Respect and dignity are core values at the NHS. As a new employee, how will you gain the trust of patients and their families?
"During my clinicals, I focused on building trust with my new patients. This was especially important as sometimes students are viewed as less competent than the nurses patients are accustomed to interacting with. At a very foundational level, I would knock when entering a patient's room and introduce myself. Just as I wouldn't barge into their private residence, this helped demonstrate my respect for their space and privacy. I would then enter the room and allow them to introduce themselves and share with me what name they preferred to be called. Anytime I would speak with the patient or family, I would demonstrate professionalism and competence, always addressing them in a professional manner and never speaking negatively about other staff or the company in front of them. During my interactions, I would actively listen and make eye contact, letting the patient know I was engaged and interested in what they were saying. When working on computers so often, it's easy to type and document while trying to have a conversation, but that is not the best experience for the patient, so it is always important to keep that human aspect in mind when interacting with patients."
"I will build trust and relationships with new patients by effectively communicating and being honest and transparent with patients. For example, it's important not to over-promise or commit to things you cannot deliver on. Even if the patient requests something simple like fresh ice water, it's easy to get caught up in other tasks and forget something like this, but it's important that if you say you're going to do something, that you do it and in a timely manner. Following through shows patients they can rely on you to do what you say you will do. I will also communicate with them regularly so they know what to expect. If the doctor is running behind or is ordering more labwork, I let them know what's happening and the why behind it. I also give the patient the opportunity to ask questions and better understand things."
To be an effective nurse, you must build trust and relationships with your patients and sometimes their families or caregivers. Nurses who take the time to get to know their patients and understand their emotional and physical needs can provide higher-quality care and improve patient outcomes. You're the main point of contact for patient inquiries, concerns, and calls for help, so patients need to know they can trust and count on you to be there for them to meet their needs. Because patients typically interact with nurses more than other clinical team members, your interactions will significantly influence the patient's overall experience.
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