Most of the nurses, whether occupational health or hospital
find it difficult to treat a patient who doesn’t trust them.
You couldn’t do your job properly or you may not even start it
at all.
Actually, I was thinking to use “gaining trust” as part of the post’s
title. But I thought it will be more accurate to say “characteristics” since
gaining trust depends on your characteristics.
So what do you need to do?
Your only goal should be to gain TRUST.
But gaining trust is never easy. One mistake and you’re done.
It’s like a glass, once it breaks, you can’t put it back again.
So, read the following 12 characteristics that you must have as an occupational health nurse.
1. Confidence
As an occupational health nurse, you have to build your credibility by letting it flow through your actions. Do your job with confidence.
I remember, many years ago--when I was still new in the
company--there was an old employee who used to barrage me with lots of
questions every time he comes to the clinic.
Patients are quite sensitive. They know if you are
nervous and not well prepared. They'll observe on what you're doing and
how you're doing it.
If you cannot control your nervousness--particularly for new
staffs--try to redirect their attentions to other things. Put their focus away
from you.
You can ask some questions like “how’s your family?”,
“how is the work in the company?”, “How was the food in the cafeteria?”— Anything that could
redirect their focus.
2.
Good Listener
If you want to be trusted, you should know how to listen.
By listening you will be able to know their problems, their
complaints, their suggestions, their ideas, etc., that you can use to build
rapport.
Even if you don’t agree with what they are saying, still listen
to them. You will be surprised to how much information you could gather just by
listening.
3.
Unbiased
Patients may come unexpectedly at the same time. Always be ready
in dealing multiple patients.
Don't show any special treatment to one employee if another one
can see it. This could create conflicts among the employees.
If the other one is your friend, let him know that you are at
work--that you should treat everybody equally.
If he’s a real friend, he will definitely understand you.
4.
Obedient
Always refer to the company policy in dealing with employees.
These policies were developed and polished through times, and were reviewed
carefully before they were implemented.
Use them as your reference especially in recommending sick
leaves.
An employee will trust you more if they recognized how you came
up with your decision based on the policy and how professional you are as a
company nurse.
5.
Honest
Honesty is still the best policy.
Always tell your patient his real health condition-- unless
telling him might worsen it. He would know it sooner or later. The patients has the right to know everything about his own
health remember?
Don’t try to tell lies for the sake of making him feel good.
Better yet, tell every detail about his condition and the possible treatments
to cure his illness.
6.
Well Groomed
Imagine yourself as the employee. You are sick and come to the
clinic. As you step in, you see the company nurse in a messy uniform, uncombed
hair, and with a very thick, uneven make-up.
What would you think of her?
That’s how an employee think the first time he steps in the
clinic.
Doubt will immediately occupy his mind and gaining trust will be
a moon away.
So, dress up properly and professionally, and give that excellent
first impression.
7.
Professionalism
Since company nursing involves more on advises and
conversations—sometimes, an employee will come to the clinic just to have some
chitchat.
This creates friendly environment which is just alright.
But, some employees have the tendency to abuse kindness. They
might ask a favor from you even it’s against the company policy.
Let them know that you separate personal things from work.
8.
Never delay
Lots of work involves in occupational health nursing. Work as a
nurse for patients, paperworks and safety planning.
Try to finish all of them in every possible time you are
available. Otherwise it will pile up and your long term nursing plans will be
out- tracked, and you won’t be able to meet your deadlines.
Furthermore, finishing your work without delays will keep the
employees and your co-workers grateful.
9.
Patient advocate
Nurses support patients. Nurses love patients. Nurses care
patients-- We are patient’s advocates and should act as one.
We are the ones who understand our patients more than anyone
else in the company.
Let them know about it and let them feel about it.
10.
Courteous
A simple smile could go a long way. A warm welcome and a simple
handshake can make your patient happy.
Whenever a patient comes to the clinic, greet them. Make them
feel they are appreciated.
This will create a friendly atmosphere, and trust can be easily
built.
11.
A man of his word
“Promises are meant to be broken.”
From that simple context, breaking a promise is just common. But
with nursing work, try to always keep what you promised.
If you promised to help an employee, help him. If you promised
to do something, do it. Don’t just say “I promise” for the sake of happiness or
just because of annoyance.
Patients trust you more if you keep your words. It's better not to
promise if you're not sure to do it. Using words like “I'll try” will be
most fit.
12.
Confidentiality
As an occupational health nurse, you have the privilege to
access the files of every employee.
It is your responsibility to keep these records safe and sound.
Don’t let anyone outside from your medical team to look into it.
Telling somebody about somebody else’s health condition can be a
ground for termination. Health status and records are very sensitive topics for
everyone and should be handled with strict confidentiality.
Employees will trust you more if they see that you keep their
health records secured.
As a nurse, you know that these characteristics are important in doing our tasks.
These are being thought since our school days. But many nurses still forget
these characteristics especially in toxic hours.
We should always remember that we are the nurses who give tender
love and care.
About
the Author: Jefferson Aquino a.k.a Jepoy is a Professional Nurse working in
Saudi Arabia for many years. You can also find him at OFW Forum where Filipino Expatriates around the globe meet.
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