This study explored how nurses communicate professionalism in interactions with members of
their health care teams. Extant research show that effective team communication is a vital aspect
of a positive nursing practice environment, a setting that has been linked to enhanced patient
outcomes. Although communication principles are emphasized in nursing education as an
important component of professional nursing practice, actual nurse interaction skills in teambased
health care delivery remain understudied. Qualitative analysis of interview transcripts with
50 participants at a large tertiary hospital revealed four communicative skill sets exemplified by
nursing professionals: collaboration, credibility, compassion, and coordination. Study findings
highlight specific communicative behaviors associated with each skill set that exemplify nurse
professionalism to members of health care teams. Theoretical and pragmatic conclusions are
drawn regarding the communicative responsibilities of professional nurses in health care teams.
Specific interaction techniques that nurses could use in nurse–team communication are then
offered for use in baccalaureate curriculum and organizational in-service education. (Index
words: Communication; Nursing; Education; Health care teams)