How do hospice nurses built rapport with their patients?

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When you meet a hospice patient and his/her family at the very first time, how do you built rapport with the patient and their family “on the spot”? How different it is to build rapport with hospice patient and non-hospice patient? Because a hospice patient and his/her family are at their critical time of life and they need a nurse that they can rely on, do hospice nurses need some special characteristics to be a hospice nurse?

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When you meet a hospice patient and his/her family at the very first time, how do you built rapport with the patient and their family "on the spot"? How different it is to build rapport with hospice patient and non-hospice patient? Because a hospice patient and his/her family are at their critical time of life and they need a nurse that they can rely on, do hospice nurses need some special characteristics to be a hospice nurse?

hospice nurses need to be tolerant, patient, flexible, thick-skinned, with exc communication skills.

most times, families will automatically attach to you, knowing that you are the one they look to ensure a peaceful death.

but keep in mind, the same family that reaches out to you, can/will turn on you 5 mins later, then will be hugging you in another 5 minutes.

keep communication open and ongoing...with sensitivity at all times.

when they observe you caring for their loved one, it puts another facet of gratitude on you.

by the time the pts dies, you are a part of the family.

afterall, hospice nurses are invited to be a part of the most intimate journey in a person's life.

whether they adore you or resent you (yes, they can run very hot/cold), if they're happy with the way you cared for the pt, you will be remembered and honored, for many yrs to come.

leslie

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Specializes in LTC, Psych, Hospice.

Leslie summed it up well! My pts are all in LTC/ALF's. I always see my LTC pts Tuesday and Thursday mornings and my AFL pts in the afternoon. The PCG's know when I'll be at the facility and try to meet me there at least once/month. So, the PCG doesn't always see me providing care, but they do know I care.

Having said that, I always call the PCG's once/week with a report. Of course, I'll call if there is any change in status or med changes. I have a very good working relationship with all the facility nurses and they call me when anything with the pts seems "odd". That way I can make an extra visit, if needed, and address the issue w/ the PCG.

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Specializes in PICU, NICU, L&D, Public Health, Hospice.

As a hospice case manager your first few visits are EXTREMELY important in building that relationship of trust.

I begin by asking them open ended questions and listening. Things like asking them about why I am in their living room meeting them...what has happened to them in the past year. I ask them what they know about or expect from hospice. I ask them what their dreams and hopes are right now...(cause even dying people have hopes and dreams)...Dependent upon the patient/family/situation I may ask about fears very early on in the relationship. I wonder aloud what I could do for them immediately that could relieve some symptom or improve their quality of life.

It is important to be honest with them, even if that is difficult. It is important to be reliable and trustworthy, don't be late, don't "forget" to order the meds/supplies/DME and then make an excuse. Don't be afraid to laugh with them, cry with them, dance with them, pray with them. Be engaged with but do not intrude into the family. KEEP GOOD BOUNDARIES.

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leslie's advice is always useful and spot on.

tewdles advice to listen is most important.

through listening to both patient and family

you will learn to address their needs which will

build rapport and trust. not any difference

than nursing a non-hospice patient

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