Nursing - Empathy vs Sympathy
Stigma
A mark of disgrace that sets a person apart. 'Label of disgrace'
When is it appropriate to use touch to convey empathy?
Ask for permission, safe zones
Feelings
Before, During? After?
Problems with Empathy
Dangerous. Makes you vulnerable. Disclose too much personal information. Loss of professionalism. Harder but extremely effective.
Communication
Develop 'rapport'
" It must be hard for you, being the daughter".
Empathy
"I can imagine this being very stressful".
Empathy
"I'd be sad too".
Empathy
Sympathy
Feeling sorry, recognise feelings BUT not acting on them
Problems with sympathy
Finding the silver lining in the situation. Not helpful to the patient. Very traditional. Easier but not effective
Gibb's Reflective Cycle
Fs> En> As> Cn> AnPn. Repetitive cycle.
Evaluation
Good? Bad?
Action Plan
How will it affect you?
Conclusion
Impact on you? Change/s.
Empathy
In their shoes
Body Language
Non-verbal
Gestures
Non-verbal
Tone
Non-verbal
Nursing persona requires?
No judgement
Fictitious
Not true or truth, imaginary
"I can see you're...."
On fence
"I'm sorry".
On fence
"You look..."
On fence
How to develop your empathy skills?
Patient experiences, Listening, Pt stories (HDWA website) Reflection
How to detect difference between sympathy and empathy?
Recognising the emotion is constant. MAKING the connection tells the difference.
"At least he's getting better"
Sympathy
"At least you still have another good leg".
Sympathy
"At least...."
Sympathy
"Aw, you poor thing".
Sympathy
"I think you're over-reacting. He looks fine".
Sympathy
Attension
Verbal
Body positioning
Verbal
Clarifying
Verbal
Listening actively (nod, yes)
Verbal
Paraphrasing
Verbal
Eye contact*
Verbal & Non-verbal * eye-level, cultural differences exempted
In nursing how do we communicate?
Voice, Hand-overs, Tapes, Written
Analysis
Why? Critically thinking.
Safe zones
arm, shoulder, hand
With _______ make sure you make the ______, you don't need to put forth a ______.
empathy connection, solution
Remember to remain ________ with responses. Be _______. _________ them to do the right thing.
professional, cautious, Reinforcing
