Though practical care might be the most vital thing a nurse has to offer, it’s important not to forget the interpersonal side of nursing. Many patients are stressed or discouraged – after all, they’re only in the hospital or clinic because they are sick or injured. As a practical nurse (PN), how you interact with patients can have a massive effect on their mental health and impact their confidence in their healthcare providers. Here, Prism Career Institute introduces a few common PN-patient interactions so PNs can prepare to offer the emotional care and support patients need.
Informing Patients
One of the most common interactions between PNs and patients simply involves conveying information. Though some of this is handled by doctors, you’ll be expected to help keep patients informed while they’re in your care. Depending on where you’re working, the information you deliver could be as simple as a weekly schedule of activities for a nursing home. It could also be as significant as the results of a test or diagnosis. Try to understand the emotional impact of the news you’re sharing so you can deliver the appropriate level of compassion.
Explaining and Encouraging
Most patients don’t enter a hospital with a lot of medical experience and knowledge. As a result, they have a lot of questions. PNs might be asked to explain things to patients so they understand what’s happening. The patient might have questions about their diagnosis, want to know more about their next procedure, or request advice on a decision.
When helping a patient understand a subject, it’s important to approach them with empathy and understanding. The topic might be difficult for the patient to hear about, especially when it’s about a serious diagnosis or nerve-racking test. Also, remember that patients don’t have the background you do. Don’t patronize or speak down to patients, but be careful to explain in words they’ll understand.
There will also be times when patients reach out specifically to ask for encouragement. This might seem like an interruption to your day, but it’s still important to offer the comfort your patient needs. Remember they’re going through a difficult time. They need some emotional support, and you are equipped to give it.
Building Relationships
Though relationship-building interactions aren’t common in all contexts, they’re very prevalent in others. If you’re working in a nursing home or supportive care facility, for instance, you’ll likely be serving the same patients for a long time. Not all patients will want a close relationship with their nurses, but many will be more comfortable if they get to know the people who are caring for them.
When navigating nurse-patient relationships, never forget the importance of boundaries, though. Pushing or intruding will only make the patient less likely to trust you.
Start PN Training Today
Interpersonal interactions are almost as important to healthcare as practical medicine. You can prepare for both aspects with the practical nursing program at Prism Career Institute, which is offered at all three of our locations. To learn more about PN-patient interactions or our career training, contact us today.