Your introduction to your patient

Nurses Relations

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After almost a year and a half of being a nurse (working Tele now), I still feel the most awkward when going in patient rooms for the first time to introduce myself. I walk in, say "Hello Mr/Mrs. X, My name is X and I'm going to be your nurse until X today. How are you?" or some version of that. I know it sounds irrational but I just feel like a goof doing it, lol. I've tried different approaches, such as popping in quick before my med pass/assessment to write my name on the board and give a quick introduction, and I've also just done the intro/med pass/assessment all at once. I feel awkward either way. This feeling quickly goes away so I don't think it's a "people-person" problem. ack, I don't know. Just wondering if anyone out there feels the same or has any tips on how to not feel so awkward initially. Thanks!

Specializes in Oncology, Emergency.
We have to use AIDET. If you don't know what it is..you will at some point lol!

We said no to AIDET in my department . No one can teach me how to talk to my patients. Next time they will be programming us how to respond to patients.

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Specializes in Med Surg.

On nights I generally walk in and say "good morning", give my name, and tell them I'm their nurse for the night. Sounds silly but it breaks the ice. I don't ask what "brings them in here" because folks around here will usually reply with my wife/husband, my feet, my pickup, my kid, rode in on my broom, or whatever. I usually ask "what's going on" or "why are you here." Then, I try to tell them what is scheduled for the night.

I try to keep it as casual and natural as possible, ask questions that reqiure more than a yes or no answer, and let them tell it their way. A lot of these old farmers and ranchers and roughnecks will shut you out the second they think you are being phony or "puttin on airs", or just reciting it from memory. I guess it all comes down to knowing the people.

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Specializes in Med Surg.
We said no to AIDET in my department . No one can teach me how to talk to my patients. Next time they will be programming us how to respond to patients.

Our new DON, who is NOT from around here, tried to get us to start that and gave us scripts to follow. The entire nursing staff told her what we thought of it. She of course went running to the CEO who grew up here and learned that there are limits to her power.

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Specializes in Medical Surgical Orthopedic.

I just tell them that I'm their nurse for the night, that I'm stopping by to make sure they're breathing, and that I'll be back later for everything else.

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Specializes in Critical Care.
After almost a year and a half of being a nurse (working Tele now), I still feel the most awkward when going in patient rooms for the first time to introduce myself. I walk in, say "Hello Mr/Mrs. X, My name is X and I'm going to be your nurse until X today. How are you?" or some version of that. I know it sounds irrational but I just feel like a goof doing it, lol. I've tried different approaches, such as popping in quick before my med pass/assessment to write my name on the board and give a quick introduction, and I've also just done the intro/med pass/assessment all at once. I feel awkward either way. This feeling quickly goes away so I don't think it's a "people-person" problem. ack, I don't know. Just wondering if anyone out there feels the same or has any tips on how to not feel so awkward initially. Thanks!

Sounds like you have social anxiety.

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it's not about you, it's about making them feel better.

when you're laid up with a fracture, what kind of introduction would you like to hear from a physician who walks into the room for the first time? "hi, green, i'm bob, i'm your doctor," or, "good evening, ms. t, i'm the orthopedic attending physician."

people are scared s***less being in hospitals. it's perfectly ok to let them know that you know what you're doing by telling them you specialize in what they are there for, or you have been a nurse for a long time, or if you haven't, that you look forward to working with them to helping them recover from xyz. take a deep breath, imagine it's you or someone you care about in the bed, and think what words would help them feel more confident. then act the part, even if you feel self-conscious. you'll grow into it.

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I am a fan of AIDET (Acknowledge, Introduce, Duration, Explanation, Thank you). I thought it was a useless waste of time when the facility I worked at was first teaching this, but since then I've learned that it's actually quite effective...in fact, I still use a version of it now! :)

Check out:

http://www.sharp.com/choose-sharp/sharp-experience/aidet.cfm

This website provides an explanation, as well as examples.

Good luck!

Amanda

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Specializes in Pediatrics.
"hello, Mr X, I am ...... - I am an RN certified in Critical Care and I have had X years of experience taking care of patients with the type of problems you have" "You may have noticed some extra initials on my name badge, those indicate that I am board certified in ___ & that I am a fourth level clinical nurse which means that I serve as a preceptor and trainer for new staff"

Hello, Mr. X. My name is mmmcdiff and I have zero days of experience as a nurse. I'd never even heard of the problem you have before today. I was just licensed at the beginning of this month. You may have noticed that I don't have any of the extra initials a lot of your other nurses had on their name badges... but next month, I'm taking an IV course!

The new grad dilemma...

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You can incorporate experience prior to becoming a nurse too! If you ever worked anywhere in health care, you could say "I have X years of experience in health care."...it doesn't need to be specifically about the amount of time you've been able to put "RN" behind your name.

Feel free to include other strengths or health-related interests you have too. When I was new, I also used to frequently say "If you have any questions, please ask. If I don't have the answer for you, I will find someone who does." This lets the patient know that even if you're new and may not have all the answers, you're not afraid to ask questions and consult with other nurses/physicians to provide the best & safest care possible.

Everyone starts somewhere!! :)

Good luck!

Amanda

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