Enhancing the therapeutic relationship involves several strategies:
- Active Listening: Nurses should practice active listening, which involves fully concentrating, understanding, responding, and remembering what the patient says. - Cultural Competence: Understanding and respecting cultural differences can help in building trust and rapport with patients from diverse backgrounds. - Patient Education: Educating patients about their conditions and treatment options empowers them and fosters a sense of collaboration. - Consistent Presence: Being consistently available and responsive to patient needs helps in building a reliable and trustworthy relationship.
