Includes bibliographical references and index.

1. Getting started: basic communication competence. Responsible, assertive, caring communication in nursing -- The client-nurse relationship: a helping relationship -- Solving problems together -- Understanding each other: communication and culture -- Electronic communication. 2. Building relationships. Warmth -- Respect -- Genuineness -- Empath -- Self-disclosure -- Specificity -- Asking questions -- Humor -- Spirituality. 3. Meeting Challenges. Confrontation -- Refusing unreasonable questions -- Communicating assertively and responsibly with distressed clients and colleagues -- Communicating assertively and responsibly with aggressive clients and colleagues -- Communicating assertively and reponsibly with unpopular clients -- Managing team confilct assertively and responsibly. 4. Building confidence. Requesting support -- Overcoming evaluation anxiety -- Feedback -- Relaxation -- Imagery -- Positive self-talk -- Continuing the commitment.

Explains "how to apply the nursing process in your interpersonal communication with clients and colleagues while showing you how to involve them in the decision-making process that relates to health promotion, maintenance, and restoration."--Cover.