How Nurses Can Improve Patient Trust in Healthcare
- hello067308
- 7 days ago
- 3 min read
Some patients walk into care settings expecting the worst, whether due to negative past experiences, systemic inequities, or cultural barriers. Here’s how nurses can earn their trust, one interaction at a time.
How Nurses Can Improve Patient Trust in Healthcare
Lead With Listening
Letting patients speak without interruption signals that their experiences and opinions are valid. Even when you’re pressed for time, pausing to say, “I hear you,” or “That sounds frustrating,” can help patients feel seen.
When patients vent about previous negative experiences, resist the urge to defend. Instead, affirm their experience with language like:
“Thank you for sharing that with me.”
“I’m sorry that happened. You deserved better.”
“Let’s talk about how we can make this visit better for you.”
Patients are more likely to trust your care when they know you’re not brushing off their pain.
Be Transparent About What You’re Doing and Why
Many patients who distrust fear being in the dark about test results, diagnoses, or next steps. As a nurse, you can counteract that by explaining why you’re doing something, not just what you’re doing.
Instead of saying, “I’m just going to check your vitals,” try:
“I’m going to take your vitals now so we can get a baseline and monitor how you’re responding to treatment.”
Empower patients by explaining procedures, asking for their consent, and checking in frequently. Transparency builds confidence.
Acknowledge Past Mistakes—Even if They’re Not Yours
It’s not uncommon for patients to walk in with a chip on their shoulder from previous experiences. Moreover, thirty-six percent skipped or avoided care because they did not like how the health care provider or staff treated them. They might say things like:
“Last time, no one listened to me.”
“They made me wait for hours.”
“They didn’t tell me what was wrong.”
Rather than brushing these comments off or distancing yourself, acknowledge them. You don’t need to apologize on behalf of someone else, but you can validate their frustration and commit to doing better.
Try saying:
“I’m really sorry you went through that.”
“Let’s make sure that doesn’t happen again today.”
“I want this experience to be different for you.”
This small gesture shows patients you care about their whole healthcare journey, not just the 15 minutes you spend with them.
Don’t Assume What Trust Looks Like
Trust looks different to different people.
Some patients might want to know every detail, while others might not want to talk at all. Some may feel more comfortable when you share a bit of yourself—your background, your approach, or your experience—while others may prefer professionalism with clear boundaries.
That’s why reading the room, asking questions, and adjusting your approach are crucial. Trust isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution. It’s a relationship built moment by moment.
Keep Showing Up
Sometimes, trust doesn’t come in one shift—or even one hospital stay. And that’s okay.
Your consistent presence, compassion, and professionalism may be the first step in reshaping a patient’s view of healthcare providers. You might not immediately see the result, but you are planting seeds.
Whether it’s remembering their preferred name, checking in with them without being asked, or simply being kind, your actions matter.
Final Thoughts
According to a recent study, having a provider who has empathy, is culturally competent, and/or looks like them is a top priority. You may not be able to improve patient trust in healthcare in one visit. However, you can be the reason a patient walks away feeling respected, heard, and valued. And that’s the kind of trust that changes lives.
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