Question about Bedside Manner

[lilemma]

I am a student about to enter a nursing program, and I am worried about my bedside manner. Most of my classmates are outgoing and always friendly, while I am more reserved and somewhat socially awkward. Sometimes I feel I say the wrong things and unintentionally offend people. I also feel weird touching people, such as a sympathetic pat on the shoulder. I have actually practiced this with my family members without them knowing I was doing so, and each time it felt so unnatural and/or timing and placement of my hand was off. I feel that a big part of nursing is making the patients feel comfortable, being caring and showing compassion. I do care about and want to help people, but I am shy and don't always show it. I was wondering if this is something I will "learn" in the nursing program or if maybe I should think about working in the OR, where I don't have to socially interact with patients.

[Llawver]

The more comfortable you get with your skills the easier it will be. As a few other people said, a lot of patients are uncomfortable with you touching them too much. You don't have to be loud and boisterous to be a great nurse. The most important thing you can do as far as "bedside mannor" is listen to them. People can tell the difference between nurses who care and those who don't...and you don't need to be loud and outgoing to demonstrate that. There will be times you have to be assertive....but know how to choose your battles. For instance I had a client who absolutely refused to take a bath. I didn't push the issue because if someone isn't going to co operate than it's just gonna be hard for you both. I've also had patients in the past who were perfectly capable of doing things for themselves but insisted I did it for them. A good example...I had an overweight client who was using the bedside commode and absolutely refused to wipe his own rear end. Don't get me wrong, I have no problem whatsoever assisting someone who needs it. But there was no call for that. I simply got him a few wash rags, pulled his curtain and told him to press the call light when he was done so I could empty his commode. I also had a client with staph on his scrotum who wanted me to apply his powder. He was young and in good health and there was no call for it. So I gave him the powder to keep at bedside (after checking the order) and left it at that. I could go on and on. The point is to trust your judgement, always listen to your patients, and don't be afraid to say no. Good luck to you

[Compassion_x]

What has helped me more than anything has been working as a CNA. I've been a CNA almost 2 years and it's really helped, as I am also an introvert, generally quiet person.