How Can Nurses Build Trust With a New Patient?
In the intimate dance of building trust with new patients, nursing professionals from a Nurse Practitioner to an LPN weigh in with their trusted techniques. Alongside their expert advice, we've gathered additional answers that emphasize the importance of personalized care and attention to detail. From the foundational communicating and following through to the nuanced personalizing care for patient needs, discover the multifaceted approaches that foster trust in the patient-caregiver relationship.
- Communicate and Follow Through
- Pre-Visit Planning and Transparency
- Listen Actively to Build Trust
- Communicate Clearly with Empathy
- Ensure Privacy and Confidentiality
- Demonstrate Professionalism and Competence
- Be Timely and Attentive
- Personalize Care for Patient Needs
Communicate and Follow Through
Clearly communicating a plan of care and then following through with those expectations will build trust. If I tell a patient that I will get back to them by the end of the day, then I make sure I do just that! Building patient trust is essential when dealing with something as personal as healthcare. I want my patients to know they are my priority. A quick phone call or message can keep them updated on their care and avoid unnecessary anxiety. Respecting one's personal decisions without judgment can also build a trusting nurse-client relationship.
Pre-Visit Planning and Transparency
Over the past 13 years, I have been a nurse in office settings. I do as much pre-visit planning as I can; I review the patient's chart, look at past visit notes, and see what other visits they may have had with specialists, surgeries, ED visits, urgent care visits, and results. I have the room set before the patient enters, having anything that I may need in order to room them.
It's a fine line between rooming a patient and giving them time to talk, but I also need to get the provider in quickly to keep the schedule moving. The pre-visit planning helps significantly with this. I want patients to feel that I am competent and that I do know what is going on with them and that I care. I let them know what they can expect from our office; for example, with one of the MDs I roomed for, I let new patients know that he runs behind, but he will spend time with each patient based on what is going on with them. The patients appreciated the honesty, and in most cases, they were willing to wait without issue.
I will explain the best way to contact the office and what typical response times may be for return calls, medication refills, etc. I also try to be realistic about what is possible. I let patients know what typical wait times might be for a specialist, I will tell them that the medication they want to try is most likely not going to be covered by insurance, and that they may need to research patient assistance programs. I try to be genuine, honest, and confident in my skills, so they know that they are getting the best care possible.
Listen Actively to Build Trust
Patients in the hospital setting are often overwhelmed. They're meeting more medical professionals in a few days than they've likely seen in their whole lives, and that can leave them wary.
Building the kind of trust required for excellent care requires active listening.
Far too many nurses and physicians are skilled only at delivering information. But the old adage rings true: You have two ears and one mouth, so divide accordingly. No matter how busy my day is, I take the time to listen to any thoughts, worries, or complaints from the patient. It's not just about letting them vent—I take their concerns seriously and truly attempt to get to the bottom of issues. Often, they have insights that help me guide them back to health more effectively.
Once the patient feels heard, trust follows naturally, and they are more willing to take and follow my advice.
Communicate Clearly with Empathy
To build trust with a new patient, clear communication and empathy are essential pillars. A nurse can employ simple language to ensure understanding and frequently check in to gauge the patient's comfort and comprehension of their care plan. By acknowledging the patient's feelings and perspectives, a nurse validates their experience, fostering a safer emotional environment.
Empathy is shown through active listening and responding to concerns with compassion. Acknowledging the vulnerability of being in a healthcare setting can help break down barriers. Start by listening attentively to your patient's concerns today.
Ensure Privacy and Confidentiality
Ensuring privacy and maintaining confidentiality are foundational to trusted nurse-patient relationships. Patients often share sensitive personal and medical information, expecting it to be safeguarded. A nurse should always discuss health matters discreetly and within the bounds of a private space, free from eavesdroppers or interruptions.
Upholding a patient's confidentiality reassures them of their dignity and rights being respected within the healthcare environment. When a patient perceives that their personal information is treated with utmost care, their comfort in sharing is further enhanced. Make it your priority to respect and protect your patient's privacy at every encounter.
Demonstrate Professionalism and Competence
Establishing trust can also be achieved through the demonstration of professionalism and competence. When nurses show a strong understanding of medical procedures and hospital protocols, patients naturally feel more at ease. Wearing a clean uniform, displaying proper identification, and adhering to standards of care all contribute to a professional image.
This outward expression of competence assures patients that they are receiving high-quality care from a capable individual. Patients notice and appreciate when a nurse's actions exude confidence and skill. Dedicate yourself to continual learning and reflecting a professional demeanor in all your duties.
Be Timely and Attentive
Timeliness and attentiveness are also crucial in building trust with a new patient. Arriving on time for patient appointments or rounds shows respect for the individual's time and conveys the message that their care is important. By being fully present during interactions, not distracted by other tasks, or thinking ahead, a nurse can provide patient-centered care that is both thorough and considerate.
When patients feel seen and heard, their confidence in the care they're receiving significantly improves. Reliable, focused attention can make all the difference in a patient's hospital experience. Commit to being punctual and fully present with your patients.
Personalize Care for Patient Needs
To foster trust, personalizing care to suit individual patient needs is of considerable importance. Each patient comes with their own set of beliefs, preferences, and experiences that should be taken into account when planning their care. A nurse can ask about and respect these individual factors, allowing for adjustments in treatment plans that align with the patient's values and wishes.
This form of tailored care not only provides comfort but also empowers patients in the decision-making process regarding their health. Recognize and honor the uniqueness of each patient's needs by personalizing their care plan.