Table 3. Empathetic Statements Made by Physicians Using the NURSE Pneumonic to Respond to Family Emotions.

Type of NURSE Statement	Definition	Statements, No. (%) (n = 364)	Sample Quotes
Naming	Name the family’s emotion	48 (13)	It sounds like you were anxious because you didn’t feel there was as much attention given.
Understanding	Empathize with and acknowledge the family’s emotional response	110 (30)	I completely understand. This has to be the hardest thing you’ve ever gone through.
Respecting	Praise the family for their expert role in their child’s care	90 (25)	You guys have been remarkably ahead of us in everything.
Supporting	Demonstrate support of the family’s needs and/or decisions	83 (23)	There’s no right answer here, they are just both very hard. We are here to support you. If there’s any way we can help you, we’ll be there.
Exploring	Ask the family to elaborate their feelings, concerns, or hopes	33 (9)	Dad, I’ve been talking more to Mom because she’s sitting across from me, and I apologize for that—what are your thoughts?

Abbreviation: NURSE, naming, understanding, respecting, supporting, exploring.