How to be a Good Patient from a Nurse's Perspective
When a sick individual visits the doctor's office or hospital, the focus is on her and her general well-being. A nurse is responsible for doing a general intake of the patient's symptoms to help the doctor during diagnosis and treatment. While some patients are angry and frustrated due to pain or worry, others are calm and friendly. A patient can do several things in the hospital or practitioner's clinic to be labeled as a good patient from a nurse's perspective.
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Instructions
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Bring all documents, medications you are taking and your health insurance card with you when you go to the hospital or clinic. It is easier for the nurse to properly document your personal information if he has the correct name and dosage requirements of your medications and your health insurance details. This is much more effective than guessing or going through your records at the clinic to get the proper names, which can be time-consuming and may delay your visit.
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Ask a friend or family member to join you when you go see the nurse. Depending on your condition or age, there may be information you forget during your visit. Having an extra person there with you ensures that you and your guest understand everything the nurse is sharing, including medication requirements or treatment plans.
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Answer questions truthfully, even if your answers are not those the nurse wants to hear. For example, if you are having problems breathing, tell the nurse you have been smoking even though you know the nurse may not be impressed. Lying may cause the nurse to overlook serious health issues, so a good patient will be honest despite not following treatment plans.
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Share health information, even if you do not think it applies to your immediate health problem. For example, you may have noticed an increase in headaches despite being treated for back pains. The headaches may be a symptom, such as an allergic reaction to the medication for the back pain, or an indicator of a secondary health problem. The nurse will appreciate you providing any information related to your health.
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Ask questions as the nurse is providing you with information about your medication or general health. A nurse wants you to understand every detail regarding your situation, so don't hesitate to ask questions or for clarification if there are some things you do not understand.
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Speak clearly and politely when visiting the nurse in the clinic or hospital, and show her respect. A nurse is required to be polite and offer comfort to patients, so returning the favor is appreciated.
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