Rapport.

1. HOW TO BUILD RAPPORT WITH
YOUR PATIENTS AND BECOME A
LIKEABLE NURSE
phransis25@outlook.com

2. INTRODUCTION.
Are you too busy to actually find time building rapport
with patients? Guiding the elderly to the lavatory or
helping the sick eat or change their clothes are some of
the basic things you can do to let them know they are
well taken cared of. Establish a good relationship with
them through simple techniques below.

3. USE SIMPLE WORDS.
For you to be fully understood, always use simple
English words and avoid the technical terms. This
shows that you care for them on a very personal level.

4. NEVER APPEAR UNINTERESTED.
Talking to patients especially to the elderly requires
time as some of them have difficulties in expressing
what they exactly feel. Give your full attention and do
not appear to be in a rush to create an impression of
real concern.

5. TALK CLEARLY AND SLOWLY.
A warm and well modulated voice will help your
patients absorb the information and commit to
memory the things they need to do for them to get
better.

6. USE YOUR HANDS TO COMMUNICATE AND
EXAMINE.
If you can’t draw a diagram, use your hands to help
them understand what you’re trying to say. For
instance, you can use your clenched fist and an open
hand resisting an impact to demonstrate how bone
density prevents fractures.

7. ALLOW YOUR PATIENTS TO SPEAK AND
LISTEN.
Giving at least two minutes of your time listening to
your patient’s complaints will make them feel
important. No matter how mundane, insignificant and
out of scope their thoughts seem to be, always be ready
to listen.

8. INITIATE SMALL TALKS.
By simply asking how they slept last night or how they
feel at the moment, patients will find you warm and
accommodating. You’re there not only to do the
rounds but also to check on them like what a typical
family member or loved one would do.

9. BE THOUGHTFUL.
Going the extra mile by giving kids some treats or cute
stuff they can play with will help them recover fast. A
“Get Well Soon” note given to adult patients will also
help a lot in making them feel better.

10. ALWAYS ANTICIPATE YOUR PATIENT’S
NEEDS.
One way of showing that you care is by consistently
making them aware that you’re available whenever
they need help. Make yourself accessible so you can
regularly check their health status and make sure
they’re comfortable.

11. GIVE POSITIVE FEED BACK.
Always appreciate your patient. Say how you like to see
them get healthy and look good day after day. A simple
display of appreciation can lighten up their mood and
encourage them to get better as living daily on their
own is quite a lonely experience.

12. ALWAYS GREET THEM WITH A SMILE AND
VISIT THEM BACK BEFORE YOUR SHIFT
ENDS.
This is a gesture that is just heart-warming for
patients. Tell them that you’ll be seeing them on your
next shift and don’t forget to introduce the incoming
nurse.