#Active listening in nursing how to

Be silentīeing silent is one of the best communication strategies for nurses. Silence can allow you and your patient to process information, think of follow-up questions and develop the courage to approach certain topics.

#Active listening in nursing how to

Related: How To Read Body Language: 5 Tips To Decipher Nonverbal Cues 5. This can help you provide the necessary care or treatment. Eye contact, movements and other responses may tell you what a patient is thinking or feeling. Learning to understand these cues and their meanings can help you recognize your patient's symptoms or needs. Nonverbal cues can be important indicators of patient well-being. Some patients communicate more with their body language than their words, so it's essential to understand nonverbal cues. Related: The 4 Main Communication Styles You'll Find in the Workplace 4. Being aware of preferences or limitations can help patients feel comfortable and accepted, while also giving you better insight into how to approach your communication with them. Some patients may feel at ease when you use their pronouns correctly. For example, patients who aren't fluent in English may benefit from the help of a translator or slower speech with an accessible vocabulary. Try to approach patients with sensitivity, understanding and respect. Related: How To Improve Your Observation Skills in 9 Steps 3. Adapt your communication styleįactors like age, gender, religion and cultural backgrounds can affect behavior, so consider adapting your communication style across patients. You may need to record your observations, which other health care professionals may use to base their decisions when formulating appropriate treatment strategies. Politely commenting on subtle differences in a patient's appearance or mood might give them an opportunity to expand on the reasons behind the changes. Making simple, accurate observations can prompt patients to share more information. Observing a patient's change in behavior or physical condition is an integral aspect of nursing. Active Listening: What's the Difference? 2. This may encourage them to keep sharing with you, which may help you better address their needs and concerns. A kind and respectful listening style can help you bond with patients and let them know they can trust and confide in you. You can also provide nonverbal feedback to show them you're listening and understand what they're saying.Ĭarefully listen when patients talk, and try to respond empathetically.

You can show compassion and support through your body language, such as using kind words, gestures and facial expressions. One of the best things you can do as a nurse is to listen attentively to your patients and their families. If you're looking to improve your therapeutic communication skills as a nurse, here are some strategies you can use: 1.

Therapeutic communication also creates a safe atmosphere for patients and encourages them to express their thoughts and feelings. It's helpful to understand patients and comfort them because it may improve clinical outcomes and improve their satisfaction. Understanding patient needs may help you relate potentially important information to other members of the health care team, design medical care strategies and provide high-quality support. Trust between nurses and patients can facilitate conversations about their treatment and recovery. In nursing, therapeutic communication is important because it can help you build trusting relationships with patients. Read more: Therapeutic Communication: What It Is and How To Use It Why is therapeutic communication important? Many therapeutic communication strategies incorporate silence, leading questions and other tools that can help you understand patients' needs.

Nurses can learn skills related to therapeutic communication through education and practice. Its verbal and nonverbal methods allow you to solve problems in an objective manner and listen compassionately. Therapeutic communication is a communication style that promotes patients' physical, mental and emotional well-being.