Effective Communication in Nursing: Assertive Communication & Committee Functioning

Introduction

Effective communication is a cornerstone of quality healthcare delivery. In nursing practice, the ability to communicate clearly, confidently, and respectfully can significantly impact patient outcomes, team dynamics, and professional satisfaction.

This educational resource explores two crucial aspects of professional nursing communication:

Assertive Communication

Essential skills for expressing needs, opinions, and concerns clearly while respecting others—a vital competency for safe patient care and professional growth.

Committees in Healthcare

Organizational structures that facilitate collaborative decision-making, policy development, and quality improvement through effective communication channels.

By mastering these areas, nursing professionals can enhance their ability to advocate for patients, contribute to organizational improvement, and advance their careers while promoting a culture of respect and collaboration.

Assertive Communication in Nursing

What is Assertive Communication?

Assertive communication is a style of interaction in which individuals clearly express their thoughts, feelings, needs, and boundaries while respecting the rights and perspectives of others. It represents a balanced approach between passive and aggressive communication styles.

Key Concept

Assertive communication in nursing involves standing up for patient and professional rights while maintaining respect for colleagues, patients, and healthcare systems. It’s characterized by confidence, clarity, and empathy—essential elements of effective communication in healthcare settings.

Components of Assertive Communication

Clear Expression

Straightforward communication of thoughts and needs

Respect for Others

Acknowledging others’ rights and views

Appropriate Boundaries

Setting and maintaining professional limits

Emotional Intelligence

Understanding and managing emotions

Congruence

Alignment between verbal and non-verbal cues

Solution-Focused

Oriented toward positive outcomes

Communication Styles Comparison

Understanding different communication styles helps nurses recognize their own patterns and adapt their approach for more effective communication in various healthcare situations.

Style	Characteristics	Verbal Cues	Non-Verbal Cues	Impact in Healthcare
Passive	Avoids conflict, puts others’ needs first, self-sacrificing	“Whatever you think is best,” apologizing frequently	Limited eye contact, soft voice, hunched posture	Missed opportunities for advocacy, burnout, unaddressed safety concerns
Aggressive	Dominates, disregards others’ rights, confrontational	“You must,” “You should,” blaming language	Intense eye contact, loud voice, invading space	Team conflict, poor collaboration, intimidated colleagues
Passive-Aggressive	Indirect resistance, subtle sabotage, hidden anger	Sarcasm, indirect complaints, backhanded compliments	Eye-rolling, sighing, muttering	Toxic environment, mistrust, miscommunication
Assertive	Respects self and others, clear, direct, honest	“I feel,” “I need,” “I think,” offering solutions	Appropriate eye contact, confident posture, calm tone	Enhanced patient safety, team cohesion, professional growth

Mnemonic: “PACE” for Communication Styles

P

Passive: Permission-seeking, prioritizes peace

A

Aggressive: Attacking, antagonistic approach

C

Covert: Concealed communication (passive-aggressive)

E

Effective: Expressive, equitable assertiveness

Benefits of Assertive Communication in Healthcare

Implementing assertive communication techniques creates numerous advantages in healthcare settings, directly impacting quality of care and professional satisfaction.

Patient Safety Benefits

Reduces medical errors through clear communication
Facilitates timely intervention when concerns arise
Improves handoff communication completeness
Enhances advocacy for patient needs and preferences
Supports a culture of speaking up about safety issues

Professional Benefits

Reduces workplace stress and emotional burden
Increases job satisfaction and professional confidence
Improves interdisciplinary collaboration and teamwork
Creates opportunities for leadership development
Facilitates constructive conflict resolution

Research Insight: Studies show that implementation of assertive communication training in healthcare teams can reduce adverse events by up to 30% and improve staff retention by 25%, highlighting the critical role of effective communication in healthcare quality and organizational stability.

Assertive Communication Techniques & Strategies

Nurses can develop assertive communication skills through practice and application of specific techniques. These strategies enhance effective communication in challenging clinical situations.

The DESC Model for Assertive Communication

Describe

Objectively describe the situation or behavior without judgment or emotion.

“I noticed that the pain medication for room 412 was administered 45 minutes late.”

Express

Express your feelings or concerns about the situation using “I” statements.

“I’m concerned because the patient was in significant pain during that time.”

Specify

Specify what change you would like to see.

“I would like us to prioritize timely pain medication administration, especially for patients with high pain scores.”

Consequences

Outline the positive consequences of making the change.

“This will improve our patient satisfaction scores and ensure better pain management outcomes.”

Essential Assertive Communication Strategies

1. Active Listening

Demonstrate engagement through eye contact, nodding, and reflective responses. This validates others while preparing your assertive response.

2. “I” Statements

Use phrases like “I feel,” “I need,” or “I think” to express your perspective without blaming or accusing others.

3. Broken Record

Calmly repeat your point or request without escalation when facing resistance, maintaining your position without aggression.

4. Empathic Assertion

Recognize others’ situations or feelings before expressing your needs: “I understand you’re busy, and at the same time I need your assistance with…”

5. Escalation Framework

Use graduated assertiveness tools like CUS: “I’m Concerned,” “I’m Uncomfortable,” “This is a Safety issue” when advocating for patients.

6. Fogging

Acknowledge criticism without becoming defensive, then redirect to your point: “You may be right, and I still need to address this issue.”

Mnemonic: “ASSERT” for Assertive Communication

A

Acknowledge the situation objectively

S

State your concerns using “I” statements

S

Suggest solutions or alternatives

E

Express expected outcomes

R

Respect others’ perspectives

T

Take responsibility for your actions

Clinical Examples of Assertive Communication

These real-world scenarios demonstrate how nurses can apply assertive communication techniques to improve patient care and professional relationships.

Scenario 1: Medication Error Prevention

A nurse notices a physician has prescribed a dose of medication that exceeds the recommended amount for the patient’s condition.

Less Effective Approach:

“This dose seems wrong. Someone should check it.”

Assertive Approach:

“Dr. Smith, I’m concerned about the dosage of furosemide ordered for Mrs. Johnson. The prescribed dose is 80mg, but given her age and kidney function, our protocols recommend a maximum of 40mg. I’m concerned about potential adverse effects. Could we review this order together?”

Outcomes:

Prevented potential adverse drug event
Maintained professional relationship
Demonstrated evidence-based practice
Modeled effective communication for other team members

Scenario 2: Workload Management

A charge nurse attempts to assign an additional patient to a nurse who already has a full assignment including two high-acuity patients.

Less Effective Approach:

“That’s not fair! I already have too many patients. Give it to someone else.”

Assertive Approach:

“I appreciate you’re in a difficult position with staffing today. I need to let you know that I currently have two unstable patients in rooms 3 and 5 who require frequent assessments and interventions. I’m concerned that adding another patient would compromise my ability to provide safe care to all patients. Could we look at other staffing options or resources available?”

Outcomes:

Maintained patient safety as priority
Acknowledged charge nurse’s challenges
Provided specific, objective information
Invited collaborative problem-solving
Demonstrated professional accountability

Scenario 3: Interdisciplinary Collaboration

A patient’s physical therapy session needs to be coordinated with pain medication administration for optimal benefit.

Less Effective Approach:

“You need to wait to see this patient. I haven’t given their pain meds yet.”

Assertive Approach:

“Hi Tom, I see you’re here for Mr. Garcia’s therapy session. I’d like to coordinate with you on timing. Mr. Garcia’s pain medication works best when given 30 minutes before physical activity. If I administer it now, he’ll be ready at 10:30. This should help him participate more effectively in therapy and maximize his progress. Does that timing work for your schedule?”

Outcomes:

Enhanced interdisciplinary collaboration
Improved patient comfort and participation
Demonstrated patient-centered care
Built professional rapport with therapy team
Practiced effective communication across disciplines

Committees in Healthcare Organizations

Importance of Committees in Healthcare Organizations

Healthcare committees serve as vital organizational structures that facilitate collaborative decision-making, policy development, and quality improvement. They provide formal channels for effective communication across departments and disciplines.

Key Functions of Healthcare Committees

Problem-Solving

Addressing complex organizational challenges

Policy Development

Creating and revising organization-wide guidelines

Oversight

Monitoring compliance and outcomes

Representation

Ensuring diverse perspectives are considered

Communication

Facilitating information flow across departments

Quality Improvement

Driving continuous enhancement of care

                                Organizational Benefits of Effective Committees
                                
                                        Distributed Decision-Making: Prevents top-heavy management and incorporates front-line perspectives
                                    
                                        Interdisciplinary Collaboration: Breaks down silos between departments and disciplines
                                    
                                        Knowledge Dissemination: Facilitates sharing of best practices and organizational knowledge
                                    
                                        Regulatory Compliance: Ensures organization meets accreditation and regulatory requirements
                                    
                                        Change Management: Creates structured approach to implementing organizational changes

Key Concept

Committees serve as microcosms of organizational governance, bringing together diverse expertise and perspectives to address challenges through structured effective communication. They represent a formal mechanism for shared decision-making that balances administrative efficiency with collaborative input.

Types of Committees in Healthcare Organizations

Healthcare organizations utilize various types of committees to address specific aspects of operations, quality, and governance. Each committee type serves distinct functions while contributing to overall organizational goals.

Clinical Practice Committees

Focus on clinical protocols, evidence-based practice, and patient care standards.

Examples:

Pharmacy and Therapeutics Committee
Infection Control Committee
Ethics Committee
Nursing Practice Council

Quality and Safety Committees

Monitor metrics, analyze adverse events, and implement improvement initiatives.

Examples:

Quality Improvement Committee
Patient Safety Committee
Risk Management Committee
Mortality and Morbidity Committee

Administrative Committees

Manage operational aspects, resource allocation, and organizational structure.

Examples:

Executive Committee
Finance Committee
Human Resources Committee
Strategic Planning Committee

Educational Committees

Develop learning opportunities, coordinate training, and advance professional development.

Examples:

Continuing Education Committee
Clinical Competency Committee
New Graduate Program Committee
Research and Evidence-Based Practice Committee

Committee Classification by Function and Authority

Classification	Description	Authority Level	Examples
Standing Committees	Permanent committees with ongoing responsibilities	Formally recognized with established authority	Board of Directors, Ethics Committee, Quality Assurance
Ad Hoc Committees	Temporary committees formed for specific projects	Limited to specific task and timeframe	EHR Implementation Committee, Accreditation Preparation
Advisory Committees	Provide recommendations but don’t make final decisions	Consultative only	Patient Advisory Committee, Community Relations
Governing Committees	Have decision-making authority in specific domains	High-level decision authority	Executive Committee, Credentialing Committee
Interdisciplinary Committees	Include members from multiple disciplines	Varies based on committee charter	Falls Prevention, Pain Management

Mnemonic: “CHAIR” for Healthcare Committee Types

C

Clinical practice committees

H

Human resources & administrative committees

A

Accreditation & compliance committees

I

Improvement & quality committees

R

Research & education committees

Committee Structure and Functioning

Understanding the formal structure and operational processes of healthcare committees is essential for their effective communication and functioning. Well-structured committees provide clear frameworks for decision-making and accountability.

Standard Committee Structure

Key Roles

Chairperson
Provides leadership, sets agenda, facilitates meetings, ensures follow-through on decisions.
Secretary
Records minutes, manages documentation, distributes materials, maintains records.
Members
Contribute expertise, represent departments/stakeholders, participate in discussions and decisions.
Executive Sponsor
Provides administrative support, connects committee to leadership, removes organizational barriers.

Foundational Documents

Charter
Defines purpose, scope, authority, reporting relationships, and operational parameters.
Bylaws
Establishes membership criteria, voting procedures, meeting frequency, and governance rules.
Strategic Plan
Outlines goals, objectives, action items, timelines, and success metrics.
Standard Operating Procedures
Details specific processes for routine functions and decision-making.

Committee Life Cycle

1

Formation

Identification of need, establishment of purpose, recruitment of members, development of charter.

2

Norming

Establishing procedures, clarifying roles, setting expectations, developing working relationships.

3

Productive Phase

Regular meetings, decision-making, implementation of initiatives, monitoring outcomes, reporting progress.

4

Evaluation

Assessment of achievements, identification of challenges, recommendations for improvement.

5

Renewal or Dissolution

Redefining goals for continued operation or formal closure if objectives are achieved or committee is no longer needed.

Key Concept: Committee Reporting Structures

Committees typically function within hierarchical reporting structures that establish accountability and ensure organizational alignment. Understanding these relationships is crucial for effective communication and implementation of decisions.

Board of Directors

Executive Committee

Standing Committees

Operational Committees

Advisory Committees

Subcommittees

Task Forces

Committee Documentation Requirements

Proper documentation is essential for committee transparency, continuity, and effectiveness. Key documents include:

Meeting Agendas: Distributed in advance with clear items for discussion and time allocations
Meeting Minutes: Official record of discussions, decisions, assigned actions, and deadlines
Action Logs: Tracking systems for assignments, responsible parties, and completion status
Annual Reports: Summary of achievements, challenges, and recommendations for the year
Position Statements/Policies: Formal documents developed by the committee for organizational adoption

Conducting Effective Committee Meetings

The success of healthcare committees largely depends on the quality of their meetings. Productive, well-managed meetings enable effective communication and progress toward committee goals.

Best Practices for Productive Committee Meetings

Before the Meeting

Distribute agenda and supporting materials at least 48 hours in advance
Clearly state meeting objectives and expected outcomes
Assign pre-work and reading materials to optimize meeting time
Confirm attendance and prepare meeting space or virtual platform

During the Meeting

Start and end on time to respect members’ schedules
Review action items from previous meetings for accountability
Facilitate inclusive discussion with balanced participation
Use structured decision-making processes for complex issues
Document decisions, action items, and responsible parties in real-time
Manage conflicts constructively using assertive communication techniques

After the Meeting

Distribute minutes within 48-72 hours while details are fresh
Follow up with individuals assigned to action items
Communicate relevant decisions to stakeholders outside the committee
Begin preparation for next meeting agenda
Periodically evaluate meeting effectiveness and adjust processes

Mnemonic: “MEETINGS” for Effective Committee Facilitation

M

Manage time effectively with clear agenda

E

Engage all participants actively

E

Establish clear objectives and outcomes

T

Track action items and decisions

I

Invite constructive debate

N

Navigate conflicts professionally

G

Generate clear documentation

S

Summarize next steps and responsibilities

Common Committee Meeting Challenges and Solutions

Challenge	Impact	Solution Strategies
Poor Attendance	Delays decisions, reduces representation	Schedule consistently, provide value, recognize contributions, enable virtual options
Dominant Participants	Silences diverse perspectives	Use round-robin techniques, actively solicit input from quiet members, establish participation norms
Lack of Preparation	Wastes meeting time, reduces quality of discussion	Distribute materials early, clearly identify pre-work, begin with preparation accountability
Scope Creep	Dilutes focus, extends timeline	Maintain visible charter, use “parking lot” for off-topic items, refer to appropriate committees
Decision Deadlocks	Prevents progress on initiatives	Use structured decision methods (e.g., multi-voting), clarify decision authority, set decision timeframes

Using Technology for Committee Efficiency

Modern committee functioning increasingly relies on technological tools to enhance effective communication and productivity:

Virtual meeting platforms for remote participation and recording
Cloud document storage for centralized access to materials
Project management software for tracking action items
Digital polling tools for efficient decision-making
Scheduling applications for coordinating meeting times
Data visualization tools for presenting complex information

Nurse’s Role in Healthcare Committees

Nurses bring unique perspectives and valuable contributions to healthcare committees. Their clinical expertise, patient advocacy, and understanding of frontline operations make them essential committee members for effective communication and decision-making.

Benefits of Nursing Participation

Patient Advocacy: Ensures patient-centered perspectives inform committee decisions
Clinical Expertise: Provides practical insights on implementation feasibility
Interdisciplinary Bridge: Facilitates communication between various healthcare disciplines
Quality Improvement: Identifies practical process improvements from frontline perspective
Professional Development: Expands nursing influence in organizational decision-making

Committee Participation Skills for Nurses

Assertive Communication: Expressing nursing perspectives clearly and respectfully
Evidence Integration: Applying research and best practices to committee work
Consensus Building: Finding common ground among diverse stakeholders
Systems Thinking: Understanding how committee decisions impact broader organization
Outcome Evaluation: Assessing the impact of committee initiatives on nursing care

Key Committees for Nursing Involvement

Quality & Safety Committees

Patient Safety Committee
Falls Prevention Committee
Medication Safety Committee
Infection Control Committee

Practice & Education Committees

Nursing Practice Council
Evidence-Based Practice Committee
Nursing Education Committee
Professional Development Committee

Organizational Committees

Ethics Committee
Policy & Procedure Committee
Strategic Planning Committee
Shared Governance Council

Strategies for Effective Committee Engagement
                                        Before Joining
                                        
                                                Research the committee’s purpose and current initiatives
                                            
                                                Clarify time commitment and expectations
                                            
                                                Review previous meeting minutes and reports
                                            
                                                Identify your unique contributions and perspectives
                                            
                                        During Participation
                                        
                                                Maintain regular attendance and active participation
                                            
                                                Connect committee work to clinical outcomes
                                            
                                                Volunteer for subcommittees and special projects
                                            
                                                Communicate committee activities to nursing colleagues
                                            
                                                Develop leadership skills through committee roles

Professional Growth Through Committee Work

Committee participation serves as a valuable professional development opportunity for nurses. Through committee involvement, nurses can:

Develop organizational and leadership skills highly valued in career advancement
Gain visibility with organizational leadership and decision-makers
Build a network of professional contacts across departments and disciplines
Contribute to nursing profession advancement through policy influence
Develop effective communication skills applicable in all professional contexts

Case Studies: Communication & Committees in Practice

The following case studies illustrate how assertive communication and committee participation intersect in real-world healthcare scenarios, demonstrating the practical application of the concepts in this resource.

Case Study 1: Using Assertive Communication in a Quality Improvement Committee

Scenario:

Sarah, an experienced medical-surgical nurse, joined the hospital’s Quality Improvement Committee. During a meeting discussing a new discharge protocol, she noticed the proposed process didn’t account for weekend staffing limitations that could delay discharges and affect patient flow.

Application of Assertive Communication:

“I’d like to address an important consideration about the discharge protocol. Based on my experience on the medical-surgical unit, I’ve observed that our weekend staffing model includes 30% fewer staff members compared to weekdays. This staffing pattern may impact our ability to implement the proposed discharge timeline consistently. I suggest we modify the protocol to include contingency procedures for weekend discharges or consider adjusting weekend staffing in alignment with the new protocol. This adjustment would help us maintain consistent discharge times and improve patient satisfaction scores across all days of the week.”

Sarah’s contribution exemplifies assertive communication through:

Using “I” statements to present her perspective
Providing specific, objective observations rather than generalizations
Offering constructive solutions rather than just highlighting problems
Connecting her suggestion to organizational goals (patient satisfaction)
Maintaining a professional, solution-focused approach

Outcome:

The committee recognized the validity of Sarah’s input and formed a subcommittee to revise the discharge protocol with weekend considerations. Her assertive communication led to a more realistic protocol that could be implemented consistently throughout the week. Additionally, Sarah was invited to lead the subcommittee, providing her with a leadership opportunity.

Case Study 2: Committee Formation to Address Communication Breakdown

Scenario:

A mid-sized hospital experienced recurring communication breakdowns between departments during patient transfers, resulting in care delays and occasional safety concerns. After several incident reports, nursing leadership proposed forming an interdisciplinary committee to address the systematic communication issues.

Committee Development and Function:

Formation: A “Care Transition Communication Committee” was chartered with representatives from nursing, transport, admitting, emergency department, medical units, and IT.
Assessment: The committee conducted a root cause analysis of communication breakdowns, using incident reports, staff surveys, and process mapping.
Planning: Based on findings, the committee developed a standardized handoff protocol using the SBAR (Situation, Background, Assessment, Recommendation) framework.
Implementation: The committee coordinated staff education, created reference tools, and established a phased rollout schedule.
Evaluation: Metrics were established to track communication effectiveness, including reduced delays, decreased incident reports, and staff satisfaction with handoffs.

Outcomes:

Transfer-related incident reports decreased by 62% within six months
Average transfer time reduced by 18 minutes
Staff reported higher confidence in handoff completeness (from 43% to 89%)
The committee structure provided an ongoing forum for addressing new communication challenges
The success led to expanded committee scope to address other interdepartmental communication processes

This case demonstrates how a well-structured committee can systematically address complex organizational challenges through effective communication and collaborative problem-solving.

Summary: Connecting Assertive Communication & Committee Work

Assertive communication and effective committee participation are interconnected competencies that enhance nursing practice, improve patient outcomes, and advance healthcare organizations. This educational resource has explored these critical areas of professional nursing communication.

Key Points: Assertive Communication

Assertive communication balances clear expression of needs with respect for others
Techniques like DESC model and “I” statements facilitate professional assertiveness
Assertive communication enhances patient safety and advocacy
Regular practice in various clinical situations builds assertiveness skills
Assertiveness differs from aggression or passive-aggressive approaches
Professional relationships benefit from clear, respectful communication

Key Points: Committee Functioning

Committees provide structured frameworks for collaborative decision-making
Various committee types serve different organizational needs
Effective meetings require preparation, facilitation, and follow-through
Nurses bring valuable perspectives to interdisciplinary committees
Committee participation offers professional development opportunities
Documentation and structured processes ensure committee effectiveness

Integration: Assertive Communication in Committee Settings

Committees provide structured environments where assertive communication skills can be developed and applied. The formal nature of committee settings—with defined roles, agendas, and documentation—creates an ideal framework for practicing professional communication strategies.

How Committees Support Assertive Communication

Provide structured forums for expressing professional opinions
Create opportunities to practice articulating nursing perspectives
Facilitate interdisciplinary dialogue in a controlled environment
Offer platforms for addressing systemic issues constructively

How Assertive Communication Enhances Committees

Ensures diverse perspectives are considered in decisions
Prevents dominant voices from controlling outcomes
Addresses potential issues before implementation
Promotes efficient, solution-focused meetings

Conclusion: Developing Effective Communication for Professional Success

Both assertive communication and committee participation represent essential professional competencies for nursing practice in modern healthcare environments. These skills extend beyond their immediate application to enhance overall nursing effectiveness and career development.

Nurses who master assertive communication within committee structures position themselves as valuable contributors to organizational improvement while developing leadership capabilities that will serve them throughout their careers. The result is enhanced patient care, improved interprofessional collaboration, and advanced professional development.

By investing in these communication skills, nurses strengthen their ability to advocate effectively for patients, contribute meaningfully to organizational initiatives, and advance the nursing profession through informed, collaborative leadership.