by Effie Moore Salem

Created on: August 14, 2009   Last Updated: February 08, 2011

A classic role for nurses is to make patients less fearful and apprehensive. That is what patients see in nurses that puts them in a trusting mood. And a trusting mood is essential when dealing with fear. The fearful patient must feel that they matter and will want to know that their nurse is there for them.  Nurses understand  that all patients are somewhat fearful. Their daily routine has be disrupted and they are not in control of the situation, plus the enormity or the unknown of the present hospital or clinic visit that brings on fear and anxiety. For this reason it is important that the nurse remain calm and make every attempt to put their patients at ease.

Putting yourself in the place of the patient is what it is all about and this is not easy. You have others waiting for your attention and it is useless to try to be all things to every one them. What you do instead is adopt a serene and listening attitude to all those in your care. For those who demand more of your time than you are physically able to give, you do the best you can, and try to get help from others. Dealing with people in whatever setting is never easy and this is compounded when they are ill or frightened.

If at all possible, find something to distract the patient from the upcoming surgery, the unknown outcome of the chemotherapy treatment, or their impending discharge to a home without adequate help. Try at least to put them at ease. You do this by asking them something about their pet, their grandchildren, or their experiences at the beach last summer. Anything that will lessen the fear of the moment. When you have quieted them you can calmly get on with discussions of their fears. Be careful about promising them to do things for them such as extracurricular helps on your off time or during breaks. You can only do so much therefore you suggest a talk with a minister, a social worker or someone whose job it is to look into fearful matters for your patient.

As a nurse you are the immediate help when patients are fearful. You cannot be expected to do the full nine yards with them and they understand this. Whatever you do, don't let any agitation or impatience show and when you have a full schedule and others are waiting, this will wear on your nerves and your patients will misinterpret any impatience with time you may have as an annoyance with them. Nurses aren't angels although mistakenly they are often thought to be. Understanding that and doing the best you can do is something you must accept. It is humanly impossible to make everyone under your care feel as if they are in for a treat. They are not. Being sick and out of control of their lives is a frightening experience, but some of them live over it.

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