Gaining the trust of patients is an important aspect of healthcare courses online. The lack of trust can hinder the provision of proper care for a patient so nurses need to learn how to gain trust. Since different factors can contribute to a lack of trust, the nurse must learn the different reasons that lead to mistrust.
Details of the reasons for mistrust are generally covered in the healthcare courses online. Here however are some tips that can help to build trust.
Dress Professionally
First impressions are important. When a patient sees you, they need to believe that you are indeed someone they can trust with their health and wellbeing. Wearing a nurse’s uniform is a great way to build trust. Most people will associate someone in that uniform as one who has received the right training and knows what they are doing.
Just wearing the uniform may not be enough, the uniform needs to be clean to create the right impression. Do not show up with blood-stained scrubs and think a patient will be comfortable around you.
Show Genuine Interest
The best way to begin working with a patient is to introduce yourself by name and then ask the patient for theirs. That already shows you want to know them. Go ahead to repeat the name and thereafter, always refer to them by name. There is something about people who know you by name that will make you more comfortable around them.
It may be hard to remember all the patients’ names so write down the name on the chart and ask them which name they are more comfortable being called by.
Be Respectful
At all times, show respect for the patient’s privacy as well as beliefs and practices. Find out what makes them uncomfortable and what does the opposite. The patient needs to feel like they are in a safe place and the person providing care for them is mindful of what they believe.
If there is a situation where they may need to get undressed for treatment, provide sufficient privacy to the patient.
Listen Actively
Some nurses may go about their duty like robots and not bother to take time and listen to their patients. Building trust requires active listening to the patient. Let them see that what they are saying is taken seriously and understood. Sometimes it may be a good idea to take a break from doing things like taking blood samples and whatever activity you are doing and look at the patient as they express themselves.
Knowing that they are being listened to will make the patient confident that their concerns will be addressed and that makes them trust the nurse.
Be Trustworthy
People trust people who act trustworthy. Being open and honest is one way that you can show you are trustworthy. Even in situations where what you might say may not be very pleasant, honesty must be maintained. Both the patient and their family will trust your word if you show honesty.
It is also important to keep your word. Do not promise to do something you know you will not do.
Building a relationship with patients can improve the recovery time and make it easier to administer treatment. It is therefore important to receive training in trust-building.
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