Table 1. The Four C’s of Professional Nurse Communication in Health Care Team Interactions
Communication skill set Representative behaviors
Collaboration Solicit information and critique its completeness and veracity
Organize, filter, and provide pertinent information to physicians and other team members
Engage in dialogue with physicians to identify solutions to problems and
participate in decision making
Credibility Speak credibly, avoiding jargon or vague terminology
Adjust communication to team member roles, personalities, and contexts
Interact assertively and confront conflict directly yet respectfully
Compassion Display consideration and caring for team member concerns
Advocate for team member needs when warranted
Show respect and affiliation verbally and nonverbally
Coordination Assign responsibilities and organize team members
Mentor residents, new nurses, or PCAs in patient care
Encourage input from team members and make them feel that their contributions are valued