What technique can enhance a nurse's ability to build rapport with patients?

Using active listening skills is a fundamental technique that significantly enhances a nurse's ability to build rapport with patients. Active listening involves fully concentrating on, understanding, responding to, and remembering what the patient is saying. This not only helps nurses gather essential information about the patient's concerns but also demonstrates to the patient that their feelings and thoughts are valued and respected.

When nurses practice active listening, they create an environment of trust and safety, where patients feel more comfortable sharing their experiences and concerns. This engagement fosters a strong, therapeutic relationship which can lead to better patient outcomes, including increased adherence to treatment plans and improved satisfaction with care.

In contrast, conveying disinterest, rushing through conversations, or avoiding eye contact can create barriers in communication and show a lack of empathy or concern for the patient's wellbeing. These approaches detract from the nurse-patient relationship and can lead to misunderstandings or feelings of neglect in patients. Therefore, actively listening is the most effective skill for building rapport in nursing practice.