Table 8.
Using the N-U-R-S-E Mnemonic to Help Express Verbal Empathy When Communicating With Patients With Advanced Heart Disease
| Technique | Sample Language |
|---|---|
| Name the emotion | You seem worried about what will happen if we don’t implant the LVAD. Can you tell me more about that? |
| Understand the emotion | I see why you might be fearful of proceeding with the transplant. Can you help me understand what you’re afraid of? |
| Respect the emotion | You have shown a lot of strength up to this point. Tell me more about what keeps you going |
| Support the patient | Whether or not you choose to have the procedure, I want you to know that I will continue to be your cardiologist and will take care of you no matter what happens |
| Explore the emotion | You mentioned earlier that you’re concerned about what this worsening of your shortness of breath might mean. Can you tell me more about your concerns? |
LVAD indicates left ventricular assist device.
Reprinted from Back et al,113 with permission of the publisher. Copyright © 2005, Wiley & Sons.