Conversation Prompt: Building Rapport and Setting the Stage

One of the best instruments in nursing practice is the building of rapport, as it fosters confidence, induces open communication, and facilitates cooperation. Personally, I came to understand this when I had to care for a 13-year-old patient who was admitted for asthma exacerbation. She was too reserved at first; she did not hold my gaze, nor did she answer in the dotted line my inquiry. It was the mother who did most of the talking, and I could only sense that the patient was overwhelmed and opposed to the care procedure. I came to understand that in order to care for her maximally, a patient must first be talked to directly and reassured.

I entered into a warm and easy manner of greeting her and asking about what she found pleasant doing, and not asking her about her symptoms. When she answered that she liked dancing, I found some time to chat with her on the various types of dancing, and I informed her that I loved music as well. Such a simple conversation altered the demeanor. She had begun smiling, sat up, and started being more open-ended in responses. Then I gradually transitioned back to her health and told her the use of the inhaler was akin to catching your breath before a dance routine, with illustrations from things she could relate to, such as the use of the inhaler. She reacted positively and inquired about how she can cope with her condition when doing physical activities.

Many are the things I learned about her daily struggles through my rapport, and I was able to create an education that made a difference to her. She stated that she felt more competent at handling her asthma and actually went ahead and demonstrated her use of inhalers correctly without having to be reminded of the correct style to use. Later, her mother told me that she was thankful because it was the first time her daughter appeared to be interested in her own care.

This experience made me recall once again that building rapport does not only mean to be friendly but to provide a secure environment in which a patient can be attentive to, honored, and capable of giving out their feelings. Then, in the case that there is trust, there is improved communication, and thereafter, there shall be relevant learning.