Listen. Really listen as patients are speaking. Give them some time and listen to their words. Watch their body language. Don’t interrupt with your own agenda. Try to connect with your gut feelings about them as you are listening, but don’t pollute those feelings with a judgmental attitude.
Be gentle with yourself and your colleagues. Most of us are lucky enough to have two hands and two legs… but you can only carry so many bedpans at a time.
If you have made a mistake or you feel things are overwhelming you don’t beat yourself up. After all number one, we’re only mortal. Any nurse that tells you that they have not made at least one distressing error during their career is either a liar or haven’t been nursing very long. I’ve made some crackers.
Ask for help often. Ask questions often. Eat chocolate often.