Skilled Connections...the Heart of Nursing

ElizabethStoneRN

The fall semester is about to begin, and I prepare to take a new group of students into the hospital for their first clinical experience as student nurses. I still recall my first semester as a student nurse. My first clinical instructor was very positive and idealistic; on the first day of class she gave all of us a poem about the meaning of nursing. It was written from the point of view of a military nurse caring for soldiers as if they were her own family.

I remember parts of the poem which were particularly meaningful to me. For example, when caring for a patient, this nurse always reminded herself that they were some else's loved one: a husband, father, or son. I liked that analogy and still refer to it today in my patient care and clinical teaching. I placed the poem in the front of my notebook so that I could read it every day in nursing school.

One concept I try to communicate to my students from day one is the difference between the art and the science of nursing, and the necessity of cultivating both. Students are sometimes so concerned with the science of nursing: learning hands-on skills, passing medications and researching pathophysiology, that they don't always focus enough on communicating with and connecting with their patient. Simple things like making eye contact, being mindful and focused on their patient, sitting down when talking, and taking care to use language the patient understands all help strengthen the connection they have with their patients.

When the patient/nurse connection is stronger, there are many benefits to both patient and nurse. For example, my new nursing students often dread asking patients the questions that are included in a full psychosocial assessment. However, with practice and coaching, the students become more comfortable asking these questions which yield important information regarding a patient's support (or lack of support) at home, social history, health literacy, coping skills, and preferred learning style. Eventually the students realize how valuable this information is, and are often surprised by what they learn, as well as how much they enjoyed the process of obtaining the information. Perceptions change, preconceptions fall by the wayside, and social awareness increases. It is rewarding to see this transformation happen, and as a result, to see the students become more patient-centered in their communication and teaching, ultimately more effective in both. Even their nursing assessments are more accurate, because the patients feel more respected, informed, empowered and safe. They are more likely to tell the students when they have pain, other problems or questions, because the students have earned their trust by demonstrating that they care.

Nursing students tend to worry a lot about whether they are getting enough practice inserting foleys, administering medications...practicing all of the "skills" involved in our profession. They don't always realize the value of the more basic things they do for their patients such as simply listening, supporting, empowering, teaching, and caring. Quotes can be useful in driving home concepts in a memorable way. This quote from Maya Angelou is one of my favorite because it helps define the value of the human connection; it can be applied to many professions but I think it is perfect for nursing

Quote
People will forget what you said,
People will forget what you did,
But people will never forget how you made them feel.

Some of the richest rewards of my career as a clinical instructor are the moments I observe between my students and their patients.

Skilled Connections...the Heart of Nursing

About ElizabethStoneRN

More Like This