Chapter 7 Verbal and Written Communications 153
Written Communication Skills
Many employers consider written communication skills to be one of
the most important job skills an employee can have. Studies have indicated
that the ability to write well seems to be diminishing among students.
Therefore, if you can write a message clearly and accurately, that skill will
benefi t you in the working world. As you study to become a healthcare
worker, you must practice using clear, concise writing in your assignments.
Composing written communications can be done effectively if you
possess good writing skills. Written communication requires the presen-
tation of clear, logical thoughts. Today, few written communications are
actually written by hand, except quick notes like telephone messages. The
vast majority of written communications are prepared electronically. As a
result, keyboard skills are essential in today’s healthcare world. We will
learn more about computer skills in Chapter 11, Heathcare Technology.
Patients entering a healthcare facility may fi nd the experience compli-
cated, and many people struggle with understanding medications, instruc-
tions, and follow-up plans. The way the healthcare worker communicates
with patients through written instructions helps to minimize confusion
and lead to better patient care.
Written communications offer an excellent opportunity to make a good
impression on others, but developing these skills takes time and effort.
Writing requires thought, preparation, skill, and confi dence. Throughout
your healthcare career, you might be asked to write a variety of communi-
cations such as original letters, memos, responses to information requests,
telephone messages, e-mails, patient instructions, and supply orders. You
will also fi ll out a variety of forms on a regular basis.
Of course, to obtain a job you may be asked to present a cover letter,
job application, and a résumé, all of which will require you to possess good
writing skills. Job seeking information is covered in-depth in Chapter 12,
Employability Skills.
Good writing means using several key elements to get your point
across. Those elements include using grammar correctly, recognizing and
correctly using the parts of speech, spelling and punctuating properly, and
using clear, concise words.
Writing an Effective E-mail
When you are writing a business e-mail—to an instructor, a fellow
employee, or supervisor about a work-related subject—keep the following
guidelines in mind:
• Include a specifi c subject line. If you do not put anything in the
subject line, chances are your e-mail will not be a top priority. Instead
of a subject line that says “Quiz,” a better effort would be “Question
concerning 12/8 quiz for Anatomy Class, Section 4.”