Email: From “To” to “Send"
Document Type
Review
Publication Date
3-1-2007
Description
Occupational health nurses' ability to use email efficiently and effectively enhances their professionalism, responsiveness, and overall communications. Poorly written emails can damage the reputations of nurses and their organizations. Knowing when not to communicate by email is as important as being able to write effective emails. Many safeguards can be employed to prevent or minimize confusion and strengthen email communications. Names and addresses must be checked, appropriate subject lines used, and humor applied conscientiously. All emails should be proofread prior to sending, and replies must be carefully considered. Simple, colorless email backgrounds make downloading quicker. Sharp, clear fonts are easier on the eyes. Direct and defined requests and confirmations augment communication. Once "Send" is pressed, the email is out of the sender's control. Lack of network security, forwarding by others, and potential confidentiality breaches can lead to legal or public relations controversies. Email is an important business tool. Occupational health nurses must be competent in the skills of effective email communication, as it is an integral part of business and health care.
Citation Information
Cameron, Nancy G.. 2007. Email: From “To” to “Send". AAOHN Journal. Vol.55(3). 127-130. https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/pdf/10.1177/216507990705500305 PMID: 17405589 ISSN: 0891-0162