Towards more Effective Nurse Patient Communication
Towards More Effective Nurse-Patient Communication
Communication is truly an art!
Registered nurses normally play an important role in terms of communication, with many different patients, in various scenarios. Trying to communicate with them effectively, often presents a challenge.
Here are some factors for new registered nurses to consider with regards to more effective communication.
Fear may be a major obstacle to effective communication.
Registered nurses, who have just begun their careers, may have or express varying degrees of fear at times, but most new registered nurses are not in bondage to fear. They can communicate with patients, in a way that helps to calm or resolve their fears.
Fear on the part of patients must always be considered, when registered nurses are attempting to communicate effectively with them. Patients are invariably afraid about their health status, as well as the medical environment or circumstances in which they find themselves. They may also be fearful about what they can or should expect, with regard to their pending treatments and nursing care. At the same time, they want to know exactly what is happening and why it is happening to them. So do other family members.
Registered nurses know that care, compassion and concern, invariably go a long way in terms of alleviating patient's fears. It is also important with respect to establishing and maintaining good relationships with their patients' families and friends.
Courtesy is also a critical element in relationships. Everyone should be treated with respect at all times.
As a newly trained registered nurse, you know that you can help to alleviate many of your patient's fears almost immediately, by the caring expression on your face, the gentle, compassionate touch of your hands and the kind words that you use to show your concern, regardless how serious your patient's situation appears to be.
Remember that time is often of the essence, in terms of nurse-patient communications and relationships. For example, in emergency situations, it is essential that registered nurses and their patients communicate effectively and understand each other, immediately. Unfortunately, that is not always possible because of language barriers, the mental or emotional state of patients and the ongoing barrage of medical tests, procedures or treatments.
As a newly trained registered nurse in an emergency situation, if you become aware that there is a significant communication breakdown, because of a language barrier, do whatever is necessary to ensure the patient's safety and to meet his or her immediate needs. Then find an interpreter, as soon as possible. A family member or close friend may be able to communicate more effectively with your patient, than you can, at that particular time. He or she will also be able to assist you as you assess the physical, mental, emotional and spiritual status of your patient. Carefully explain to the interpreter what is required or essential, with respect to the patient's nursing care. Keep your words brief and as simple as possible. Remember to thank the family member, friend or interpreter later.
Integrity is vital in nurse-patient communications. Patients recognize immediately when a registered nurse, who is attempting to communicate with them, is being honest with them. If you are not honest with your patients, they will sense it intuitively, become suspicious and may refuse to co-operate with you.
Always make certain that you are conveying medical information that is accurate. Remember that your career as a registered nurse, depends upon your personal integrity and thus what and how you communicate with your patients, is important.
You cannot assume the responsibility for the way a patient responds to you or others, but you can take the full responsibility for your own words, deeds and actions. Always try to maintain control, particularly in any tenuous situation, but do so in a way that you maintain your integrity, as a professional registered nurse.
Remember that medical language or terminology, used by registered nurses, is often confusing to patients. Recognize the reality that when your patient understands what you are saying or doing, he or she will be much more co-operative, so take the time to explain it well. When you are doing nursing care, speak directly to your patients and use language that is appropriate for each situation. Make certain that all of your words, deeds and actions are in sync and that there is no discrepancy between what you say and do. Remember that many patients learn by example.
Practice being an active listener. Active listening is crucial in nursing and it is something that has to be learned. Many registered nurses do it instinctively. For others it may be more difficult. For some registered nurses, making casual conversation with patients is far easier than it is for others, but active listening will allow you to respond appropriately to your patients.
Many things that patients say go unheard, simply because many medical professionals, including some registered nurses, are usually extremely busy and are frequently over-worked. Even if it is time consuming, take a moment to really hear what your patients are saying to you. In other words, listen very closely to your patients. If necessary, ask them to repeat what they have just stated. Respond to them in an appropriate manner, that shows you have heard and understood their areas of concern. If necessary, explain what you are trying to say to them, a second or even a third time. This may require patience on your part. Always try to use a gentle, quiet tone of voice, particularly when there is a high level of stress.
There may be times when you do have to speak abruptly to your patients, but do so carefully. For instance, if a patient is doing something that may harm someone including himself, you may need to intervene very quickly, with abrupt words, deeds or actions. Whatever you must say or do, make certain that it is carried out in a compassionate manner. Kindness goes a long way.
Relax. It is all right to be human. Patents want to talk to registered nurses about their personal lives, families and other concerns. It is usually a good idea to talk to patients, while you are doing their nursing care, as talking may help them to relax. It is also an excellent time to do positive and constructive counseling. Speak directly to them, even when there are others in the room. Do not exclude them from the conversation. Avoid needless chatter or off-beat humor, that they may find offensive or questionable. Keep criticism to a minimum and be silent when patients indicate that they do not want to talk.
What you will find over time is that many patients will love you, because of the gentle and sincere way that you communicate with them. You will also find that most patients are wonderful people to talk to and have many of the same kinds of personal concerns in their lives that you and your family have.
Try to spend some extra time with your patients, so that you get to know them personally, whenever it is possible to do so. Show them that you are seriously interested in them, their health and wellbeing, as well as in what they have to say to you. At the same time, always maintain a high standard of professional nursing care.
If your patients have questions about their nursing care or other medical concerns, answer them appropriately or refer them to their doctor or someone else who can be of help to them. When necessary, find the answers for them, if you cannot answer their questions correctly.
Always be cautious about giving out too much of your own personal information, but at the same time enjoy talking with your patients about things that you have in common. Most important of all, let your patients know that you love working as a registered nurse, with your patients and that you do care about them.
Effective communication leads to wonderful, long-term registered nurse-patient relationships, so learn the art of effective communication well.
