from the National Center for Biotechnology Information.

Adapt Your Communication for Diverse Populations

Nurses care for patients of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities. Adapting communication to meet each patient's unique needs is vital for effective care.

For older adults: Ensure hearing aids or glasses are in place. Be mindful of potential vision or hearing impairments, and use visual aids if necessary.
For children: Speak calmly and gently. Using age-appropriate language and toys, or demonstrating procedures on a doll, can help build trust.
For patients with speech impairments: Use alternative communication methods such as writing tablets or communication boards. Phrase questions with simple 'yes' or 'no' answers, and monitor for frustration.

Conclusion

Effective communication is not a soft skill but a critical clinical competency for every nurse. By mastering verbal and nonverbal techniques, practicing active listening, and actively working to overcome barriers, nurses can provide a higher standard of care. This intentional and empathetic approach not only improves patient outcomes and satisfaction but also reinforces the trust that is foundational to the nurse-patient relationship.

Frequently Asked Questions

Active listening is arguably the most important skill. It involves fully concentrating on what the patient is saying, understanding their message, and empathizing with their situation, which is foundational to building trust and providing effective care.

A nurse can establish trust by being honest, showing empathy and compassion, actively listening without judgment, respecting the patient's privacy, and communicating clearly and consistently. Introducing yourself and explaining your role also helps build initial rapport.

Effective nonverbal techniques include making good eye contact, sitting at eye level with the patient, using a relaxed and open posture, and using appropriate facial expressions and a gentle, comforting touch (with permission).

When a language barrier exists, a nurse should seek a medical interpreter to ensure accurate communication. It is also helpful to provide written handouts in the patient's preferred language when possible.

Common barriers include using medical jargon, a noisy environment, time constraints, cultural differences, and the patient's own psychological or physiological state, such as pain or anxiety.

The most effective method is the 'teach-back' technique, where you ask the patient to repeat the instructions back to you in their own words. This confirms comprehension and gives you an opportunity to clarify any misunderstandings.

Adapting communication is crucial because patients have diverse characteristics, including age, developmental stage, cognitive abilities, and cultural backgrounds. Tailoring your approach ensures each patient feels respected, understood, and receives information in the most accessible way possible.

When communicating with a visually impaired patient, a nurse should always introduce themselves upon entering the room, provide adequate lighting, and read important information aloud. Ensuring the patient has their glasses on and providing materials in large print can also be beneficial.