Communication is the cornerstone of any human relationship, and human relationships are critical for effective patient care. I am a people person and one of my favorite aspects of my experience is that I got to meet some incredible people. People from all walks of life and all over the world, and pursuing cross-cultured friendships allowed me to explore communication. It takes patience to be able to communicate with someone who does not speak your language. What we must remember is that speaking the same language is not a guarantee of communication. Nurses have to learn to read tone, expression, and body language to get all the puzzle pieces required for a patient-centered approach. A hesitation in their voice or a confused expression could mean that the patient is not confident in their understanding of your communications. Nurses must remain present and focused on their patients to achieve the best result.

Anti-racist practice is a must. I have witnessed firsthand the effects of prejudice, and it has no place in a healthcare setting. Nurses must support multiculturalism and embrace other cultures to ensure a culturally safe environment, for patients and co-workers. Science-based care is often at odds with religious or spiritual healing techniques. The efficacy of many homeopathic, ritualistic, or religious healers may not seem beneficial to patients, but science recognizes the placebo effect. If a sugar pill can have such a powerful effect on the body when the mind believes it, then there is no reason to suspect it would not be just as effective when someone believes in a ritual. Nurses must not dismiss any opportunity for a patient to feel better, even if it just helps keep their spirits up.

Self-awareness is another essential attribute for a nurse. We must be aware of ourselves and our egos. We must be able to understand the root of frustration, sadness, or malice to ensure we do not take our personal lives out on the patient and recognize when a response to a slight is exaggerated by our own bias or feelings. Self-awareness is also essential for identifying and working to improve our weaknesses. It is a valuable skill in the healthcare industry and life in general.

Patient-centered care is not just about learning the patient's name. It is about a holistic approach to healing that involves every aspect of their health and personality. Developing a care plan that encompasses every aspect of a patient is challenging. It takes communication, cultural safety, and self-awareness. Compassionate care is the result and we all benefit from that type of healthcare system.