When you have lots of patients to look after, it can be easy to forget that you’re treating a person who has a story and feelings. Being sick can leave patients feeling vulnerable and isolated, which is why it can be extremely comforting when a nurse attempts to relate to them. Connecting with your patients doesn’t take a whole lot of effort, but it can have a big impact on who you’re treating. Check out these few simple ways that you can relate to your patients as a travel nurse and help them feel more at ease:
Sit down
Sitting down versus standing up next to a patient may not seem like something that would make a difference, but it does. Standing up can make it appear as though you’re in a hurry, and you don’t have time for this particular patient. According to a study at the University of Kansas Hospital, patients felt much more satisfied when the nurse sat at their bedsides than when they stood by their beds. You also tend to appear more open, friendly and calm when you’re sitting.
“Sitting down, you are eye to eye with the patient instead of ‘standing over’ the patient and making the patient feel vulnerable,” Joan K. McMahon, BSN, CRRN, MSA and spinal cord program coordinator at the University of Kansas Hospital, explained to The Kansas City Nursing News.
This gesture is something very simple you can do to help your patients feel more comfortable. Even if you’re not in the room for very long, sitting down can make it seem like you were there for longer than you were.
Make physical contact
Making physical contact is just as important as making an emotional connection. You don’t have to hug your patients – keep it simple with a handshake, a pat on the back or placing your hand on their shoulder as you talk to them. These small gestures are a way of telling the patients that you’re there for them, and you care for them. Making physical contact with patients is a simple way of offering warmth and helps create trust.
Create conversation
Before you get down to business, like giving an exam or talking about medical-related issues, have a simple conversation with your patient. Introduce yourself and ask questions like “How are you feeling?” or “How is your day going?” Despite how little time you may have with this person, you still have an opportunity to get to know them. Building a relationship with your patient can help you better recognize their needs and care for them.
Demonstrate empathy
Empathy is a powerful tool when connecting with your patients and providing them with the best possible care. Put yourself in your patient’s shoes – wouldn’t you feel more at ease and respected when you’re truly listened to? Show compassion for what your patients go through and acknowledge their emotional state. You may not be able to truly understand what they’re going through, but empathy is an important step in developing relationships with the people for which you’re caring.