How we make them feel?

[7colorsrainbow]

Patients may not remember what we say to them but definitely remember how we make them feel.

Do you have experience which reflected on above statement? Let's share!

[Farawyn]

Can you elaborate?

Maybe cite your own experiences first?

[All4NursingRN]

All depends upon the patient and their current state of mind, health, life

Most don't remember my name but remember my face and how nice, helpful, or encouraging i was.

Others remember my name and face when they don't get their narcs every two hours on the clock, or won't help them go against what's in their best interests like the patient who cursed me when I wouldn't give her food despite me repeatedly and carefully explaining why she has to remain NPO, got oUT her stretcher and attempted to fight me.... true story.

Or the ones with undiagnosed/undisclosed psych/emotional issues who blame you for everything. Had a young woman come to my ED c/o currently being pregnant when she swore she came to the hospital 2 months ago and wasn't pregnant, flipped out on me while I drew her blood , stormed out and proceeded to report me, my manager, and doctor for god knows what.

Unfortunately after being a nurse for nearly a decade I've learned patients remember you for good and bad reasons. Nursing school never prepares you for that.

[brownbook]

It's hard to know what they remember? We, I, can only hope.

I had an alert oriented male patient who had horrible nausea, vomiting, diarrhea. He messed himself and the bed. I hoped I conveyed a matter of fact attitude that my cleaning him, changing his linen, was a normal part of my job, no big deal.

[7colorsrainbow]

May I elaborate in simple poem written by me.. :) My apology if my English is not so good..

-Empathy-

When a nurse "became" a patient,

Experiencing those feelings,

When in great pain, there is someone who will ask you "Are you okay?" and try to get the painkiller to reduce the pain,

When been left alone in the hospital,there are someones will say, "Don't worry. We can take care of you."

When freaked out seeing the sharp needles, there is someone will give reassurance, "Trust me."

When clueless about what should be the best treatment, someone will say. "I will find out for you."

When feel very unwell, someone will always watching closely for any changes of condition and inform doctor.

And this "SOMEONE" who has no blood tied relationship with you,

Care for you like a family member,

Advocate for you like a lawyer,

A health educator,

and she is not just a nurse,

But an EMPHATIC nurse.

As a new staff nurse, I always believe being emphatic is the key to make patient feel comfortable and can build the trust between nurse and patient. Putting myself in patient's position or in their shoes will make me think what they really need beside the treatment. Even our presence to hold their hands during painful procedure like lumbar puncture will make them feel better!

Little actions by us, nurses will bring big difference in their experience as patients. =)

[7colorsrainbow]

Unfortunately after being a nurse for nearly a decade I've learned patients remember you for good and bad reasons. Nursing school never prepares you for that.

Agreed. Had a patient's son came over and started yelling at me, he think his mother's leg cellulitis is caused by diabetes and strongly requested referral to Endocrine. Thanks to Dr Google.

Explanation given by my doctor (Her blood glucose level is normal) but he still wanted Endocrine team to see his mother or else he would file complain to our CEO. I was a preceptee late then, guess my communication skills not so good but luckily my preceptor helped me with PR issue. I learned that communication skills play important role particularly to prevent PR issue which nursing school never taught that.