Trustworthy Nurses: A Commodity When Caring for the Chronically Ill

Trustworthy Nurses: A Commodity When Caring for the Chronically Ill

Patients who are diagnosed with a chronic disease must have a nurse they can trust. There are several components to effective nursing that must be considered. These characteristics include: trustworthiness, listening skills, empathy, skill, knowledge and resourcefulness. Otherwise, the comfort of the patient may be at the expense of a successful recovery and who wouldn’t want to feel comfortable around their nursing staff? Consider these attributes when selecting a nurse you can trust:

1. Trustworthy Nurses Listen

Nothing annoys a patient more than a nurse that does not acknowledge requests or seems to challenge patients about their medical care. Chronically ill patients, such as those ranging from breast cancer, to pleural mesothelioma, or even leukemia are often distraught with concern and worry about the future. They need as much emotional support as they do need physical care. Nurses need to be able to listen and address emotional and physical needs.

2. Trustworthy Nurses are Empathetic

Trustworthy nurses are empathetic. They attempt to understand your situation and experience the painful situation with the patient. Empathetic nurses can help patients move through a situation by offering resources and support rather than just feeling sorry for the patients.

For some patients, their only human contact is a nurse at the hospital. The hospital must have empathy for the patient and help them cope when there is no one else to help. Patients can emotionally and physically heal faster when they feel that they are understood and their worry isn’t at the forefront of their minds.

3. Trustworthy Nurses Have Consistent Skills

Trustworthy nurses know how to draw blood and administer medications. They are not timid about their jobs and know how to confidently perform their jobs with humility. This is a difficult balance that takes people some time to master.

If nurses are constantly missing the vein or incessantly trying to find a vein to stick, the patient’s confidence level diminishes, and he or she may completely shut down. Some patients may refuse treatment to prevent the pain related to nurse attempting to do a job inadequately. When nurses lack skills, this does not build patient-nurse trust.

4. Trustworthy Nurses Are Attentive But Not Overbearing

Trustworthy nurses are attentive but are not overbearing. They will not leave their patient unattended for long periods of time, but they also will not hover incessantly. Qualified nurses can read their patient’s body language, facial expressions and also, listen to their comments to determine how often they should check on the patient.

Select a Trustworthy Nurse

If you receive a nurse that makes you feel uncomfortable, you have the right to request a new nurse. If you do not, you may receive inadequate care. Patients must take charge to ensure they receive the best care possible. Develop a trusting relationship with your nurse and heal faster. 

This article was written by Melanie Bowen. She joined the Mesothelioma Cancer Alliance in 2011 as an awareness advocate for natural health and cancer cure initiatives. You will often find her highlighting the great benefits of alternative nutritional, emotional, and physical treatments on those diagnosed with cancer or other serious illness. She also assist in social media outreach in my efforts to spread awareness. This is where you can reach her:
http://www.mesothelioma.com/blog/authors/melanie/

 Thank you Melanie!

I hope and pray everyone has a fatigue and pain free day.