Putting Yourself In Patient's Shoes
As a CNA, I find that the best way to get the patients to trust you, and to respect you, is for you to put yourself into their shoes. Imagine waking up confused in a strange place, with strange people all around you. Gives you the chills doesn't it? Well that is how patients feel when they get to the hospital.
Patients find more comfort in people who are trying to understand how they are feeling, and what they are going through. They want to feel that you care about them, and want the best for them. Patients have a very keen sense about telling who cares and who doesn't. They can tell just by your body language and the way you talk to them.
Most patients take more comfort in people who are trying to make them laugh. They enjoy forgetting about what is happening, or may happen to them, and focus on you. If you are able to distract them long enough, they already are feeling more comfortable. You have to ask yourself, "What would make me more comfortable when I am in the hospital?" The question is easily answered I think.
Patients want to feel safe, welcome, and protected. It is easy to do that when you have already been in the same place. Imagining how you would feel if you were in that position is what makes your job easier. It helps you realize how that person is feeling without them ever even having to tell you.
With patients it is all about making them as comfortable as they can be. That is how they get the best stay, you get an easier shift, and makes you and the patient happy. Happiness is the key. If we aren't happy, they notice and it makes them unhappy. Then you both are just going to have a rough day.
Never tell a patient you know how they feel, if you have never been in that position. They don't like that and will get upset. I know that we say, "I know," all the time, but we have to refrain from that. It makes them feel like we are just mocking them. It may not seem that way to you, but it is the way they feel.
A hospital is like a well oiled machine. Everything needs to be in working order for everything to run smoothly.