It’s common in nursing to be told by others that you shouldn’t be a nurse, and some may even call you a “fake nurse” if you don’t meet their standards of what they think is required to be a nurse. The first time I was told I could not be a nurse was by an elderly woman who believed only women could be nurses.
Then C19 came, and even though, as part of the team effort, we saved 99% to 100% of our vulnerable geriatric patients before the jabs, those who want to believe the only way to live is to be jabbed have called me and others who support the same point of view as I do, “fake nurses.”
Over the years, I’ve had pro-abortion proponents tell me I cannot be a nurse because I believe in the medical science that supports life starts at conception. The latest, most interesting comment (not initially directed towards me specifically) was made on social media where the person stated, “With all due respect, if the nurse is an introvert, he/she does not belong working in Hospice.”
This article aims to illuminate the valuable contributions that introverted nurses can make to the field. By dispelling stereotypes and highlighting the strengths of introverted individuals, we can hopefully reduce bigotry toward introverts.
Introverted nurses bring unique strengths to end-of-life care, focusing on active listening, keen observation, thoughtful reflection, empowering education, and meaningful connections.
Thoughtful Listening and Understanding
Active listening becomes the cornerstone of creating a safe and nurturing space for patients and their families. Intentionally focusing on their words and emotions, introverted nurses offer them a sanctuary to voice their worries, anxieties, and hopes freely. This willingness to lend an ear serves as a beacon of comfort during a time of immense vulnerability.
Our aptitude for active listening extends beyond just hearing words – it entails comprehending the emotional undercurrents beneath them. By picking up on subtle cues, we tune into the unspoken, enabling us to understand not only the physical needs of our patients but also their psychosocial needs. This empathetic grasp empowers us to tailor care plans that embrace the holistic dimensions of their well-being.
The hallmark of our patient interactions often translates into extended visit durations. Instead of hurrying through tasks, we invest the time to listen attentively, aiming not merely to comprehend but to understand and offer assistance genuinely. This patient-centric approach sets a paradigm where compassionate care prevails over hurried routines.
Keen Observation and Sensitivity
Our naturally observant nature enables us to notice subtle changes in patients’ conditions, ensuring prompt interventions. This attention to detail is especially vital in hospice care, where even minor signs can have significant implications. Our sensitivity to nonverbal cues helps patients communicate their needs, enhancing their comfort and quality of life.
Just this past Tuesday, August 8, 2023, the writer was engaged in a meaningful conversation with a family that had brought their loved one home from a healthcare facility. Amidst the discussion, the writer repeatedly noticed subtle alterations in the patient’s breathing from an adjacent room. The writer’s ability to tune in and pause the conversation exemplifies the writer’s dedication to comprehensive care.
The keen observation and sensitivity to the subtle change of condition led the writer to ask the office for an extra visit for the patient based on the subtle alterations of breathing patterns before the actual physical assessment.
True to the writer’s promise, the writer returned the next day to reassess the patient’s condition. The course of events underscores the importance of the writer’s timely response. Placing the patient on daily nursing visits was a strategic move, enabling the writer to monitor their evolving state closely. Subsequently, the patient initiated the active dying process on Friday, August 11, 2023.
Thoughtful Reflection and Care Planning
Introverted nurses approach care planning with careful consideration and a focus on individualized needs. Our reflective nature allows us to create holistic care plans that respect patients’ values, preferences, and cultural backgrounds. This personalized approach enhances patients’ comfort and dignity during their end-of-life journey.
Amid a busy week, the writer, a dedicated hospice registered nurse case manager, took a moment to reflect on the profound importance of empathy in their role. The writer had already invested over forty hours by Thursday, August 10, 2023, demonstrating the writer’s unwavering commitment to compassionate end-of-life care. This reflection was prompted by an email concerning a newly admitted patient whom the writer hadn’t met in person due to missing the post-admission visit. This patient’s story struck a chord, as it revealed the poignant struggles of the patient’s wife in the face of her husband’s recent pancreatic cancer diagnosis.
Amidst the demanding schedule, the writer recognized the situation’s urgency and promptly requested an “as-needed visit.” The family did not initially request this thoughtful action, but the writer’s insight and empathy led them to understand the importance of providing support beyond the routine. By proposing this visit, the writer aimed to ensure that the patient’s family had all the necessary resources and information. Equally significant was the writer’s desire to alleviate the burden and stress the patient’s wife was undoubtedly experiencing as she cared for her ailing husband.
The writer’s decision to request the “as-needed visit” was a strategic and compassionate approach. It was evident that the immediate needs of the patient and his family required attention, and the writer’s empathetic insight guided their actions. By offering support beyond what was initially expected, the writer addressed the practical aspects of care and demonstrated a deep understanding of the emotional challenges accompanying such circumstances. This approach aligns with the writer’s values of empathy and compassion, and it exemplifies their dedication to empowering patients, caregivers, and fellow nurses.
Empowering Education and Support
Our ability to connect more deeply empowers patients, families, and caregivers with the needed knowledge. By breaking down complex medical information into understandable terms, we ensure that all parties are well-informed and can actively participate in the care process. Our empathetic teaching style creates a sense of partnership and trust.
Introverts pay attention to their thoughts and the words they choose to express themselves. This self-awareness helps them ensure that their communication accurately represents their ideas and intentions. They also monitor their tone of voice, volume, and modulation, including the pitch, pace, and rhythm of their speech. By being mindful of their vocal cues, introverts can convey emotions and emphasis effectively.
Introverts practice active listening, focusing on the speaker’s words and intent. They also observe body language, facial expressions, and gestures. This holistic approach helps them understand the full context of the communication. Introverts extend their introspection to the people they’re communicating with. They keenly observe their conversation partners’ body language and tone of voice. They fluidly adjust their communication to enhance comprehension if they sense confusion or misunderstanding.
Drawing on their intuition and past experiences, introverts can detect when someone might not fully grasp their message. This insight allows them to adapt their communication style in real time, making explanations more straightforward and accessible.
Introspection for introverts involves a dynamic interplay between self-awareness and attentive observation of others. This approach enhances their communication ability and ensures their messages are understood as intended.
Meaningful Connections and Lasting Memories
In end-of-life care, introverted nurses play a vital role in fostering meaningful connections with patients and their families. Through empathetic and understanding interactions, they create a nurturing environment where patients feel comfortable sharing their life stories, wishes, and desires. This practice enriches the patients’ experiences and leaves a lasting impact on their families.
Empathy is the cornerstone of effective hospice care. An introverted nurse with the natural ability to listen and observe enables the introverted nurse to understand patients’ emotions and needs utterly. This connection forms a foundation for meaningful interactions that provide comfort and solace.
Introverted nurses have a unique talent for cultivating safe and serene spaces. Ensuring a peaceful atmosphere encourages patients and families to share their thoughts, life stories, and even unspoken wishes. These conversations allow patients to leave behind a legacy and provide families with lasting memories.
Their empathetic nature enables them to unearth patients’ life stories gently. By delving into their past experiences, hobbies, and accomplishments, they help patients feel valued and understood. These stories also aid in tailoring care plans that reflect patients’ individuality.
Introverted nurses empower patients through compassionate connections to voice their desires for their final days. These wishes may involve spending time with loved ones, engaging in certain activities, or finding solace in religious or spiritual practices. They contribute to a peaceful and dignified end-of-life journey by fulfilling these desires.
Introverted nurses’ ability to connect deeply with patients extends to their families. By listening to families’ concerns, fears, and hopes, they provide emotional support during a challenging time. This fosters a sense of trust and comfort, helping families cope with the impending loss of their loved ones.
Conclusion: A Unique Approach to Compassionate Care
Introverted nurses benefit terminally ill patients and their families through thoughtful listening, keen observation, personalized care planning, empowering education, and meaningful connections. Our ability to provide comfort and support on both emotional and physical levels is a testament to our dedication to compassionate end-of-life care.
