Effective Communication Techniques in Nurse-Patient Relations

Every day, nurses meet different patients suffering from various illnesses and health conditions therefore it is important for nurses to communicate effectively. The increasing number of patients in hospitals and medical centers has placed the importance of good communication skills and techniques to make sure that every one of them are well taken cared.

Nurse-patient relations should focus more on the patients’ physical and mental well-being. When communicating with the patient, a nurse should reassure the patient that the medical procedure will go well and their recovery is the main priority. Here are the effective communication techniques that nurses should employ in interpersonal communication:

1. Attention

Attracting the patient’s attention is important so that a nurse can develop trust and confidence. Pronouncing the patient’s name properly is a good start to impress them. Making the interaction comfortable and casual is necessary in building a good rapport. Other effective communication techniques in ensuring the patient’s full attention include checking out their needs, maintaining a good contact, and showing your sincerity.

2. Behavior

Nurses should understand that the patient’s behavior may be fragile and one should understand their health condition. Motivation and encouragement are essential factors in nurse-patient relations since these have an effect in nursing and patient care. The longer the patients suffer, the more they get demoralized, depressed, and lose hope that is why nurses should always make sure that the patient is in high spirits and optimistic. So, as a therapeutic technique, encouragement has a lasting effect. The best therapeutic behavioral technique in communication is simple – nurses have to be helpful, concerned, bright, and friendly.

3. Dealing with Disorientation

When patients suffer from serious health conditions, let alone getting hospitalized for a certain period of time, they always get disoriented. Some of them may feel that it is a very traumatic experience to be in that situation. Nurses have to be gentle and polite all of the time even though some patients may get into their nerves.

4. Interact Well

There are times that the patient will be included in the decision-making because they know what they are feeling. Letting them suggest for a specific course of action may mean that you are asking for their consent when performing a particular medical procedure that may save their lives. However, being interactive doesn’t mean that nurses have to nag patients to open up. Patients should be allowed to open up and express their feelings when they want to.

Other therapeutic communication techniques for nursing include being patient, being a good listener, and being attentive to the patient’s needs.