We nurses often get caught up in the “doing,” but my recent patient-care experience reminded me of the importance of “being” in patient care. It’s about seeing the person, not just the condition, and empowering them during a challenging time.
Yesterday I took care of a patient who was sick. Really sick. Freshly admitted, needing the whole nine yards – labs, fluids, antibiotics, meds, you name it. And bless her heart, she looked about as great as she felt. I share this story because last night reinforced something that nurse coaching has taught me in my approach to patient care: our focus must be on the person before us, not their condition.
I can plan, prioritize, and read a patient’s chart till I’m blue in the face – reading their history, reviewing results, prioritizing tasks, checking orders – but without actually talking to my patient, and understanding their current mental and emotional state, all that planning is pointless. Because you know what a chart doesn’t tell you? It doesn’t tell you about their worries, their unanswered questions, or what they need from you right now.
The importance of connecting with patients, of treating them as if they were your own loved one in that exact situation… it can’t be overstated. That’s why, when caring for someone in the hospital, I do my best to get to know patients as I sprinkle in crucial questions: What were you up to before you got here? Are you hurting anywhere? Would some extra pillows or snacks help? What kind of puppy dogs do you have at home? What questions do you have for me? Are you needing additional help or resources before or after you go home?
My time as a nurse has taught me this: being in a hospital often means feeling unwell, incredibly vulnerable, and (often) powerless over your own care. This naturally breeds fear and anxiety that’s only amplified by the unfamiliar environment – the huge building, the cold room, the uncomfortable bed, the half-opened gown we make you wear, the strange faces and beeping equipment. It can be overwhelming. That’s why empowering patients and their families – explaining things clearly and with their autonomy respected – is a must. Giving them space to say “no/not now” and fostering a sense of partnership can shift their mindset from fear and distrust to cooperation.
Nursing school taught us to listen our patients, but it was coaching that taught me how to connect with a person. This person may hold countless roles in the lives of others while simultaneously navigating their own unique human experience. This is someone who may have never set foot in a hospital before and is now faced with deciphering hospital lingo, understanding unspoken rules, and figuring out how things work or how to even ask for help.
Ultimately, what my patient reminded me of last night was that being cared for by someone who sees you beyond your “condition” – someone who actively works to validate you, know you, and earn your trust – can be a profoundly healing experience. It reminded me that this person-centered approach isn’t just a better way to nurse or coach clients; it’s a better way to “human.”
#PersonCenteredCare #EmpoweringPatients #BetterWayToHuman #NurseCoach
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Disclaimer: This information is for general knowledge and informational purposes only and does not constitute medical or professional advice.
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