“You have two ears and one mouth and you should use them in those proportions.” Chinese Proverb
It’s been said that nursing is an art and a science. One who is drawn to the field, I assume is compassionate and curious (over time, this generally gets stripped away). However, if you have no compassion for others, you won’t be able to do the job at its most basic level, not only will you be miserable, you will make others miserable as well.
An invaluable skill to cultivate is listening. No matter how busy you are (and you definitely are!) Take a minute or two to talk to and actively listen to your patients. It will do them a world a good and they will feel they have received the best care the hospital, nursing home, or assisted living facility has to offer. Active listening is listening closely and paying attention to what someone is saying, without interrupting. This shows respect and builds trust, not only with patients, but also with physicians.
More than all the high-tech care medicine has to offer, people need simple human interaction, need to feel they are cared for, when they’re at their most vulnerable. One of the best ways to provide this, is to take that small amount of time and listen to what is on their mind.
It’s a simple way to validate someone and to say “I see you.” That’s all most of us really want. It’s a small amount of time and a small price, for a huge reward to your patient and yourself.