If you’re considering a career in nursing, one of the most important factors to take into consideration is trust.

Trust is a key element in any relationship, yet from a healthcare perspective, trust is more important than ever before. After all, when it comes to nursing, patients are literally trusting you with their health, well-being, and even their lives in some instances, so the trust has to be there.

Establishing a trusting relationship between nurse and patient can be easier said than done, but as mentioned, it is vital. A lack of trust could hinder the quality and the levels of healthcare you need to provide your patient, making life tougher for you both.

As you may be aware, however, trust is not just a given; it must first be earned, which is what we’re talking to you about today. If you’re considering a career in nursing and you want to ensure your patients feel safe and comfortable in your care, here are several tips to help you build a trusting relationship with your patients.

 

Show genuine interest in your patients

One of the most effective ways of building trust with your patients is to simply treat them like human beings and to show genuine interest in them.

Rather than being blunt with them, be open with them and speak to them like you would a friend, family member, or colleague. Introduce yourself by name, ask them their name, and you’ll already have gotten off on the right foot.

Once you’ve introduced yourself, discuss the care and treatment you’ll be providing for them, and while you do so, ask them a little about themselves. Ask them if they have any hobbies or interests, where they’re from, their favourite meals, and if they have any concerns that they might wish to raise.

By asking these questions and showing a genuine interest in them, you’re showing them that you actually care, rather than just seeing them as a part of your job. After you know their name, ask them if you can call them by their first name from that point onwards. This again will help to build and establish trust.

By showing interest, your patients will feel more at ease with you and will be more likely to cooperate and open up to you about their condition and any concerns that they may have.

 

Be open and honest with your patients

Another very effective way of establishing a trusting relationship with your patients is to be open and honest with them.

Rather than trying to sugar-coat things to reassure them, instead, be honest. If they are due to undergo a procedure that is likely to be painful, explain to them that it may hurt, but emphasise the fact that it is for the greater good and explain how much better they will feel once they’ve recovered. Also, ensure appropriate pain relief is given.

Don’t tell the patient what you think they want to hear; instead, tell them the truth and tell them what they need to hear. The truth is that they may not like what you’ve told them, but ultimately they will respect you for telling the truth, and they will trust you as a result.

 

Always be respectful

Now, we’ve mentioned the fact that honesty is important, but don’t use honesty and bluntness as an excuse to be rude.

If, for example, a patient is in your care as a result of weight-related health issues, the last thing you should do is criticise their diet, their lifestyle choices, and their weight in general in a disrespectful manner. Of course, emphasising a healthy diet, lifestyle, and weight is very important, but you should do so respectfully and tactfully.

At the end of the day, a patient is in your care, and they will likely feel scared, worried, concerned, and possibly even embarrassed, so always be respectful. For example, sticking with the weight-related health issues, rather than telling them they need to lose weight and blaming them for their health issues, explain how being overweight has caused their health issues and give them some tips or contact info for people that will help them address their weight and their lifestyle choices.

 

Show them that you are trustworthy

They say that actions speak louder than words, and one of the most effective ways of gaining the trust of your patients is to show them that you are, in fact, trustworthy.

If, for example, your patient asks you for a drink, but you are busy at that precise moment, explain to them that you’re busy, but arrange for them to receive a drink by other means. Once you are less busy, check in on them to make sure they did receive their drink.

If a patient asks you for something and you tell them that you will get it for them, make sure that you do actually get it for them, rather than just telling them that you will so that they are quiet.

Never lie to your patient, never try to fob them off, and never act dishonestly. If the patient asks for something that you can’t deliver, apologise and explain to them that you can’t; don’t tell them that you can so that they’ll be quiet and hope that they forget because they won’t.

 

Be friendly, but act professionally

Of course, you want your patients to feel at ease with you, and friendliness is a great tool to gain trust, but you must always remember that you are still at work, are in a position of power, and must act professionally accordingly.

By all means, have a chat with your patient but try to keep the conversation professional. Use language that the patient understands, remain professional, avoid controversial topics, don’t criticise other nurses and colleagues, and allow time for trust to develop.

Trust is a really important component of any relationship, but in one such as a patient–nurse, it’s absolutely essential. Be kind, professional and respectful, and trust will usually develop.