Just a question especially in nursing. How do we as "professional nurses" talk to our patient's and their families. How do we talk to each other. How do we talk to the doctors, other disciplines. Already see that I could be asking a way too broad question, so will attempt to narrow my focus. Anyone else can take it anywhere they want to as long as it stays within our practice as professional nurses and nursing personnel.
I tend to speak rather informally to my patients, but with this informality, I have developed my professional style.
(i.e. If I am asking an patient if (he) has voided, I quickly will add urinate or even pee'. I want to ensure that my patient understands the goal of the question, not be impressed with my medical lingo.
If I have to initiate/insert a foley cathether, I will ask my patient if they have had a foley catheter before, and usually quickly add a tube into the bladder, etc.
If I am starting an iv, I will first offer local anesthetic as procedure now dictates.......then I will talk with the patient about what I am doing in general(if they seem open to such) or I will just let them talk or "talk about the weather" and then say, "all done".
If I have to do a procedure of a rather personal nature to a patient.........I am aware that it is probably nothing to me(done it too many times to remember...................), but to
the patient......it is extremely private,
so I make a point of saying exactly what I will be doing and use correct anatomical terms, as the patient understands.......
I have found that this lowers the patient's anxiety and increases the communication between the nurse and patient toward to goal of their optimum health.
It is entirely different from the "Other Side of the Rail",
any thoughts, how do you communicate
any things that have helped you
or in retrospect hindered you.....
I know my communication ability has grown with years,
but even today.....
you have to be flexible in your communication style
you have to be aware of individual differences and meet that individuality in your patients.
