Reflection is a vital key to effective communication with patients and their families. The main objective of this article is to demonstrate that to have effective communication with patients and their families, first, you need to know yourself. Communication is a two-way street Yes...but for effective communication to be understood you must first recognize yourself. Communication begins with ourselves. we must face the fact that we too are human beings, with our own thoughts, feelings, beliefs, attitudes, prejudices and preferences. There is a rise in the healthcare profession that we must take care of ourselves before we take care of others (Burnard,2001). (Older but very supportive reference to this article). Part of being human is socializing with others, through communication one can discuss their thoughts, feelings, share knowledge and even help each other. As nurses we must impart effective communication skills with our patients for a variety of reasons, one of which is their health status, even if we do not share their language or cultural beliefs, this must be done carefully, even though it may be routine for the nurse. it may actually be new and scary for the patient. (Barkway, 2009). As clearly stated in the ANMC National Compency Standards for Registered Nuses (2008, 9.2). Effective communications with individuals/groups to facilitate the provision of care: This is to make it easier to assist in the progress of patient care and should contain a full range of communication techniques, both written and spoken communication skills can be used based on individual needs, establish alternative communication methods for patients/families who are...... middle of paper ......ofi% 2Fenc%3AUTF-8&rfr_id=info:sid/summon.serialssolutions.com&rft_val_fmt =info:ofi/fmt:kev:mtx:journal&rft.genre=article&rft.atitle=Nurse-patient+communications&rft.jtitle=Accident+and+emergency+nursing&rft. au=Haumueller%2C+M+E&rft.date=1994-01-01&rft.issn=0965-2302&rft.volume=2&rft.issue=4&rft.spage=216&rft.externalDocID=7804864Scott,K., Webb,M,. Sorrentino, S., & Gorek, B. (2007). Long-term care for elderly and disability care. Sydney, Australia.Stein-Parbury,J. (2009). Patient and person: interpersonal skills in nursing. 101, NSW, Australia.Wright LM and Leahey M. (2009). Nurses and families. Philadephia, USA.Christine Pullen 17254768 5