New Grad here...how to talk to patients? please help!

[mnf4ever]

Whenever I'm with my preceptor, it seems like she always knows EXACTLY what to say to the patient when we make our initial rounds...they always ask her questions and she always knows the answer...how do I do that?? So far, all I'm capable of doing is:

1) Introducing myself..."Hi Mr./Mrs./Ms. ______, my name is ______ and I will be your nurse for today."

2) Then I ask, "How are you feeling today? Are you still experiencing (whatever the problem was)."

3) Today, the plan for you is (I usually get this information from report from the other nurse)

Do I need to check the charts prior to making rounds in order to know more about the patient? Should I come in early to work to review the charts? (I've heard some nurses do this off the clock). It seems like my preceptor knows EXACTLY what tests are being ordered, what tests were done, WHY they needed to be done, exactly when the pt. will be going home, etc. even though it wasn't mentioned in report. How does she do that? Please give me tips on how to be more informative with my patients....

[qt2168]

The reason that your preceptor knows what is going on all the time is probably because she has been doing it WAY longer then you have. I felt the same way when I started out but I soon started learning what test went with what labs, when patients would usually go for certain tests, and so on. For me it came with time, doing it over and over again, and finding the pattern behind orders, tests, and procedures. If it makes you feel better you can come in early to look at the charts but I bet with time its going to start clicking like it did for me.

[dthfytr, ADN, LPN, RN, EMT-B, EMT-I]

Congratulations on starting a new career. When you first got your drivers license did you compare yourself to the drivers at the Indy 500? Cut yourself some slack, it takes time to learn, or as they would say in nursing school, "there's a learning curve, kinda steep at first but eventually it gets flatter" and trust me, after 25 years my curve isn't completely flat yet. Just when I know everything, they go out and invent something new! Your ideas for communication are right on. Think of it as making the patient your friend for the shift. It'll be much easier for both of you to communicate. Try reflecting things back to the patient "wow, I bet that knife sticking out of your back really hurts" gives the patient the chance to open up about how they feel (which, afterall, is what it's all about). Hope this helps. Post again with your progress, what does or doesn't work for you, new problems as they arise. This website is every nurses best friend.

[joanna73, BSN, RN]

Also, you have to feel comfortable with being yourself. People respect that, and every nurse has their own style. Yes, we must use therapeutic communication and be respectful, but let your personality shine through.