[DocReeves]

My 2cents:

I work as a Registered Nurse in ICU and sometimes get floated to ER and other areas of the hospital. I've been in healthcare for over 10 years now and the last four have been as a RN. Somehow I always seem to please my patients and have never had any complaints. I even get the occasional thank you card that most nurses don't receive. Unfortunately, my talent sometimes lands me the assignment of taking care of disgruntled patients and family members. These are the folks that the other nurses have had problems with or just don't want to deal with.

Tips:
I truly do my best to show that I care. I take as much time as possible to listen to the patients concerns and ask if they have any questions. I also try to explain as much as possible to the patient and their family members. This saves me from answering questions later on when I might be busy and it instills a sense of "I know what I'm doing." Patients seem to like this and feel comfortable almost immediately after I have explained simple things like how to read the Cardiac Monitor(EKG, spO2, resp, BP). I also do my best to explain medications and why they're receiving them.

I also try to touch my patient when I introduce myself and before I leave the room. I hand shake on introduction and usually pat a shoulder, arm or foot upon exiting the room. I do this just to show some compassion, human touch, and to let them know that I'm not afraid to take care of them and their illness.

Finding common ground is something else I strive to do. Things I ususally find in common with my patients are: Previous military experience, Police Officers(my dad is retired LEO), part of town they reside in, what college they went to or children go to, sports, food, movies, music, etc.

I also do my best to be extremely attentive. Make them feel as though then just rented a room at the Ritz Carlton. "Are you warm enough? Can I get you another blanket? Can I get you more ice water? You get the point.

Things I try to stay away from unless absolutely necessary are: Religion, Politics, and sexual preferences. These can get you into heated conversations that people have a lot of emotion about. When they come up in conversation, I just make a neutral statement and change the subject. It usually works.

Main thing is to just show that you really care. This can be hard when you're feeling bad yourself or are having a bad day.

Atleast pretend you care.

Be professional.