Does Nursing School teach you what you can and can't say to patients?

[Cathylady]

I'm just curious, my daughter is in nursing school and I was wondering if she'll be taught what she can and cannot say in front of a patient. Is there a class that specifically addresses the legalities of nursing?

[Crash_Cart]

During my training, I recall we had touched on this topic on a few occasions.

However, in the business world there are courses taught on the subject of sensitivity training and workplace diversity etc. that might be helpful.

[VAC]

Yes, absolutely those topics are taught in nursing school. This is nothing compared to what many hospital employers will expect you to say, or not say to a patient and their families in this era of customer service and patient satisfaction. One must learn to bite one's tongue.

[kbm318]

We have an actual Nursing Communications class for 16 weeks

[nursel56]

Even if it wasn't taught as a separate class, how to communicate with a patient (basic dos and don'ts) is part and parcel of the fabric of being a caregiver at all levels. The complexity of that will increase along with the job responsibilities and scope of practice.

It's hard for me to imagine something a nurse might say at the bedside that would be enough cause for legal action, but unfortunately or not (depending on the individual), personality characteristics are usually the genesis of a really serious issue with miscommunication or inappropriate communication.

[PetiteOpRN]

I was very shy too. It's even harder when you're new/learning and don't have any confidence.

I think your daughter actually has an advantage. In nursing, communication should always be patient-centered. People who are "shy" tend to be good listeners. Non-verbal communication is important, and a shy person can still show they care by using touch or simply silently listening to the patient.

There are some nurses who are at the other extreme. They chatter their whole shift, even when their patient does not want to talk. They talk about their lives and their family instead of the patient's. They can even cross personal/professional boundries.

[Cathylady]

I was very shy too. It's even harder when you're new/learning and don't have any confidence.

I think your daughter actually has an advantage. In nursing, communication should always be patient-centered. People who are "shy" tend to be good listeners. Non-verbal communication is important, and a shy person can still show they care by using touch or simply silently listening to the patient.

There are some nurses who are at the other extreme. They chatter their whole shift, even when their patient does not want to talk. They talk about their lives and their family instead of the patient's. They can even cross personal/professional boundries.

PetiteOPRN,

Thanks! What you said makes sense. My daughter is agressive with her studies, but shy in demeanor. I think she'll make a great nurse too!:redbeathe

My daughter is very petite too :-)

[Liles]

Well when i was in job corp my teacher taught us alot! What to say what not to say to the resident! What to do for our state test what not to do! I guess it depends on your teacher that teach you your skills and you book work! It took me 4 months and im certified in cna, cpr and first aid, ekg and phelbotmy! I love it but i am just look ing for jobs but they want experience!! Thats all i need!!