Question

How do you creatd rapport with a client who does not participate in any activities, only comes out of their room for meals, walk a bit hunched over with a can, is not well groomed, and does not seem to have made any true friendship with other clients

Answer 1

• Identify common interests

Finding out the interests in both nurse and the patient is an easier way to build rapport.Talking about the interests which are in common promote bonding and makes the communication easier.

• Helping to be well groomed

When patients are physically or emotionally weak, their interest in grooming goes off.Helping the patient to groom promote interpersonal relationship and the feeling of comfort through grooming help them to be pleasant through out the day.

• Effective communication

In order to gain trust of these patients,learn about their hobbies,friends and family through proper communication.When you know them better,your communication would seem to be effective.Manner of speech and body language should be proper.Appreciate them for their behaviour.

• Show Empathy

We might be having a lot to talk with the patient and they will not be pleasant enough to listen to us.So we need to empathize with the patient in order to have a rapport.It is important that their feelings or attitudes should not affect us emotionally.

• Be a Good Listener

The patient's concerns and issues should be heard clearly and repeat it to the patient.Make decisions along with the patient.Don't jump into your own conclusions.

• Eye contact

Maintaining eye contact while communicating is very much important in building rapport with these patients.Proper eye contact shows your care and concern towards the patient.As the patient realises that you are concerned,they will initiate rapport.

• Truthful and straight forward

Be honest in your communication.If they identify dishonesty,rapport cannot be build up ever.Being truthful helps in building up quick rapport as they will trust your words.