Nursing Component Task
Nursing procedures & clinical learning

Registered Mental Health Nursing (RMN)

ESTABLISHING RAPPORT WITH THE PSYCHIATRIC PATIENT (DEVELOPING INTERPERSONAL RELATIONSHIP)

This is a process of building a therapeutic relationship with the patient while on admission. It makes the patient feel comfortable in disclosing his/her needs to the nurse and other health team members.

Purpose

  • Develop mutual trust between patient and nurse
  • Reduce anxiety and promote recovery
  • Maintain the dignity of patient
  • Promote effective communication

Equipment

  • Chairs
  • Tables
  • Patient’s folder(Electronic/Manual)

Procedure steps

  • Welcome patient and offer a comfortable seat
  • Sit near him/her and introduce yourself
  • Find out patient’s name and title, and use it when addressing him/her
  • Speak to patient using simple and clear language that patient understands
  • Establish eye contact with the patient during the interaction
  • Explain to patient what he/she could expect from you as a nurse
  • Encourage patient to talk and express his/her feelings and listen actively
  • Help patient to think through his/her problem in a logical manner using therapeutic communication techniques e.g. clarifying, paraphrasing, questioning, etc.
  • Show consistency in approaching the patient
  • Demonstrate firmness in dealing with inappropriate requests and behaviour by the patient if any
  • Maintain a relaxed attitude when interacting with him/her to show patient that you have time for him/her
  • Express appreciation to patient
  • Document the procedure in the nurses’ note/patient’s folder

References and further reading

Educational resource only. Follow current Nursing and Midwifery Council guidance, local institutional protocols, scope of practice, and clinical supervision.

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