Concorde Staff
Throughout the course of a day, we try our best to get things done as quickly as possible. Often, a friendly nod or a fleeting smile is enough to pass for quality interaction with another person. Most people are not rude - it's simply that they have too much to do and not enough time to do it.
When you work in the health care field, most of the patients you meet every day are in pain, stressed out, angry or not at their personal bests. The way you behave with a patient - whether the patient is combative or scared - is important. The ability to quickly form a trusting relationship with those you work with will become one of your greatest assets.
According to a report in the U.S. News & World Report, a health care worker with a good bedside manner can make a measurable difference in the health of her patients. But learning how to cultivate quality relationships with patients takes practice. The suggestions below should help you improve your personal interaction with patients in no time.
Learn to understand how your patient is feeling. Being sick is more than just the physical discomfort and pain a patient feels. When a person is ill, they often wind up dealing with a lot of emotional issues like worry, regret and maybe even severe depression, which can hamper recovery. While it is impossible to completely understand what your patient is going through, taking the time to speak with them about their worries will allow you to empathize with them and build a trusting relationship.
Show respect to your patient. Always introduce yourself to the patient and family members. Shakes hands, and try to address everyone by name. When you speak to a patient who is confined to a bed, attempt to sit in order to be on the same level as the patient. This simple act can help your patient relax. One of the best ways to show respect for your patient is to listen carefully to questions and answer them in the clearest, simplest way possible. If you don't know the answer, never be worried about saying, "I don't know; I'll find out."
Be professional. Don't be afraid to show your personality, but always be professional. While humor or small talk may be appreciated by long-term patients you know well, keeping focused on the medical issue at hand is probably best for a new one. Before you leave the patient, make sure you always instruct him what to do next.
Concorde Career College can train you to become a valuable member of a health care team. Contact an admissions officer today to learn how you can put your bedside manner to good use in nursing, medical assisting, physical therapy assisting or one of our many other qualified health care programs.
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