In order to improve, change, and redesign the health care system and meet standards of professional nursing practice, the nurse has to assess barriers to communication. Barriers to communication between the patient and the nurse may be related to language, developmental level, medical condition/disabilities, learning styles, psychosocial, literacy, financial and cultural factors (ANA, 2010; Massachusetts Department of Higher Education Nurse of the Future Competency Committee, 2010). In addition, communication barriers may be experienced by the nurse with other health care professionals and within the health care system. The nurse has to be willing and capable of understanding the different styles of communication used by patients, families, and other health care professionals; communicate with the patient, family and systems during transitions in care; and use information technologies for health teaching and promotion to patients in a variety of settings. The nurse also communicates environmental health risks and strategies to reduce exposure to these risks to patients, families, and communities (ANA, 2010). The nurse continuously advocates disease prevention, Wellness, and promotion of healthy lifestyles, including a focus on population health when providing patient-centered care (IOM, 2003a).