title: Speaking up, being heard: registered nurses' perceptions of workplace communication.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The aim of the present study was to explore nurses' perceptions of their own ability to speak up and be heard in the workplace.
  
  
  BACKGROUND
  Nurses are central to patient care and patient safety in hospitals. Their ability to speak up and be heard greatly impacts their own work satisfaction, team work as well as patient safety.
  
  
  METHODS
  The present study utilized a qualitative approach, consisting of focus group interviews of 33 registered nurses (RNs), in staff or management positions from a variety of healthcare settings in California, USA. Data were analysed using thematic content analysis.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Findings were organized into three categories: influences on speaking up, transmission and reception of a message and outcomes or results. The present study supported the importance of the manager in setting the culture of open communication.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  It is anticipated that findings from the present study may increase understandings of nurse views of communication within healthcare settings. The study highlights the importance of nurse managers in creating the communication culture that will allow nurses to speak up and be heard. These open communication cultures lead to better patient care, increased safety and better staff satisfaction.
authors.affiliation: California State University Fullerton, Escondido, CA 92834-6868, USA. mgaron@fullerton.edu
authors.forename: Maryanne
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Garon
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D003142:Communication; D005260:Female; D017144:Focus Groups; D006801:Humans; D007400:Interprofessional Relations; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009718:Nurse Administrators / Q000523:psychology*; D015401:Nursing Administration Research; D015404:Nursing Methodology Research; D009741:Nursing Staff, Hospital / Q000458:organization & administration / Q000523:psychology*; D015279:Organizational Culture; D010465:Perception; D036301:Qualitative Research; D017132:Workplace / Q000458:organization & administration; D055815:Young Adult