Minimal Encouragement

Today in Nursing Process and Health Promotion we learned how to talk to patients in an understanding and encouraging way. We watched a helpful video that demonstrated some of the more effective tactics.

Do:

Use paraphrasing and subtle encouragement such as nodding to make the patient feel like you are listening to and understanding their concerns. Example: "Hmm, yes, it sounds like you have some fears of your upcoming procedure."

Don't:

Be an ass. Example: "Sounds like you're hostile toward men, which is understandable considering your background."