Trust is a cornerstone of practical nursing care. The relationship between a nurse and a patient can significantly influence the patient’s recovery trajectory and overall health experience. According to a recent study by the World Health Organization, 70% of patients report higher satisfaction levels when they feel a strong rapport with their healthcare provider. Here's how nurses can build and maintain patient trust.
How Nurses Can Build Trust with Patients
1. Start with Presence: Be Fully There
Being physically present is only part of it. Patients can tell when you're rushing, distracted, or mentally elsewhere. Eye contact, active listening, and slowing down—even momentarily—can tell patients they matter and that their care is your priority.
Start by calling patients by name and introducing yourself and your role. It is as simple as saying, “Hi, I’m Kayla, and I’ll be your nurse today,” which humanizes the interaction and creates a rapport. It sets the stage for trust by making the patient feel seen.
Pro tip: Avoid checking your phone or scanning the room while the patient speaks. Even if your mind is juggling a dozen tasks, showing focus during conversations makes patients feel safe and respected.
2. Communicate Clearly—and Often
Patients often come in with confusion, fear, or misinformation. Trust is built when nurses provide accurate, timely, and understandable information.
Use plain language when explaining procedures or medications, and don’t assume prior knowledge. Check for understanding with questions like, “Does that explanation make sense so far?”
A study published by the HIPAA Journal found that effective communication is associated with significantly improved patient outcomes and satisfaction. This is especially important when patients are overwhelmed, in pain, or managing complex conditions.
Don’t underestimate the power of minor updates: “The doctor is running a bit behind, but I’ll check back with you in 15 minutes.” That kind of transparency helps manage expectations and shows that you advocate for them.
3. Respect Privacy and Autonomy
Trust can erode quickly if patients feel their dignity is compromised. Always ask before performing physical tasks, even routine ones. For example: “Is it okay if I help you adjust your gown before we take your blood pressure?”
Explain what you’re doing and why, even if it’s a procedure you’ve done a hundred times. It gives patients a sense of control, which is critical to maintaining trust, especially when they’re in a setting where control is limited.
It’s also about protecting your patients' emotional and physical boundaries every day. Knock before entering. Draw the curtain. Speak in a lower tone in shared spaces.
4. Follow Through and Be Accountable
Nothing erodes trust faster than empty promises. If you say you’ll bring back a warm blanket or follow up on a lab result, make it happen—or tell the patient why you can’t. Accountability builds credibility.
This also applies to admitting when you don’t know something. Patients appreciate honesty more than a guess. Saying, “I’m not sure, but I’ll find out for you,” builds far more trust than pretending or deflecting.
According to a recent study, when patients trust their providers, they are more inclined to follow through with prescribed treatments, leading to better health outcomes. And what builds that trust? Consistency, reliability, and honesty—all within a nurse’s control.
5. Be Culturally Sensitive and Nonjudgmental
Patients come from all walks of life, and every interaction should be rooted in respect for their background, values, and preferences. Take the time to learn a little about the patient’s culture or belief system. This doesn’t mean having all the answers, but showing curiosity and respect can go a long way.
If a patient declines a treatment or expresses hesitation, don’t push. Ask questions with empathy: “Can you help me understand your concerns?” This opens the door for trust rather than closing it with judgment.
Cultural competence is a lifelong skill, not a one-and-done training. It’s about being open, self-aware, and responsive to the uniqueness of each patient.
6. Stay Compassionate, Even When It’s Hard
Every nurse has faced a difficult patient at some point. However, trust is often tested in those moments. Sometimes, fear, grief, or loss of control appears to be hostility. Compassionate care can disarm tension and create connection, even when the patient isn't at their best.
Try not to take frustration personally. Instead, use grounding phrases like: “I know this must be overwhelming. I’m here to help you through it.” It signals empathy and steadiness.
Final Thoughts
Trust isn’t built overnight, but can be reinforced with every interaction. Whether through small acts of kindness, clear communication, or simple follow-through, nurses play a decisive role in shaping a patient’s healthcare experience.
Interested in Learning More? Check Out These Resources
