Empathy is a complex cognitive, behavioral, and emotional process that is an essential part of the nursing experience. No one can completely comprehend what our patients experience during their visits and treatments at CTCA. Our patients have concerns that are multifaceted and not always apparent during our brief encounters. This article focuses on understanding and developing different strategies for giving empathy to the patients you encounter in your practice. Please enjoy October's posting on Empathy.
Questions
- How would you explain "mirror neurons" ? Can empathy be taught, or is it innate?
- Can you relate to any of the eight perspectives that portrayed different ways to express empathy?
Discussion Question
Please watch the video link below about empathy, blog you thoughts about what it meant to you.
What Does Empathy Mean to You?
Empathy means understanding the emotional state of other people. Everyone has a story to tell! The video serves as a reminder that we each handle things differently and as health care providers we need to be more aware of how we present information and handle ourselves. Be more compasionate.
ReplyDeleteYes- great reminder that EVERYONE has a story to tell. Patients, caregivers, coworkers, doctors, etc. You are exactly right that we need to be more aware of the situation others are in and show compassion in every interaction.
DeleteI completely agree, Jessica. Empathy is what carries us through our career as nurses. Without it our patients may want to give up. It's important to stay compassionate and remember what if we were in that patient's shoes.
DeleteJessica, I agree, everyone has a story to tell. We know that when it comes to our patients, and practice it well, now we need to extend it to our fellow stakeholders
DeleteHonestly I was nearly in tears by the end of this video clip. Battling cancer affects every aspect of a patient's life - physical, emotional, mental, social, spiritual, financial, familial. One of the unique roles we have as oncology nurses is to support patients and caregivers through their battle in any or all of these areas. Patients share intimate details of their lives with us, and expressing empathy is critical as we come alongside them.
ReplyDeleteSo true and it is one of the reasons we can find our work gratifying as we make these connections and see the results of coming along side bringing greater strength to others at times.
DeleteI too think the video brought out emotions that I think we all can identify and see in our lives not only nurses but as people in general. It home in so many ways and makes me grateful for what we do I think we step in the other person's shoes often daily which can be stressful but rewarding and satisfying as well.
DeleteI completely agree. I was almost in tears at several points as well. We have great empathy skills, huh?? :)
DeleteEmpathy is connecting to a person on a deeper emotional level, with unconditional understanding of a person’s emotions. It is a way to provide relief of loneliness, providing support and comfort, demonstrating understanding, and validating the patients experience. The Video is a great reminder to all, that people everywhere are experiencing differing emotions on a day to day basis and being alert to this can aid in our showing greater patience and understanding with others.
ReplyDeleteI recently saw a video that I would like to share that actually shows this kind of connection and many of the methods of connections listed in the article are used to help a person to a greater sense of well being. The methods demonstrated are mirroring, de-centering, mimicry, and joining at the base or identifying and verbalizing the feelings being shown by the patient. https://www.facebook.com/#!/photo.php?v=10151579601073764&set=vb.112009273814&type=2&theater
The video made me cry. I often wonder how some of our patients deal with their disease and all the complications that can happen and don't give up or snap. When I have a rude or angry patient, instead of taking it personally, I try to emagine how I would feel if I was in their shoes. I am pretty sure I would be much worse. That is what empathy means to me and what gets me through it and helps me to support our patients.
ReplyDeleteI agree. When patients are upset I do not take it personally. I try to listent on what they are saying and try to help them out as much as possible.
DeleteI also wonder sometimes how of our pts deal with all of the ups & downs associated with their disease. Then I remember the empathy that our staff shows them & I know that's what helps them tremendously. When the pt or caregiver is rude to me I remind myself that they're upset with their sitaution not me. And most times they will apologize later. I've even gotten flowers in the past from a pt & pt's family after they calmed down.
DeleteThe video was very emotional. I felt many different emotions while watching it. I am so thankful at CTCA we are able to show our compassion and empathy to help our patient's with whatever they may be feeling at the time.
DeleteI felt the entire gammut of emotions while watching this video. Being able to put myself in someone elses shoes keeps me humble and open to anothers suffering but also to take joy in their celebrations. It is a very delicate balance and at times I am not always successful.
ReplyDeleteIsn't amazing how each and every person in that video was experiencing an emotion of one sort or another, whether it be despair or happiness. This is no different than the emotions each person I pass everyday are experiencing. How receptive am I to the needs and feelings of each individual ..... like the video demonstrated the emotions are not always readily displayed in the facial expressions. You are so correct it is a very delicate balance and how often do I miss an opportunity to show some kind of compassion and empathy. There are very few people, if any, that we pass in a single day who are not challenged with something, especially in this environment. You don't really know what another person is going through unless we really take the time to ask and then actively listen.
DeleteA few years back, my husband picked me up from work and asked me: "How was your day?". I burst into tears, sobbed and explained that one of my patients had died that day. My husband then said to me: "You have to quit doing this, look what it's doing to you". My reply was: "The day that it stops affecting me like this, is the day that I should quit. I never want to be a nurse that doesn't care. That is not nursing."
DeleteI must admit, this video made me tear up. There are many times that I have thought about what others are going through and this video seemed very real. I've heard of nurses that become numb to the feelings of their patients and family. I cannot imagine being one of those nurses, whether I have become close to the patient or not. The reason I became a nurse is because of empathy and how I have a huge desire to help anyone in need.
ReplyDeleteI agree with how you feel about nurses needing to have empathy to care for patient's. I've worked with nurses (at previous employers) that didn't seem to care how patient's were doing when I was giving report and would always take short cuts to avoid having to listen to patient's that were struggling emtionally. I believe to be a nurse, you have to commit youself to have empathy to listen and help patient's with whatever they need help with.
DeleteSo true Lindsey. Having feelings is a good thing. If you need to cry with a patient, you cry with a patient. In Radiation Oncology we have patients from anywhere from 1 treatment to 9 weeks of treatment. You become very close with many of these patients. So, when they are down we should try to bring them up. If they are upset it is okay for us to be upset as well.
DeleteI also agree! The video was very touching! It takes a special kind of nurse to work with the oncology patient population. We are extremely lucky to be a part of their journey.
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed watching this video. It gave very real insight on what anyone around us could be thinking. A good reminder to remember how blessed we are.
ReplyDeletethis video almost made me cry and i agree with britney that htis video is a great reminder for us to remember that we are so blessed
DeleteThe video really brought home many feelings that our patients may be feeling, but we could not see or know by looking at them. Many times, it takes us slowing down and looking at our patients to see what is going on behind the faces they present. The video was great. I also feel blessed that we work at CTCA where so many of the nurses are empathetic and connect with out patients on this level. It shows with the quality of care we deliver.
ReplyDeleteWow, I could not say it any better than this! Being a part of the CTCA family has changed my life for the better and it is because I am around such wonderful people every day!
DeleteI agree. I enjoy working here and enjoy being around such empathetic people.
DeleteI defitnily agree with Judy most if not all of the nursing staff here at CTCA is very empathetic we go above and beyond for our patients. We do the best we can to make them feel comfortable and I feel we treat them as we will like any love one to be treated in this situation. I'm very grateful to be a part of the Radiation Nursing staff some of the most caring, intelligent set of nurse's I've met.
DeleteThe video was definitly a good reminder of what our patients and co-workers are going through everyday. To me empathy is a connection that we make with our patients that puts us on another level and shows our genuine compassion and caring that we feel from our heart. I am blessed to work around so many empathetic people!
ReplyDeleteI feel the same way. The video brought me to tears and reminds one to remember to reach out and ask your patients how they are feeling in a sincere way. Working with other empathic nurses is a keystone, it elevates you to another level. Agreed!
DeleteThis video was a great reminder that most everybody is going through something. We are nurses, who, are trained at treating people with compassion. We also need to remember to treat our coworkers with the same compassion and love that we do for our patients. I think it is so great that we got our own mind/body therapist here for staff. We definitely need it here on the third floor. Many of our patinets are terminally ill and go home hospice. After years of having some in and out our our unit, we grow fond of them and it can be painful to see them getting worse and worse. I think that our HR department really does a great job, though at hiring people with great empathy skills. :)
ReplyDeleteI thought it was great to hear that so many of us reach out to the therapists. That's a healthy thing for all of us. We are lucky to have a nurse like you too, Kari.
DeleteI agree Kari. Working with terminally ill patient's is a difficult thing to process on a daily basis. Often times, when nurses harbor emotions of the stature and the stress that a nursing job entails is often too much for people and we tend to take it out on the people around us. For our patients, that is us, their nurses, and for us, we take our stress/emotions out on our family and coworkers. I am thankful too that we have a mind body specialist to listen and support us when we need it most on our toughest days.
DeleteThis video definitely move me to tears.It is a great reminder for all of us not just as nurses to our patients but even in our personal relationship to be connected, to treat everyone with great compassion, understanding and validating their feelings, putting ourselves in some else shoes.
ReplyDeleteThis video was a tear jerker. Empathy to me means a connection we make between our patients and co-workers with an abundance of feelings, and emotions. Watching this video made me realize how extra special each and everyone of you are, as nurses here. Speaking as the 1st daisy award winner, it sure does take a special kind of nurse to care for our patients,and I consider "each and everyone of you nurses" extra special" and "extra-ordinary".
ReplyDeleteThis video really makes you reflect about life in general. Everyone's life includes good things and bad things. When we see someone having a bad day or acting disgruntled, we may not really know what is going on in their lives.
ReplyDeleteIt is important for us as stakeholders at a cancer facility to be empathetic to our patients and fellow co-workers, even if we are haing a bad day. We all have life issues but it is important for us to be upbeat and personable with others. I do feel like most of the stakeholders at MRMC are empathetic beings and I love working here.
I couldn't agree with you more, Tina. Sometimes people are quick to "write off' someone in a bad mood or who may seem disgruntled. Yet, often these are the individuals who are in greatest need of support, and may be acting a certain way due to unfortunate circumstances. By being empathetic we can provide strength to those who are the most vulnerable.
DeleteWe have to remember that we are all here to serve those who are in need during a time when they are most vulnerable. The video was very powerful and a reminder to be kind because everyone has some sort of battle they are fighting, and usually the cancer patient's is much greater than our own.
ReplyDeleteI agree
DeleteIt's true..The world waits for no one-even if you are fighting cancer. I want to be supportive of pt's lives, not just their cancer treatment-it's all connected:-)
DeleteI completely agree. The stakeholders at CTCA at Midwestern nurses are truly empathetic because we believe in the Mother Standard of Care. This standard empowers nurses to be empathetic to others; by placing ourselves in our patients and families shoes we are able to deliver the care that we would want for our own mother or family.
DeleteThe video reminded me that every single person whether it be patients, caregivers, or fellow employees is going through something. Some of it is happy and some of it may be sad or scary, but we as caring individuals need to be aware of this at all times. If we are aware of the battles others may be facing we in turn will be more caring and understanding. It also reminds me of how quickly things in life can change.
ReplyDeleteYes, think of the portion in the elevator where there was so many opposing thoughts. We should not show too much happiness or sadness
DeleteThis video shows well the different aspects that go through people's minds when they or a family member are ill. We should always remember this and pause before we speak.
ReplyDeleteThis video shows us that there are so many people out there with so many problems that can overwhelm them. This shows us to help to understand and be there for our patients and fellow-co workers. So we need to listen, understand, and be there for them when they need the help. This gives comfort to patients and co-workers when they know there is someone there for them.
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely, could not agree more. Really makes me think to take a step back if I think I'm having a bad and think about what other people are going through, no matter how well they might hide it. I think it is so important to just stop and listen to others and their story so they know that we really care... as caregivers, friends, or family.
DeleteWe sometimes as human beings, take things people do and say personally. Most of the time it has little to do with us. We all have our demons and our struggles and need to remember that our patients are really struggling and what appears on the outside may be from all the scarey stuff on the inside and love them anyway.
ReplyDeleteEmpathy the ability "to put yourself in someone's shoes". Although we will not fully understand someone's journey we can get a better idea of it by putting ourselves in their situation. I often ask myself what would I do if that was me? What would I want others to do for me in this situation?. As human beings we all have different struggles that contribute to the way we feel about life and by understanding that we are not all the same we become more tacful caregivers.
ReplyDeleteBeautifully said Elvia:-)
DeleteEverybody has a story. Are we listening? Are we paying attention? Are we responding? Are we caring?
ReplyDeleteSharon, I love your post! You are so good at this--I hear you speak from your heart all the time, to patients. (You have done the same for me!) The one thing that "gets me" is that we often do not have the quantity of time to devote to the patients that we would like. Our infusion schedules are so "tight" that, with the beeping pumps, it leaves little time for hand-holding. I guess this is where Mind Body Medicine and Pastoral Care has traditionally helped us out.
DeleteSharon I agree. Those questions we need to consider each time we aproach a patient. We do need to remember to place ourselves in their situation. The fear of the diagnosis, having to make the decisions regarding their treatment, putting their trust in the healthcare system, and of how it will affects their families. If a patient senses that we have identified with their pain, I think we can ease their fears, and earn their trust.
DeleteI agree with you Sharon. We, as nurses, should listen and pay more attention to what our patients are saying to us. We should show them empathy and care for them like they are our family members.
DeleteThis was a very well-done video. I think it would be a great idea to leave our personal lives and thoughts at the door on the way in and pick up on the way out. The focus throughout our day should be entirely on our patients and treating each other well. Our co-workers have stories too.
ReplyDeleteThat's a good point Ma. Vilma. Too often I hear personal "chatter" among staff, and I have to wonder what they are thinking.
ReplyDeleteVery moving video. I am sure that we all feel that we wish we had more time to be empathetic. I am sure that we have all felt at times that we do not have the quantity of time to devote to listening and talking to patients, that we would like. As I said to Sharon in an earlier post, this is where Mind Body Medicine and Pastoral Care has traditionally helped us out.
ReplyDeleteI often feel like I do not have enough time to spend with patients and caregivers. Not as much as I would like sometimes. Its hard sometimes to remember what they are going through and to really put it all into perspective.
DeleteEmpathy is putting yourself into the patient's shoes. I just was discussing this with a co-worker who is a breast cancer survivor and she said she understands what it means to be "on the other side of the gown". Empathy is the most important emotion for nursing, in order to give the highest quality of care.
ReplyDeleteI completely agree. I know of a couple co-workers that were once cancer patients themselves and they can relate completely. Although I may not be able to tell a patient that I personally know how it feels to be in their shoes, I can try my best to take the time to listen and understand what they be going through emotionally.
DeleteI think the video exemplifies the importance of really trying to understand what others may be feeling or experiencing, in other words, empathize with them. You just never know what the person next to you may be enduring. Personally, empathy means taking the time to understand what a person is really thinking, feeling. Oftentime, once that is discovered, a barrier is broken and it will allow for a deeper, more meaningful connection. The result is usually more effective communication and when that happens patients are usually more honest with their care providers. At the end of the day everyone wants to feel supported; it is especially important for oncology nurses to understand the patient's perspective so they can meet the needs of each individual and provide that support.
ReplyDeleteKelly, I agree that as oncology nurses we need to understand and empathize with our patients. On a human level we should still be the same way with our neighbors, friends, co-workers, and people we meet in public. Everyone has experienced something in thier lives that has effected them emotionally and appreciates another who can empatize with them in order to help them heal.
DeleteI found the video very powerful and am initially at a loss for words. It is so overwhelming to fully embrace the quantity and magnitude of emotions being experienced. It is exhausting. Then I realize how much like real life this really is.
ReplyDeleteWell said Debbie. I would like to share another video that was recently brought to my attention by our fellow nurse Jessica Kapustin. It is actually a documenary by Tom Shadyac titled "I Am". Highly recommend it! We are all connected.
ReplyDeleteFor such a short video it really got the point across. We interact with & pass many people everyday. Each with a different story. Without the captions it would have been difficult to know the story for some of the people in the video. It reminded me to slow down, take the time to show the empathy that I feel in my heart, & listened becasue that's all that it sometimes takes to help.
ReplyDeleteI agree. We pass so many people in our lives that we never stop for a moment to take in our surroundings. If we look, listen, and feel we would be amazed at how many times we are touched by people and how many people we touch. Take a moment! Tami Z.
DeleteWhat empathy means to me is to be able to understand physically and emotionally what someone else or something is feeling physically and emotionally. It is taking the mirror neurons from that person or thing and feeling it. It is easy for someone to say "I understand" but untill you really have gone thru that event like that other person has, empathy can only carry you so far. Living it is knowing it feeling it.
ReplyDeleteI think everyone has pretty much summed it up perfectly. The video just emphasizes what we all know, that everyone is dealing with something, regardless of how they show it. The important thing for us, as nurses, is to remember we need to take this into consideration when we deal with our patients. The way they act may be in direct relation to what they are going through personally. I think we need to realize this when we deal with co-workers as well. Sometimes, we are the most abusive to those we work with every day.
ReplyDeleteWell said, Kristi. EVERYONE who walks through CTCA has a backstory. We owe it to not just be empathetic to our patients and caregivers, but each other, as well. I agree that often times how patients react can be in relation to what they are experiencing emotionally and physically. The same can be said for fellow nurses, and stakeholders. We work in a unique environment where emotions run high and life is precious - we are all affected by the energy surrounding us. We need to be kind to one another. :)
DeleteThis video depicts our daily work enviroment. For me, in addition, I tend to wonder about "people's story" I see in the grocery store, at church, the cemetary, in restaurants etc. I think people these days are starving for someone who is genuine and will just be a good listener.
ReplyDeleteJulie,
DeleteI agree, I myself starve for genuine people. I know I can tell when someone is acting 'fake' or not showing their true colors. I always try to be real with my patients. I share some of myself with them and I know they appreciate it. I've received the comment "thanks for being so real". It seems when you are real with people they can sense it, and most of the time they will feel comfortable enough to share themselves, their 'real' self, with you.
I totally agree with Julie , in our workplace, patients can easily determine if you are genuine in what you are showing them , or you are just being superficial. You can always tell your life story to a genuine person, and he listens, would even give you a good Godly counsel.
DeleteI believe we are all connected as humans. If we try, we can put ourselves in someone else’s shoes. We don’t always know what’s going on in a person’s life, but if we get the opportunity to find out, it could be an opportunity to help heal or at the very least, empathize with the person. Since humans are connected, when someone senses that you feel what they feel, it gives them a sense of hope, it lets them know they are not alone. Even if you have nothing to say, just feel with the person. Let your souls connect. Let them know you are with them. I had a patient that had been married for 8 years. It was later in her life and she had finally found her soul mate. He recently died of cancer and she was once again left alone. I immediately put myself in her shoes and I believe I felt what she felt. I told her I knew what it was to finally find a soul mate. I let her know how much it hurt to even think about losing him. I cried with her, I ‘felt’ with her, and for some reason I think this provided healing.
ReplyDeleteSo many heart-felt respones. I agree with so many, the video also effected me emotionally. I agree with Nancy's response about bringing out emotions and walking in patient's shoes is important, to understand the grief and fear dominating our patient's lives. Rachel's and Jennifer's responses about patients taking their frustrations out on the staff is understandable, and I too, do not take it personally. Patients' anger is with the disease and their losses, not us. Also I try not to assume I understand why they are angry or frightened, as I have had patients who were traumatized not by their cancer, but by a new diagnosis of HIV of a son, the death of a spouse 4 weeks ago. These patients stated, "The cancer is the lesser of my problems." My point is to delve into the true worries and origins of fear/anger to really empathize with the patient.
ReplyDeleteI agree100% when I have patients who take anger out on me, I never take it to heart. I stop and think to myself if I was in their shoes I would be angry too. All I can do is stay positive for the patient and give the patient what they need. If its space and time alone then I will give them space, but I always make sure they know I am there if they need someone.
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ReplyDeleteEmpathy to me is feeling or sharing feelings of another who is going through an experience that is causing them emotions they are struggling to deal with. I feel that it is possible to be empathetic with others but that we can never fully understand what another individual might be feeling if we ourselves have not been in their situation. We can see and feel thier distress however and act based on these emotions. If one is unable to be empathetic it is time to get out of the profession.
ReplyDeleteGood point, Pam. If a healthcare provider is not empathetic, how can they really relate or be a caring individual for their patients and families? I agree they should probably take a break from the profession if this is a challenge for them
DeleteEmpathy is the experience of understanding and feeling another person’s feelings or condition from their perspectives. A person can put themselves in the shoes of another which helps in caring and compassion. The man in the wheelchair coming to his appointment after waiting for what he feels is too long before coming hit me. I could see his expression of dread and worry. It makes me think of myself and own family members if the situation where to happen to me. Empathy is an essential element that nurses should have that can enhance the compassion needed in caring for patients. I cannot imagine working in this field and not having the ability to have empathy; although I am sure there are times it may seem there are individuals that don’t display it much.
ReplyDeleteI aggree with Adriene, the video definitely shows how everyone percieves different emotions. Same situations can have different reactions to various individuals. The video brought me tears , it hit me deeply.You have to be very observant to be able to empathize; as our Professional Pratice Model of Care states, Our Relationship Base Care, to ourself, to coworker, & to our patient & family.You can not be able to practice the Mother Standard of Care without having empathy. I can not imagine nursing without this essential element.
ReplyDeleteEmpathy to me means trying to understand what someone else is going through emotionally, physically and/or mentally or as mentioned above to be able to put yourself in someone's shoes. The video exemplifies this perfectly. I've had many patients who are not only going through all of the difficulties with facing cancer but are dealing with other factors that are emotionally draining whether it be going through a divorce or financial difficulties among others. It's important as healthcare professionals to listen to the emotional needs of our patients because medicine alone is just part of the healing process.
ReplyDeleteI agree Sanah, our patients sometimes are dealing with much more than cancer. Many times, emotional issues or financial difficulties trump patients' cancer concerns.
DeleteI thought this video was very touching. It is such a good reminder to really think about what our patients are going through to help us, as caregivers, to be more caring and compassionate. Not only are these patients dealing with a life changing diagnosis, but all of life's other problems as well. In my opinion, the power or a hug, smile, or ear to listen often do as much healing for a person as the medicine itself. To me, that is the joy of nursing, truly caring for our patients.
ReplyDeleteI agree with julie. We don't always know what someone is going through in life and we as health care workers have to be aware of our patient's feelings and help them cope with some of the situations as best as we can. Even when we do not know what to say in a situation, just by simply listening to patient talk about it will help them feel a little better.
DeleteThe joy of nursing: truly caring for our patients couldn't be said better. Reminding each us of the power that we each have to impact the life of another.
DeleteEmpathy to me is putting myself in someone's shoes. The video was a tearjerker whether feelings of happiness or sadness. it's true everybody has a story to tell. We, as practicing nurses should be aware of those 8 perspectives/viewpoints discussed in the article. We should practice our mother standard...
ReplyDeleteEmphaty is putting yourself in another person's situation, feeling ther pain , their longing to be with their loved ones. Watching this video is like a shot in the arm for every health care providers. Therefore we must be sensitive to all our patient's individual needs.
ReplyDeleteThe video brings so many different emotions to the surface. One can never know what another person is truly going through in life. We can do our best to try and understand how their feeling. We, as caregivers offer support to our patients with compassion and sincerity and do the best we can to help them through their journey.
ReplyDeleteI agree, the video brought home the great need for empathy from healthcare professionals. While we have our own problems, everyday we walk into a workplace that is filled with people who have great struggles brought on by their cancer- physical, emotional, financial, family, social, work..etc. Sometimes we need to take our eyes off our own selves and look at what another might be experiencing.
DeleteThis is such a great vi
ReplyDeleteTo me empathy is trying to put oneself in another person's situation and be able to imagine or relate to what another person is thinking and feeling. I like how the article described one of the primary goals of empathy in nursing practice is to provided support and comfort, demonstrate understanding and validate the patient's experience. The video demonstrates this as well - great video.
ReplyDeleteEmpathy is realizing that we are all on this journey known as the human experience, and we each have troubles and joys along the way. It is understanding that there is more to each person then the surface meeting; that the grumpy person may be experiencing worry over a loved one. The distracted person may have just been diagnosed. I think to be empathetic is to be aware, that we can't always know what is going on in peoples lives, but to show them understanding and grace.
ReplyDeleteI think this is so true. We don't know what is going on with others when we cross paths in life. If we can be kind and respectful to that grumpy or distracted person we meet, it may make a world of difference to them.
DeleteEmpathy has a component to it that is different than sympathy. Sympathy is feeling sorry for someone else but empathy enters more into feeling what the other person is feeling. Empathy requires more of you, more thought, more willingness to get involved on an emotional level. That's what makes it so powerful and healing.
ReplyDeleteEmpathy is about putting yourself in someone else's shoes by imagining or feeling what another person is thinking. It's a step more than just feeling sorry for someone. Having watched this video, I am reminded once again that everyone that we cross paths with in life has some sort of situation ( good or bad) that they are dealing with and we have to stop and try to understand how they are feeling and be supportive in any way we are able to.
ReplyDeleteIts so true, we have to remember everyday that we need to take a step back put ourselves in their shoes and show support. Even if we aren't sure what to say, even presence can make a huge difference
DeleteEmpathy is a gift. The ability to feel another's emotions , comfort and support them in a time of sorrow or joy is essential in patient care. The video expressed empathy and the different emotions that can be felt very well, it should be required for all as a teaching tool.
ReplyDeleteI agree Marjory! Empathy is a gift and a beautiful thing! It is truly amazing how close we can become to our patients and how empathy attaches us to each other. Empathy allows us to be better nurses, and better people.
DeleteMy takeaway from this video about empathy is to be truly present for patients, coworkers, friends, and family. Life journey is different for every individual and as professional nurses we have the opportunity to experience great joys and work through difficult challenges as we touch the lives of those around us. Empathy to me is being present in each moment.
ReplyDeleteRejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep. Romans 12:15.
That was a great video. Of course it brought me to tears. But it reminded me of the importance of 'everyone's' story. The patient, the family, the caregivers, the maintenance workers. We are so lucky to work in an environment that is so pivotal in the lives of so many others. Monumental moments occur within our walls. We are witnesses to life and spirit and strength. For everyone who walks through these hallways, there is a backstory and a dream. We owe it to not just be empathetic to our patients and caregivers, but each other, as well.
ReplyDeleteSo, very true! Reminding us that every single person that we come into contact with has an impact upon us too. No interaction is ever insignificant.
DeleteThe video, in just a few short minutes overwhelmed me with the extremes of empathetic emotions that we feel for our patients each and everyday. Everyone who works in healthcare has truly been given the gift of sharing each of our patients journey with them. Let us always remember to put ourselves in their shoes!
ReplyDeleteThat movie made me overwhelmed with emotion. It made me stop and think that when I walk through the hospital everyone is going through something different. Everyone handles situations differently. It is our job as nurses to understand that, and to be able to adapt to each persons emotions. If we can't do that were not doing our jobs. We may not be able to fully understand or feel what they are experiencing but we have to try, as well as imagine what it would be like if we were in their shoes.
ReplyDeleteAgree, so very true that we should remember each person has their own individualized way to process information. We should take a second or two and try to step back to view the whole situation from another’s perspective.
DeleteEmpathy, in simple terms, is stepping into someone else’s shoes to be able to feel and understand the individual’s current disposition. Empathy is something that each of us implements, or strives to implement, on a daily basis regardless of your role at CTCA. As a nurse, empathy is essential in connecting with a patient’s current state of mind. Our patient’s are unique at CTCA and a simple “check up” can provide the greatest news, or the news that they have been dreading. I truly believe that patients need to know that we will not only provided medication and physical support to our patient and family members, but we will provide emotional support and understanding as well.
ReplyDeleteThe Mother Standard of Care is directly correlated with empathy. We are encouraged, hospital-wide, to treat our patient’s as family and care for them as we would expect our own mother to be cared for. In other words, put yourself in your patient’s/caregiver’s position, if your mother was sick, how would you want her cared for and looked after? Answer that question for yourself, and implement in your care with your next patient. Empathy drives me to care for my patient’s more than anything else.
I think of empathy as the ability to sense other people’s emotions, coupled with the ability to imagine what someone else might be thinking or feeling. The video showed many diverse ways empathy can be invoked by people from all walks of life.
ReplyDeleteThe video was incredibly emotional for me. It was a reminder of the emotional weight our patient's carry. Empathy to me is a natural, and effortless emotional identification with another persons feelings.
ReplyDeleteThis video is an important reminder to everyone that anyone you meet has a story or is experiencing something that we can connect to. It stirred up a lot of emotion, and I felt a little manipulated by the intense emotional music. I am such an easy target for this kind of ploy. It also made me feel quite sad that many patients emotional needs go unmet. As a nurse, I do use empathy as a tool for healing. I have always had an innate sense of empathy, but nursing has taken that and developed it into a useful tool that eases pain, provides comfort, promotes action, or amplifies joy. I was thinking of all the ways that I could intervene for those patients to lighten their load. It was a call to action.
ReplyDeleteAnjie, I agree. I was too very emtional as I felt I could relate to all of those people in the video. I agree that there is an innate sense of empathy in nurses, just the kind of genuine empathy you have to be able show your patients in order to create a bond.
DeleteWatching this video reminded me again why I became a nurse. As nurses, we take an oath to help and heal and in this video, we have insight into peoples minds about how they are feeling. I wish that we could know what are patients are experiencing so that we could better help their healing process. Sometimes it is hard to remember everything that are patients are dealing with on a daily basis. When we see our patients with a bad attitude it is easy to say that they are mean or not a nice person when in reality they could be a kind person with a lot of outside factors that we cannot see.
ReplyDeleteThe vidoe was a reminder of what someone else might be thinking or feeling and to remind us of all the emotional aspects that a person might be experiencing. I agree with Anjantta that the music was emtionally intense and it stirs up emotions that make you stop and think. You have to have mpathyy for others to not only be a good nurse but also to be a good person.
ReplyDeleteEmpathy means putting yourself in someone else's shoes and knowing what they are feeling or experiencing. Empathy is what makes us human and is especially a quality of a nurse. Empathy allows us to connect with each other and grow.
ReplyDeleteThe scenarios in the video reminds me of our every day life when providing care to our patients. I think we all are demonstrating empathy in every aspect of our care, putting ourselves into the shoes of our patients could trigger mixed feelings of distress, enthusiasm, fulfillment, and genuine understanding of our patient's life experience going through their challenging journey in their endeavor to be cured and be cancer-free. This experience will lead us to a better understanding of our patient's perspectives in life, which helps guide our actions. Empathy is an essential quality that we as nurses inherently acquire to be able to build a stronger relationship with our clients and be reminded that we are just humane individuals equipped with different feelings and emotions. If we are self-aware of our own emotions to same shared experiences, we would be able to reach out to the different challenging life experiences of our patients allowing us to become better support individuals.
ReplyDeletevery well said,ninfa.I couldn't agree more.
DeleteAs healthcare professionals,we always make the patients our priority-which is correct.But sometimes we forget that family members also need our help.We forget to put ourselves in their shoes.Family members also need as much help as the patients themselves,even more.Emotional distress on their part is a real thing.Most of the time,they don't let their emotions out because they are supposed to be the caregivers.They are supposed to be the strong ones.I've always believed in the notion that if you want to take care of the patient,you also have to take care of their family members.We have to learn to empathize with the patient and their respective families.It is a humbling experience to be able to be there for them in their times of happiness or sadness.
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