Nurses can create caring moments by being present, practicing mindfulness, building relationships, adapting to unexpected situations, and focusing on pleasant thoughts to enhance patient trust and comfort.
Nurses can create caring moments by engaging in activities that promote a sense of presence and connection with their patients. This involves grounding oneself in the moment, using mindfulness techniques such as deep breathing and being aware of one's own physical presence, as well as fostering relationships through finding commonalities with patients.
Adaptability in response to unexpected situations, actively listening to raise all voices, and reflecting on patient care are also essential to providing empathetic and personalized care. Strategies such as sitting in a comfortable position, ensuring a quiet environment, using a mantra, and focusing on pleasant thoughts can help both nurse and patient to relax and connect on a deeper level.
Building on trust and empathy laid out by McMillan et al. (2006) and Miklikowska et al. (2011), caring moments can also encompass intergenerational connections and acknowledging family dynamics, as suggested by Figure 13.1, to enhance the patient's sense of identity and memory during care.