Why Bedside Manner is So Important for Registered Nurses

Bedside manner is known as the ways medical professionals interact with patients and their families. Good bedside manner puts patients at ease and helps them trust the people caring for them. It’s important for registered nurses to understand what a good bedside manner is and why it’s so important. 

A patient treated with a good bedside manner is far more likely to cooperate with treatment. Being kind, patient, and helping them understand what is going on will make them more compliant. Let’s take a closer look at what makes for a good bedside manner and what it looks like in practice.

Why is Good Bedside Manner Important for Registered Nurses?

There are several benefits that come from providing good bedside manner. It boosts employee morale, impacts treatment outcomes, and more. Here are a few reasons why you should brush up on your bedside manners as a registered nurse. 

Patient Outcomes

While technology and medicine are mostly responsible for helping people heal, mood and outlook do impact their outcomes. Good bedside manners and a friendly disposition can help a patient out of the shock or depression that often comes with a diagnosis. It can encourage them to seek out a healthier lifestyle and actively participate in their treatment and recovery. 

Reduction of Patient Stress Level

Being treated poorly will only add stress to an already stressful time. A nurse’s behavior can also be the deciding factor between whether or not they follow their treatment guidelines. Stress builds up as they are dealing with their medical situation. If a patient doesn’t feel supported by their care team, it can negatively impact their stress levels. A friendly face can reduce stress levels and put a patient at ease. 

Boost Patient Experience

The hospital isn’t a place people plan to end up. Getting sick or injured is never a happy time for people. They’re probably already feeling low. On top of that, they have to stay in an unfamiliar environment and talk to people they don’t know. A good bedside manner can alleviate some of the uncertainty and frustration of being in a hospital. It will help them feel more comfortable and improve their overall experience. 

Building Trust

A patient is far more likely to trust nurses with kindness and respect when a positive bedside manner is present. Trust is an important part of the relationship between medical professionals and patients. If a patient can’t trust the person caring for them, they might not follow the treatment plan, negatively impacting their healing. Make them feel as though you’re there for them so they don’t have to deal with everything alone. 

A Fulfilling Job

Good bedside manner isn’t just for the patients. It helps build a career that is fulfilling to you as a person. Nurses are more likely to enjoy their jobs if they get along with their patients. Nursing is an extremely demanding job. It’s hard to keep up if you don’t enjoy your career. 

What Does Good Bedside Manner in Registered Nurses Look Like?

Good bedside manner in RNs doesn’t have to be complicated. Put simply, it’s about treating your patients like people from the moment you greet them to the moment you leave the room. It includes factors like:

• Respect
• Communication
• Attentiveness
• Courtesy
• Patience
• Willingness to help
• Follow up on treatment

Helping RNs Find the Job They Deserve

If you are looking for healthcare jobs in the greater Pittsburgh area, CynaMed matches professionals with medical facilities. Whether you are an LPN, RN, CNA, or Medication Technician, we are here to help you find what you need. Contact us to learn more and check out our Guide to Advancing Your Nursing Career.