Who wouldn’t! It makes our jobs easier or our day brighter, and, of course, the more compliant the patient, the more speedy their recovery. A win-win for all!
If we want more compliant patients, perhaps we need to be more amenable nurses. If we can develop a positive relationship with our patients, they are much more likely to follow our instructions and advice, not to mention, treat us more kindly and respectfully.
As in most areas of life, it is not necessarily the big things that matter most but the constant little things we do that can make a huge impact on the lives and the feelings of others.
And so, I bring to you these simple little morsels that I have adapted from "150 Ways to Show Kids You Care," by J. Roehlkepartain. As I have adapted these tips for us, as nurses, you can indeed alter them ever so slightly into ways to show your children, your spouse, your parents, your…(insert important person here)...that you care.
Focus on one of these today and see how it works for you!
- Pronounce their names properly.
- Ask them about themselves.
- Look in their eyes when you talk to them.
- Laugh together.
- Say yes a lot.
- Be yourself, no one does it better!
- Notice when they're acting differently.
- Discuss their dreams and fears.
- Learn what they have to teach.
- Make yourself available.
- Find a common interest.
- Apologize when you've done something wrong.
- Listen to their favorite music with them.
- Smile when you enter/leave the room.
- Thank them for being cooperative.
- Point out what you like about them.
- Clip magazine pictures or articles that interest them.
- Sit down and talk WITH them, not at them.
- Give them your undivided attention.
- Ask for their opinion.
- Treat their friends and friends respectfully.
- Tell them about yourself.
- Praise more; criticize less.
- Ask them to help you.
- Believe in them.
- Delight in their uniqueness.
- Include them in conversations on rounds.
- Respect them.
- Make sure they understand.
- Welcome/acknowledge their suggestions.
Remember, it is not just heroic acts that are remembered, but the tiny acts of kindness that come from a place of caring.
About the Author: Stephanie Staples, a highly regarded (and slightly hilarious) nurse speaker for conferences, conventions & associations, and a passionate coach & advocate for ‘nursing the nurses,’ is the founder of the Life Support for Nurses Wellness Retreat. Visit www.YourLifeUnlimited.ca for more cool tools!
Click here to read more on Stephanie Staples.
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