Reprinted from: ANA Maine Journal November, December 2009, 

Page 5

Confident Voices

The Nurses’ Guide to Improving

Communication &

Creating Positive Workplaces

Written by Beth Boynton, RN, MS

Edited by Bonnie Kerrick, RN, BSN

Reviewed by Tanya Sleeper, MScN, GNP

In Confident Voices, Beth Boynton, who writes a regular

column for this journal, provides nurses with an easy-to-

read text filled with skills, tips, and techniques to promote

positive workplaces through effective communication. 

In her book, she describes the current organizational

culture within healthcare settings, identifies barriers to

relationship-building among colleagues, and addresses

such critical issues as workplace violence. She tackles

these issues by providing real-life examples of behaviors

that undermine communication and contributes to toxic

workplaces. With her experience as a nurse, consultant,

and educator, Boynton, offers valuable tools and insight to

communicate in clear, constructive ways to diminish the

toxicity permeating many workplace settings.

Toxic workplaces are described as a negative

environments filled with frustration and stress, the result

of staffing shortages, workplace violence, and professional

burn-out. Such experiences leave nurses with a sense of

hopelessness and powerlessness influencing nurses, their

nursing care, and ultimately the nursing profession.

Each chapter tells a story and delivers a valuable

lesson. Goals and objectives guide the reader through

stimulating discussions and thought provoking questions

as a way to elicit action. These stories are powerful

depictions of some of the challenges and hardships facing

today’s nurse. Boynton challenges nurses to be assertive

and to be respectful listeners. As the largest workforce

in healthcare, nurses can exercise their collective voice

to influence change and create safer workplaces. The

tools and skills needed to achieve this goal are outlined

by Boynton, which, in turn, raises the bar for exemplary

communication, relationship-building, quality care, and

collaboration within the healthcare environment. Her

approach sparks promise for addressing recruitment and

retention issues, job satisfaction, and longevity within the

nursing profession.

The relevance of this book has significant implications

for the future of the nursing profession. It offers every

nurse an opportunity to learn and grow, become active

participants in the change they wish to see, and strengthen

nursing’s voice through effective communication. For more

information visit: bethboynton.com

Beth is an organizational development consultant and author of Confident Voices:  The Nurses’ Guide to Improving Communication & Creating Positive Workplaces. (Special book offer:  SAVE  20% NOW  at Beth's EStore  Use coupon code:  D359FSBP)

She is an adjunct faculty member with New England College and publishes the free e-newsletter:  Confident Voices for Nurses.  She has published numerous articles, offers a variety of workshops,  and can be reached at bbbboynton@earthlink.net or 207-752-0826.  Or visit www.bethboynton.com