Nurses can practice empathetic listening by adopting several techniques, such as:
Active listening: Pay full attention to the patient, avoid interrupting, and show genuine interest. Reflecting: Paraphrase what the patient has said to ensure understanding. Validating: Acknowledge the patient's feelings and experiences without judgment. Non-verbal communication: Use appropriate body language, eye contact, and facial expressions. Asking open-ended questions: Encourage patients to express themselves fully.