ELNEC Critical Care Module 6: Communication

Course overview

Welcome to the Communication module in the ELNEC Critical Care curriculum. Communication is essential across all health settings but is of special significance in the critical care setting. Your vital role is respected, and healthcare team members depend on your assessments in order to collaborate with the patient and their family in developing goals of care. In addition, effective communication with patients who are critically ill and their families provides needed support at a difficult time. Communication is a wonderful skill that improves over time, especially if you are mentored by skilled team members. Remember that communication is not always verbal; it includes listening, being present, being silent, and bearing witness. The goal of this course is to provide nurses in critical care with knowledge of communication.