The communication training needs of registered nurses.

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to determine registered nurses' (RN) perceived levels of communication effectiveness and need for communication training. Results of the survey indicate that RNs view themselves as fairly effective in using most job-related communication skills except for performance appraisal interviewing, public speaking, and persuasion. The majority of RNs had received training in most communication skills, the exceptions being persuasion and employment interviewing. The two most prominent sources for this training were college and on-the-job training. The results also indicate that RNs believe a variety of communication skills, including presentational speaking, listening, persuasive speaking, group problem solving, leadership, and technical report writing, are important to their job performance. The majority of RNs thought they needed additional training in these skills and were willing to receive such training. Their preferences for receiving the instruction were in-house or industry-based training seminars and profession-sponsored continuing education programs.