The bedrock of any nurse-patient relationship is excellent communication. Whether you’re interviewing new patients or simply trying to determine how to be more caring and understanding with them, there are multiple techniques you can use to establish a rapport. Above all things, this involves practicing kindness, compassion, and trust in order to foster the best possible relationship with patients.

Whatever the case, the ability to master communication with your patients can leave them feeling happier about their treatment, as well as helping to give them care of the highest possible quality. Keep reading below to learn about five ways you can communicate better with patients while working in practical nursing.

Make Sure Your Relationship With a Patient is Well-Established

For any ideal patient-nurse relationship, the patient needs to feel as if they can trust the nurse with information they don’t necessarily tell others, including their medical history and anything else they want to confide in you with. 

This is made possible due to the rapport the two parties have established over a period of time. A nurse-patient relationship built on trust, honesty, and understanding, and you should aim to build a foundation for that as soon as possible.

Practice Active Listening in All Interactions With Patients

Whether it’s through verbal communication or body language, one of the key pillars of communication with patients is being able to actively listen to them at all times. 

You’ll want to pay attention to both verbal and non-verbal communication to better understand how patients think and react during their time in a hospital so you can give them the best possible treatment. 

By doing this after practical nursing school, you can not only foster an improved relationship with your patients, but also better understand them and their circumstances to strengthen your evaluation of their health.

Respect the Privacy of Your Patients After Practical Nursing School

Sometimes, interviewing patients can lead to you potentially asking sensitive questions. With this in mind, steer clear of asking questions too private in nature, and respect their privacy and boundaries if you don’t want to damage their trust in you. 

You’ll want to be sure you’re treating your patients and their situations with the utmost respect, so maintaining confidentiality with regards to them, their circumstances, and what they tell you is paramount.

Make Sure Patients Are Your First Priority During Your Interactions

However you choose to approach communicating with patients, make sure they feel as if they’re at home while under your care. Do your utmost to be a source of comfort and solace for them when they feel scared or unhappy, and show them kindness and prioritize their needs at all times. 

Be compassionate, speak clearly and in simple terms, foster a positive environment for them, and tailor the care you provide to what you know about them as a person.

Show Empathy and Understanding Toward Your Patients

Perhaps the most significant way you can improve communication with patients after practical nursing training is by empathizing with them, and assuring them that their feelings are valid. By expressing that you understand their experiences and are there to support them, patients can be more open to trusting you. 

Take the time to get to know them, ask them if they have any questions for you, be patient with them whenever necessary, legitimize their situation and experiences, and do your best to see things from their perspective.

Want to get your practical nursing diploma?

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