Being an effective nurse requires not only extensive education and skills, but also an ability to deal with a variety of people. So how do you interact with a patient that is naturally shy?

<p>
  Being an effective nurse requires not only extensive education and skills, but
  also an ability to deal with a variety of people. On a daily basis, nurses
  experience patients with all different types of personalities, behaviors and
  preferences. The longer you work in the nursing field, the more likely
  you&rsquo;ll be to care for a patient who is shy and does not express
  themselves.
</p>

<p>
  Here are three tips for communicating with a shy patient and making sure
  you&rsquo;re providing the best quality patient care.
</p>

<h2>Be Extra Cognizant of Your Behavior</h2>

<p>
  With a shy patient, you&rsquo;ll have to make extra effort to be even more
  approachable and friendly than the norm. Always make eye contact and smile,
  but don&rsquo;t expect the patient to reciprocate. Avoid saying or doing
  anything that could make the patient uncomfortable, such as using sarcasm or
  making jokes. Rather than making the patient laugh, doing this is likely to
  have the opposite effect and make the patient even more closed off. By being
  extra aware of your own behavior, you can create the right conditions for
  making the patient feel comfortable with you.
</p>

<h2>Don&rsquo;t Tell Them, Show Them</h2>

<p>
  As you probably know, shy patients often avoid communication &ndash;
  especially if they have to communicate about themselves. However, when
  treating shy patients, you&rsquo;ll find it&rsquo;s easier to show them what
  to do, rather than simply tell them. For example, if you sense the patient is
  anxious, show them some relaxation techniques. For example, demonstrate to
  them how to breath through their nose or loosen their muscles. Taking these
  types of actions, rather than just telling a patient what to do, will make
  them more receptive to your instructions.
</p>

<h2>Do Routine Check-Ups</h2>

<p>
  It&rsquo;s no surprise that shy patients will be more hesitant to speak up
  about how they feel. It&rsquo;s a good idea to check on shy patients every
  hour to make sure everything is OK and let them know you are available if they
  need you. Along with checking in on patients, be sure to explain their
  medication schedule and other procedures with them ahead of time. Shy patients
  generally don&rsquo;t handle surprises well and prefer to be aware of what to
  expect during their stay.
</p>

<p>
  Following the practices above will help you care for shy patients and make you
  more comfortable communicating with them. Over time, treating a shy patient
  will become second nature!
</p>

<p>
  If you&rsquo;re ready for a new
  <a href="/sites/msn/job-search">per diem nursing job</a>, our talented
  recruiters can help. Contact our skille team today to learn about the benefits
  of partnering with Cross Country Medical Staffing Network as you strive to
  land your next opportunity.
</p>

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Three Strategies to Help You Manage a Shy Patient