What have you learned about communicating with people through your nursing job?

[Cats&Tea&Climbing]

I'm starting my level one in a few weeks (and I'm very very excited). One thing I'm excited about is spending time with older folks. I find older people are so fascinating, they've lived an entire life, and I just think that's awesome. I was in Target having a really great conversation with an elderly lady, who was telling me abut how she did acrobatic dancing when she was younger, all these things, but I had a hard time knowing what to say when she was bemoaning her age and how her limbs are bent strangely from arthritis and how she doesn't move well on her own. I couldn't very well tell her that wasn't true because it was, but to me it's evidence she's done a lot in her life, which should be celebrated. I didn't know how to say that without sounding like a naive little girl and minimizing her problems.

I hope I can learn a lot about communicating from my clinicals. What are some take-aways about communicating with patients you've learned over the years? Is there a rule of thumb you follow when a patient is facing a tough situation?

[BabyFood26]

Sometimes, although it feels like you need to say something at the moment, the best thing you can do for an awesome person like that is open your heart and give him/her your undivided attention. I am still young too so I get what your saying about, not wanting to sound like a naive lil girl lol. I have learned that for the most part being a good listener is enough. They understand were young and just love having someone to tell all their wonderful stories to. I honestly don't find anything wrong or unprofessional about simply saying what you stated in your post, something like, "we'll I'm sorry to hear you feel that way, but I think you're beautiful, and I'm thankful you shared your wonderful life with me." You seem like you are very compassionate and it's great that you already are aware of not wanting to "minimize her problems." That is an important thing to remember when caring for the elderly :)