One of the main roles of being a registered nurse is being able to provide education that is specific to the patient’s level of current knowledge and understanding. Ensuring patients’ understanding of every procedure and/or intervention is what contributes to the patient’s health awareness and wellbeing as a whole. As a nurse, it is crucial to implement patient education based on their specific needs, all the while being aware of cultural competency. Being aware of a patient’s cultural background will not only promote a better patient outcome but enforcing this in every patient care will significantly enhance a trusting relationship between nurses and their patients. Being a health educator in the nursing industry consists of many roles in each patient care. However, some of the most common roles in everyday practice are implementing healthier changes and self-care behaviors, in which can both reduce risk factors related to the most common diseases (Whitney, 2018).
Most often, printed information of the patients’ diagnosis, treatment, education, etc. is not enough to fulfill the patient’s satisfaction and understanding. In addition, patients may often feel overwhelmed by printed information, especially if they do not have any medical background. This can certainly lead to being discouraged and losing the overall motivation to learn more about their health care. With that said, however, there are several techniques that nurses can use to enhance patient care and understanding. Following the nursing process by first assessing the patient can provide nurses the basic understanding of how to better approach patients when it comes to patient education. Asking open-ended questions, assessing any learning barriers and/or concerns are some of the effective ways that can encourage patients to communicate their specific needs (Smith & Zsohar, 2013).
Furthermore, one of the most commonly used strategies is the “teach-back, tell back” method, where a nurse performs and teaches the patient how to do certain procedures. Afterward, the patient will do this specific procedure under the guidance of his/her nurse (Smith & Zsohar, 2013). This method secures true understanding and patient safety, all the while building their self-care confidence. Behavioral objectives should be established in every patient care. The identification of these objectives can certainly help nurses implement health promotion and patient understanding.
Reference
Smith, J. A., Zsohar, H. (2013). Patient-education tips for new nurses. Nursing 2021, 43(10), 1-3.
Whitney, S. (2018). Teaching and learning styles. UpToDate. Retrieved December 08, 2021, from https://lc.gcumedia.com/nrs429vn/health-promotion-health-and-wellness-across-the-continuum/v1.1/#/chapter/1
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