Nursing Communication Project

One of our methods is to tell our patients, "Is there anything I can do for you, I have the time." It lets the patient know that the nurse is not trying to 'escape' the room and the patients feel better knowing they have the undivided attention of his/her nurse.

One of our methods is to tell our patients, "Is there anything I can do for you, I have the time." It lets the patient know that the nurse is not trying to 'escape' the room and the patients feel better knowing they have the undivided attention of his/her nurse.

ThIs line is part of our hospital's scripting, too. I have trouble getting myself to say it much because most often I'm not sure if I WILL have the time (or I flat out don't) and I don't want to set myself up to disappoint the patient.

I like to give the pt. a quick rundown of what's planned for the shift. Usually when I am passing my 9 o'clock meds. I tell them when vitals will be done, what time the rest of the shift's meds are scheduled, what prn meds they have available, if they have a.m. labs, etc. If they have a sleeping pill, I ask if they want it. I've had a lot of people thank me b/c it's their 3rd day w/ little sleep and they didn't know they could get a sleeping pill.

What about "teaching on the fly"? I think it really improves the nurse/Pt communication and helps keep the Pt educated and up to speed on their POC, and not to mention come discharge time.

The use of white boards also increases awareness. Day, date, the nurse's name obviously, but also "PT at 9am" or "meds at 10" or some other forms of a reminder on things happening that day.

I also like to have a "plan for the day" talk as well. "so today I would like to see you get into the chair for breakfast. When I come in at 9 with your morning meds, we can then see if you are up for a shower or washing up and if you want to stay in the chair for a little longer. Does that sound ok to you?"