In addition to providing care to ill clients, nurses must attend to stressed out family members. How do you approach offering support to family members?

"Caring for family members often requires as much patience as caring for our patients. They are naturally afraid of a possible difficult outcome with regard to their loved ones. I always try to speak kindly and offer time to answer questions and give family members an opportunity to talk about what concerns them. While every day does not Offer as much free time as others, a few minutes can often make a big difference to a concerned family member."

"I know what it's like to be the family member who is worried about a loved one requiring care. I remember when my father was very ill. He had some nurses who were very kind and approachable. He had a few that were not so kind. I always try to remember how I felt when I was the one in need of support and to treat those family members with the same kind of respect and kindness that I wanted."

"Each family has a different dynamic. A skilled nurse tries to recognize the specific personalities of those for whom she is caring, as well as those of the loved ones. When time allows, I try to visit with the family members of my patients so that they know who is caring for their loved one and begin to build rapport with them. Having a good relationship between care providers and family members usually has a positive effect on the patient."

"I first always learn the resources that each individual facility has that I work at. This then helps me to know what I am able to offer to the family members. Having an ill family member can be extremely stressful and so I always begin by introducing myself to my patient's family members and explain my role. I let them know from the first time seeing them that I am here to support and assist them and that I will answer any questions they may have."