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This simple process of actively listening does three things. It supplies you with information, creates a trusting therapeutic relationship and more importantly it helps them to focus and relax. You can almost see relaxation unfolding as they speak. This may not necessarily be obvious on your first visit but usually it is. There are, of course, some families who haven’t had a moment of peace their whole lives and they are not about to start with you. Be open minded, realistic and patient.
Planting Seeds of Confidence
Once you have your hospice family in a better place, how you speak and what you say can offer profound impact and direction. Speak slowly, confidently, with direct eye contact and use positive affirming tones. One statement should build on next. For example: “you’ve shown that you can manage his pain and there is enough medication in house.” Any victory along way is praised and added to your laundry list of positive review topics. Such as: “you did a great job repositioning him in bed, you’ve also made excellent decisions using break-through medication and you know you can call us anytime.” This positive review is where healthy seeds get planted.
By packaging up distracting emotional debris you can better offer direction, validation and clarity in a way that supports their continued growth and success. The more order and control you create more relaxed and focused they become. The more at ease they are more attention they pay to everything you say. Your words and suggestions will have a dramatic impact on their ability to cope and make difficult decisions while dealing with their own issues of grief.
Empowering Success
Your words become their thoughts and actions. Whether you like it or not you are in position of authority and knowledge of all issues involved with this life transition. All eyes and ears are pointed in your direction so take advantage of this opportunity to position them for success.
By understanding principles of suggestion and how conscious and subconscious minds work, hospice nurses can empower effective change with every visit they make. The repetition of supportive constructive suggestions and affirmations to those in a more relaxed and focused state of mind can have an enormous therapeutic effect. Good nurses know obvious advantages of reducing stress and putting their clients at ease, by also practicing these simple communication techniques your hospice families will be more autonomous, confident and in control during this difficult transition.
Paul Gustafson RN, BSN, CH runs HealthyHypnosis.com of Burlington, Massachusetts. His 11 years of acute cardiac and hospice experience offer a solid foundation supporting his clinical approach to hypnotherapy. Visit HealthyHypnosis.com or call toll free at 888-290-3972.