Strong communication skills are as essential to nursing as any other skill. The ability to document clearly and concisely is an art, but one that must be cultivated by every nurse. Documentation provides a legal, written record of the health care provided, including the reason for it, the actual care given, and the outcomes. Documentation is an important means of communication between health care professionals. It provides information about the care provided and the patient's response as well as a directive about the needs for future care.