Background: A dissonance between high 'technical' professionalism of nurses and a relatively low level of patient satisfaction with received care is a phenomenon observed in many countries.
Method: Theoretical concept and review of current published studies.
Discussion: Most reviewed studies show that a low level of patient satisfaction occurs in the case of an inadequate interpersonal communication between nurses and patients. Most studies indicate poor effectiveness of shaping communication competences of nurses based on standard education in the area of general psychology and communication knowledge, because this knowledge does not convert itself 'spontaneously' into communication competences during occupational activity.
Conclusions: It is necessary to supplement educational programmes for nurses with practical courses in professional interpersonal communication. International experience exchange concerning the shaping of nurses' communication competences may be limited due to cultural, organizational and systems factors.