by P. M. Montgomery

Created on: August 27, 2009

Most of us who become nurses do so because it is who we are. Nurturing, caring, individuals who want to help people. You may have played nurse as a child, plastering band aids on your toys, or were fascinated with medical programs on television. However you got here, you are probably an empathetic person already and the key to having a good bedside manner is to keep that quality and not let it be pushed aside in the fast paced bustle of the real world of hospital nursing.

You will have gotten feedback from your instructors as you advanced through your clinicals and once you hit the real world, you can now develop your own style of nursing. Each of us relates to patients in our own way. Some nurses remain very professional and aloof, some you will see acting almost as if they are a member of the family. A good balance lies somewhere in-between those two.

In a nurse with a good bedside manner, a caring nature always comes through. Showing respect for your patient by introducing yourself to them the first time you meet them and then asking how they wish to be addressed is very important. Most people don't mind being called by their first names, but don't just assume. You will not forget the first time you forget to ask and are coldly told to call them Mr., or Mrs. "Jones". It can be embarrassing as you are put firmly in your place.

Always tell them why you are in their room and what you intend to do while there. Don't just come at someone with a needle in your hand. After all, it is their room; they are paying for it, and don't forget to knock first if the door if closed. People do all kinds of things behind closed hospital doors, and you will learn after you walk in on a very embarrassing situation. We all learn the hard way.

Try to keep your promises as quickly as you can. Nothing shows lack of caring more than asking for fresh ice water and your nurse forgetting to bring it to you. It may be such a small thing to you, the busy nurse, but to your patient, who may have a dry mouth due to the meds, it means a great deal. So if you get busy with an emergency down the hall, ask someone if they could take a second to let your patient know you are tied up for the moment and ask that they refill the water pitcher for you. This shows your patient that you keep your promises even if you can't do it in person and that you will make sure their needs are met.

Nothing is more important to your patient than pain control. They may not understand that you can't give them anything

• 1
• 2
• Next Page >>