As a nursing professional, do you often find yourself dealing with an array of emotions from patients? With the delivery of medical news is frequently a major source of stress for individuals, being prepared to effectively communicate with patients during their most challenging times is instrumental to providing superior quality patient care. Here are some helpful tips for how to calm patients’ nerves:
Recognize signs of anxiety.
Anxiety in patients can present itself in many ways, which is why recognizing it in various forms is so important. For example, some patients may express anxiety through their body language (such as body shaking) or difficulty concentrating (this often occurs in the form of scattered responses or an inability to have a cohesive conversation). Once you recognize some of the common signs of anxiety, you can adjust your communication and shift your approach when speaking with the patient.
Discuss their treatment plan in detail.
If a patient is feeling very nervous, chances are they’re confused or overwhelmed about what will happen next. Taking the time to discuss the patient’s treatment plan in detail with them will ensure they know what to expect regarding any medication usage, future visits, or procedures. Remember, a patient who feels nervous is probably not thinking straight. Going through every facet of the patient’s medical circumstances will help them better understand what’s to come in the coming weeks or months.
Ask if the patient has any questions
It’s best to never assume a patient will ask questions on their own. Prompting the patient to ask their own questions at the end of the visit will exhibit a willingness to explain or clarify anything that may still be unclear. Giving the patient a minute or two to gather their thoughts and express themselves is key to calming their nerves and making sure they leave their appointment with more ease and comfort.
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