Difficult conversations are part of working in healthcare. For nurses, who often handle patients during the worst times of their patients’ lives, these conversations become even more challenging. Emotions are high during difficult conversations; nurses must handle these situations professionally and empathetically. Here are tips for nurses for navigating difficult conversations.
Before the Conversation
To begin with, it is essential to mentally prepare for a difficult conversation. Before you engage in conversation, check in with yourself and acknowledge your feelings and biases. Do you understand the topic of the conversation? Patients and family members will have questions for you, so it is essential to have the answers or know where to find them.
Pick the Right Place and Time
The difficult conversations you have as a travel nurse require time and attention. Having a comfortable and quiet place for an uninterrupted conversation is crucial. The idea is to make patients and family members as comfortable as possible for communication. Ensure there is adequate time to respond to questions.
Connect With the Patient
Empathy can help your patients know you are ready to help them. Validating your patients’ emotions and feelings establishes a trusting nurse-patient relationship. Rapport allows patients and their families to understand and accept difficult conversations.
Actively Listen
Listening skills are essential for all healthcare professionals. As you listen to patients carefully, allow them to vent their thoughts and feelings without interruption. A patient might be angry, sad, or afraid, so demonstrate empathy with body language and eye contact.
Use Direct and Clear Communication
When having a difficult conversation, you must keep your emotions out of it. You must deliver information clearly and directly in a manner that a patient and their family can understand. Try to avoid complicated medical terminology. Be ready for questions, and have patients repeat what they heard to ensure understanding.
Follow Up After Conversation
After delivering bad news or having a difficult conversation, check in on the patient’s well-being. There is a chance that they forgot to ask specific questions during the discussion or have new ones after a reflection period. A follow-up conversation allows patients to discuss matters further, allowing for informed decision-making.
Real communication, active listening, and empathy are crucial for reaching a collaborative decision and plan of care. These tips can help nurses navigate difficult conversations smoothly and effectively.Discover Travel Nursing Opportunities Today!
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