NMC CBT Practice Test 2026 – Complete Exam Prep Guide

Decisive management is not considered an essential communication skill for nurses in the same way that active listening, empathy, and non-verbal communication are. While management skills are important in nursing, especially in leadership positions, they do not directly fall under the category of communication skills which involve interactions with patients and colleagues.

Active listening is crucial as it allows nurses to fully understand patients' concerns and needs, fostering effective communication and patient-centered care. Empathy enhances the nurse-patient relationship by enabling nurses to relate to and understand patients' feelings, promoting trust and support during vulnerable times. Non-verbal communication, which encompasses body language, eye contact, and facial expressions, plays a significant role in conveying compassion and understanding, complementing verbal exchanges.

While all skills are valuable in nursing, the primary focus of communication skills is on how nurses convey information, build rapport, and support patient care, making decisive management less critical in this context.