Treating
patients with respect and understanding is essential to healthcare as a whole.
Being a nurse includes numerous rounds, check-ups, and consultations. But, what
do patients have to deal with while being at the hospital? Most commonly, they
are encountered with loneliness, discomfort, and sometimes even fear. With vast
majority of them being sick or severely injured, it is completely
understandable. Along with taking good care of them medically, your job as a
nurse is to do everything in your power to make your patients feel at ease.
Sometimes it can be hard to think to do these things when you’re so busy taking
care of their ailments, so here are a few tips and guidelines in order to make
your patients feel more comfortable.
Be
polite
Every hour, you see patients come and go. It’s a
perfectly normal situation for you--You’ve seen and done this a thousand times,
but many patients have not. Actually, for many of them, this is their first
time in the hospital. For this and many other reasons, it is important to be
polite to them. Show them respect and most importantly, explain everything
until they fully understand. This way, you’ll make them feel a lot calmer, and
certainly more comfortable.
Treat
patients with respect
Your job is fast-paced and hectic to the point where
you sometimes cannot distinguish patients from their needs. This happens to
everyone, but sometimes you have to remember the little things. Remembering
patients’ first names, family members, or even their likes and dislikes is a
clear sign of respect for them. These small, seemingly insignificant details
you perform for your patients can make a BIG difference. Not only does it feel
good for your patients, but also for you too!
Related: 5 Ways to Boost Your Patients' Sprits on the Job
Related: 5 Ways to Boost Your Patients' Sprits on the Job
Empower
patients
Although they ended up in a hospital for whatever
reason, and are vulnerable at the moment, many of your patients are still
successful people despite their illnesses. And being in the hospital makes them
forget that! But, you are there to remind them of their successes outside the
hospital. They may not be used to being vulnerable and helpless, and by
reminding them of their strengths every now and then, you’ll significantly lift
their spirits high. It goes without saying that they will be thankful! They
could use a few kind words.
Communicate
with them
In these critical situations where you want to make
patients comfortable, the most important aspect of good healthcare is
communication. In order to be effective, patient education needs to be more
than just instructions and information. As a nurse, you need to make sure to
assess patient needs and communicate clearly. Of course, there may be some
medical language patients wouldn’t be able to understand, but in explaining
their state, medications, and certain procedures, there’s a high chance you’ll
make your patients a lot more comfortable.
Have
a healthy sense of humor
Providing a friendly and positive atmosphere is the
best possible way to make your patients feel more comfortable! Maintaining a
good sense of humor is the best way to put a smile on your patients’ faces in
these difficult times. Not only will they be excited to see you whenever you
enter the room, but you will also feel much better. Your hectic day may be just
that much easier.
It’s widely known that nursing job is extremely demanding. You
have to be a skilled decision-maker and do a ton of work on a daily basis.
Although you try your best, it is inevitable to feel tired and overworked
sometimes. To be fair, patients sometimes don’t make it easy for you. But,
putting that all aside, your main focus should be your patients’ comfort and
satisfaction.
By following these
aforementioned tips and doing small yet important things, you’ll be able to
make your patients feel a lot more comfortable. It’s not much for you, but it
means the world to them!
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