What is an essential skill for nurses in modern practice as highlighted by NGN?

Effective communication and interdisciplinary collaboration are considered essential skills for nurses in modern practice, as emphasized by the Next Generation NCLEX (NGN). These skills are crucial because healthcare increasingly relies on a team-based approach to patient care. Nurses must be able to articulate patient needs, share information with other healthcare professionals, and work collaboratively to develop and implement care plans.

Interdisciplinary collaboration enhances the overall quality of patient care by ensuring that all team members—ranging from physicians to social workers—are informed and can contribute their expertise. Effective communication fosters trust with patients, encourages their involvement in their own care, and facilitates better outcomes by reducing misunderstandings and errors.

The focus on these skills reflects the complexity of modern healthcare environments, where nurses frequently coordinate with different professionals and must navigate diverse patient needs. Emphasizing communication and collaboration prepares nurses to adapt to evolving healthcare dynamics and improves patient satisfaction and safety.