Communication Skills in Nursing, Health and Social Care

via Coursera

Go to class Write review

Details

Go to class

Provider

Coursera
Pricing

Paid Course
Languages

English
Certificate

Certificate Available
Effort

23 hours
Sessions

Self-Paced
Level

Beginner
Subtitles

English

Found in

Overview

AI, Data Science & Cloud Certificates from Google, IBM & Meta — 50% Off

One plan covers every Professional Certificate on Coursera. 50% off Coursera Plus Annual for 10 days only — price increases June 17.

Unlock All Certificates

Effective communication is at the heart of quality nursing, health, and social care practice. This course explores the essential communication skills professionals need to build trust, support individuals compassionately, manage sensitive situations, and collaborate effectively across multidisciplinary environments. Learners will develop practical skills in active listening, counselling, conflict management, motivational interviewing, professional documentation, and interprofessional collaboration. The course also addresses challenging real-world topics such as breaking bad news, safeguarding confidentiality, whistleblowing, suicide awareness, and working with diverse populations in professional care settings. Combining communication theory with practical healthcare and social care applications, the course provides realistic scenarios and techniques that can be applied immediately in professional practice. It also incorporates modern communication methods, including health informatics, social media awareness, video conferencing, and reflective practice. This course is ideal for nursing professionals, healthcare workers, social care practitioners, support staff, and students preparing for careers in care-focused professions. No advanced technical background is required, although a basic understanding of healthcare or social care environments will be beneficial. This course is based on the book, Communication Skills in Nursing, Health and Social Care, by, Bernard Moss. Copyright ©2020 by Sage Publications Limited. All rights reserved, including rights for text and data mining and training of artificial technologies or similar technologies. Published by Sage Publications Limited, London. Used by arrangement with Sage Publications Limited.

Syllabus

Acceptance

This module explores the role of acceptance in professional helping relationships, highlighting ethical considerations and communication strategies for challenging situations. Learners will examine foundational theories and practical approaches to fostering acceptance in their interactions. Guidance on best practices and self-reflection is also provided to support personal and professional growth.

Active Listening

This module introduces key techniques for active listening, focusing on interpreting both verbal and nonverbal cues to improve communication. Learners will explore essential listening skills, the role of empathy, and strategies for clarifying messages to ensure full understanding in conversations.

Advising

This module examines the distinct role of advising within people-focused professions, highlighting how it differs from counselling and other support services. Learners will explore various models and standards for delivering advice effectively in organizational contexts.

Advocacy

This module introduces the foundational concepts of advocacy, including the roles and responsibilities of advocates and the ethical considerations involved. Learners will examine real-world scenarios to understand how advocacy skills are applied in practice. The module emphasizes the importance of ethical communication and value-driven support for others.

Anti-discriminatory Practice

This module examines anti-discriminatory practice using the PCS framework, focusing on personal, cultural, and structural aspects of discrimination. Learners will develop practical strategies to challenge oppression, enhance equity, and reflect critically on their own professional practice.

Assertiveness

This module explores effective team communication, group dynamics, and strategies for resolving conflicts in collaborative settings. Learners will gain practical skills to contribute positively to group interactions and foster inclusive, productive environments.

Assessment

This module explores the multifaceted process of assessment in professional practice, emphasizing the importance of risk evaluation, partnership working, and balancing autonomy with support. Learners will gain insights into effective communication skills and frameworks such as the Common Assessment Framework, particularly in contexts involving children and families.

Barriers to Good Communication

This module explores the various obstacles that can hinder effective communication, including physical barriers, room layouts, and non-verbal cues. Learners will gain practical strategies for recognizing and addressing these challenges to foster more inclusive and respectful interactions.

Breaking Bad News

This module guides learners through the process of delivering difficult news with empathy and clarity. It emphasizes emotional preparation, understanding the recipient's perspective, and effective communication strategies for sensitive conversations. Learners will gain practical tools to navigate these challenging interactions with confidence.

Chairing Meetings

This module introduces essential techniques for leading effective meetings, including structuring agendas and fostering participant engagement. Learners will discover strategies for adapting interpersonal skills to group settings and involving diverse stakeholders in discussions. Special attention is given to inclusive practices in health and social care environments.

Challenging

This module guides learners in recognizing inappropriate language or behavior and equips them with assertive strategies to address such situations. Through practical exercises and group discussions, participants will develop confidence in challenging others respectfully to promote dignity and social justice.

Complaints

This module examines best practices for handling customer complaints, focusing on key response strategies and the impact of organizational attitudes. Learners will discover how effective complaint management can enhance service quality and foster trust within an organization.

Confidentiality

This module explores the ethical and legal foundations of confidentiality in professional settings, emphasizing the importance of maintaining privacy and adhering to established reporting procedures. Learners will gain insight into the impact of regulations like GDPR on data handling and the responsibilities professionals have in protecting sensitive information.

Conflict Management

This module explores the underlying causes of conflict in professional settings, focusing on roles that require balancing individual rights with community safety. Learners will analyze power dynamics and develop practical communication strategies to effectively resolve disagreements and enhance service outcomes.

Counselling

This module clarifies the differences between counselling, counselling skills, and broader people-work roles. Learners will gain an understanding of professional counselling definitions, structured approaches, and practical applications within the helping professions.

Court Room Skills

This module guides learners through essential courtroom procedures, the roles of legal professionals, and effective report writing for judicial settings. Participants will gain practical strategies to prepare for court appearances and manage the emotional impact of court outcomes. By the end, learners will be equipped to navigate the courtroom with greater confidence and professionalism.

Documentation, Recording, and Form Filling

This module explores the essential practices of maintaining accurate, honest, and accountable documentation in professional settings. Learners will discover how effective record-keeping supports better decision-making and enhances service delivery. Practical strategies for overcoming common challenges in paperwork are also discussed.

Ecomaps

This module introduces ecomaps as powerful visual tools for mapping and analyzing interpersonal relationships. Learners will discover how to use ecomaps to enhance client-centered practice and interpret complex social dynamics, while also considering the ethical implications of their use.

Emotional Intelligence (EI)

This module introduces the fundamentals of emotional intelligence and its significance in professional settings. Learners will discover how to recognize emotional triggers, apply practical EI strategies, and improve communication through emotional awareness. Interactive exercises provide opportunities to practice and reflect on EI techniques in real-world scenarios.

Empathy

This module delves into the concept of empathy as a vital communication skill in professional settings. Learners will distinguish empathy from sympathy and practice techniques for empathic attunement, especially in challenging scenarios. Through reflective exercises, participants will enhance their ability to connect meaningfully with others.

Empowerment, Resilience, and a Strengths Perspective

This module explores how personal values shape effective communication, focusing on fostering dignity, respect, and anti-discriminatory practices. Learners will develop skills in acceptance, sensitive questioning, and collaborative task sharing to empower others and build resilience. Practical exercises encourage self-reflection and application in real-world professional contexts.

Endings

This module explores how to bring professional relationships to a thoughtful and effective close. Learners will gain strategies for reflective practice, emotional awareness, and structured communication to ensure purposeful and positive endings. Emphasis is placed on setting clear objectives from the outset and monitoring progress throughout the relationship.

Establishing a Professional Relationship

This module delves into the foundations of building effective professional relationships in people-focused work. Learners will examine the importance of boundaries, ethical conduct, and communication skills, as well as navigate psychological dynamics like transference and interprofessional collaboration. The module also addresses the challenges and best practices for working with colleagues within and across agencies.

Feedback: Giving and Receiving

This module explores the principles and practices of giving and receiving feedback in professional environments. Learners will discover effective communication strategies for providing constructive feedback, particularly on written work, and understand its role in supporting learning and development.

Genograms

This module introduces the use of genograms as visual tools for mapping and understanding family relationships. Learners will discover key symbols, explore various family structures, and practice interpreting genogram data to gain professional insights. Emphasis is placed on both constructing and making sense of genograms in real-world contexts.

Getting Unstuck

This module explores common barriers to effective communication during interviews and provides practical strategies for overcoming moments when conversations stall. Learners will discover techniques such as summarizing to re-engage participants and regain direction in challenging interview scenarios.

Group Work

This module examines the foundations of group work, including its various purposes, leadership approaches, and structural designs. Learners will gain insight into how different group formats function and how effective group dynamics can be fostered in diverse settings.

Information and Communication Technology (ICT) and Health Informatics

This module explores how digital technologies and effective communication strategies enhance workplace efficiency and data management. Learners will discover key ICT tools and develop essential human skills for professional interactions, especially in people-centered roles. By the end, you'll understand how to leverage technology and communication for improved performance.

Interpreters

This module explores the critical role of interpreters in facilitating effective communication within multicultural settings. Learners will examine challenges related to language translation, trust dynamics, and the importance of inclusive practices to ensure equitable access for non-native speakers. Perspectives from both service providers and users are considered to highlight the complexities and ethical considerations in interpreter-mediated interactions.

Interprofessional Collaboration

This module explores the foundations of effective teamwork across professional boundaries, highlighting policy frameworks, real-world examples, and practical strategies for collaborative service delivery. Learners will discover how interprofessional collaboration enhances outcomes and user involvement in diverse settings.

Interviewing Children

This module introduces effective strategies for interviewing children, emphasizing child-centered communication, legal considerations, and ethical responsibilities. Learners will explore practical skills for engaging with children, including those in vulnerable situations such as unaccompanied asylum-seeking children. The module also encourages self-reflection to identify areas for personal development in communication.

Labyrinths

This module explores how labyrinths can be used as tools for reflection, emotional exploration, and personal insight. Learners will discover how such artefacts support communication and self-awareness in people-focused professions. The module also introduces labyrinths alongside other communication aids like ecomaps and genograms.

Learning Difficulties

This module explores how language and values shape communication with individuals experiencing learning difficulties. Learners will examine the impact of terminology, challenge common assumptions, and discover strategies for fostering respectful and equitable interactions. Emphasis is placed on recognizing individual strengths and promoting inclusive communication practices.

Loss

This module explores how personal experiences with loss impact professional communication and provides practical strategies for offering empathetic support to individuals of different ages. Learners will develop skills to communicate sensitively and appropriately with those experiencing loss. The content emphasizes the importance of empathy and adaptability in people-centered professions.

Mediation Skills

This module introduces the foundational skills and techniques of mediation, focusing on resolving conflicts and fostering understanding between disputing parties. Learners will explore the mediator's role, essential communication strategies, and methods for identifying underlying issues in disputes.

Mindfulness

This module explores how internal emotions and mental distractions can impact professional communication. Learners will discover mindfulness strategies to increase self-awareness and maintain presence during interactions with others. Practical techniques are introduced to help manage personal thoughts and emotions in people-focused work.

Motivational Interviewing

This module introduces the principles of addressing resistance to change by fostering empathy, collaboration, and understanding personal motivations. Learners will explore the complexities of ambivalence toward change and discover strategies to support individuals through the change process. Practical approaches for engaging in supportive conversations are emphasized.

Non-verbal Communication

This module explores the significance of non-verbal cues such as body language and appearance in professional environments. Learners will discover how these signals influence workplace interactions and perceptions, and develop strategies for effectively managing non-verbal communication, especially in challenging situations like handling aggression.

Overcoming Fears and Anxieties

This module explores the causes and effects of communication-related anxiety, with a focus on public speaking fears. Learners will discover the physiological and emotional impacts of social anxiety and practice evidence-based strategies to boost confidence and manage anxiety in communication settings.

Professional Capabilities Framework (PCF)

This module introduces the structure and purpose of the Professional Capabilities Framework (PCF), focusing on its three super domains. Learners will discover how to identify key practice areas, assess communication skills, and reflect on their own professional development within the context of social work practice.

Reflective Practice

This module explores the concept of reflective practice as a means for professional development, using mirror and video replay metaphors to deepen self-assessment. Learners will distinguish between reflection-on-action and reflection-in-action, and understand how immediate and retrospective reflection can enhance their professional growth.

Religion

This module explores how religious beliefs influence personal identity, worldviews, and community dynamics, particularly in professional and people-focused settings. Learners will examine the intersection of religion, communication, and mental health, and develop strategies for addressing spiritual needs in practice.

Simulation

This module introduces learners to simulation-based training methods used in clinical and social work education. You will discover how simulation scenarios and mannequin technology enhance skill development and prepare practitioners for real-world challenges. The readings highlight practical applications and the impact of simulation on learning outcomes.

Social Media

This module examines how social media platforms are used in professional environments, focusing on the importance of establishing clear guidelines and maintaining ethical online conduct. Learners will gain insights into managing boundaries and fostering trust through responsible digital communication.

Spirituality

This module examines how to recognize and address spiritual needs during times of crisis, with a focus on compassionate communication in healthcare. Learners will discover practical approaches for engaging with individuals experiencing spiritual distress and explore the broader context of spirituality in modern society.

Suicide

This module equips learners with practical strategies for supporting individuals experiencing emotional distress, focusing on compassionate listening and structured questioning techniques. Learners will gain skills in assessing suicide risk and connecting people to appropriate crisis resources. The content emphasizes empathy and actionable steps for effective intervention.

Supervision

This module explores the critical role of supervision in fostering professional accountability, ethical practice, and ongoing development. Learners will examine both the ideals and real-world challenges of supervision, including common barriers and the importance of trust in supervisory relationships.

Talks and Presentations

This module guides learners through the essentials of preparing and delivering impactful presentations. You will discover strategies for understanding your audience, organizing your material, handling handouts, and overcoming common presentation challenges. By the end, you'll be equipped to communicate more confidently and effectively in professional settings.

Telephone, Skyping and Video Conferencing Skills

This module introduces effective communication techniques for professional settings using telephones, mobile devices, and video conferencing tools. Learners will discover best practices for voice tone, clarity, etiquette, and adapting to new technologies like Skype in workplace interactions.

Time Management

This module introduces practical strategies for managing your time effectively in a professional setting. You will learn how to plan your calendar, prioritize tasks based on your energy levels, and communicate your availability to foster reliability and reduce workplace stress.

Tricky Topics: Sexuality and Death

This module explores how personal values and biases shape professional interactions with sensitive subjects such as sexuality and death. Learners will develop self-awareness and reflexive practices to navigate challenging conversations in people-focused work. Practical strategies for managing personal reactions and fostering respectful dialogue are emphasized.

Whistleblowing

This module explores the complexities of reporting workplace misconduct, focusing on evidence-based decision-making and effective communication strategies. Learners will examine organizational policies and safe approaches to whistleblowing, gaining practical skills for navigating ethical dilemmas.

Wrong Messages

This module explores the impact of non-verbal communication in professional settings, highlighting how unintended signals can affect workplace relationships. Learners will also examine the importance of maintaining professional boundaries and strategies for managing attraction to ensure ethical interactions.