Nursing Tips: How to Communicate Effectively With Patients

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 respect 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 be considered when registered nurses are attempting to communicate effectively. Patients are afraid about their health status, as well as the medical environment or circumstances in which they find themselves. They may 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 important with respect to establishing and maintaining good relationships with their patients' families and friends.

Courtesy is a critical element in relationships. Everyone should be treated with respect, at all times.

As a newly trained registered nurse, 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.

Time is 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. 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. He or she will be able to assist you to assess the physical, mental, emotional and spiritual status of your patient. 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 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 refuse to co-operate.

Make certain you are conveying medical information that is accurate. Remember that your career as a registered nurse depends upon your personal integrity and 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 responsibility for your own words, deeds and actions. Try to maintain control 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 confusing to patients. 

Recognize the reality that when your patient understands what you are saying or doing, he or she will be co-operative, so take the time to explain it. When you are doing nursing care, speak directly to your patients and use language appropriate for each situation. Make certain that all of your words, deeds and actions are in sync and there is no discrepancy between what you say and do. Remember that 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, because many medical professionals including registered nurses are busy and over-worked. Even if it is time consuming, take a moment to hear what your patients are saying. Listen 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 a third time. This may require patience on your part. 

Try to use a gentle, quiet tone of voice, particularly when there is a high level of stress.

There may be times when you 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 quickly with abrupt words, deeds or actions. Whatever you must say or do, make certain that it is 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 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, when there are others in the room. Do not exclude them from the conversation. Avoid needless chatter or off beat humor 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. Show them you are seriously interested in them, their health and well being, 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 who can help them. When necessary, find the answers for them, if you cannot answer their questions correctly.

Always be cautious about giving out too much personal information, but 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.