NURSE statements for articulating empathy

Example

  • “It sounds like you are frustrated”

Notes

  • In general, turn down the intensity a notch when you name the emotion

Example

  • “This helps me understand what you are thinking”

Notes

  • Think of this as another kind of acknowledgment but stop short of suggesting you understand everything (you don’t)

Example

  • “I can see you have really been trying to follow our instructions”

Notes

  • Remember that praise also fits in here eg “I think you have done a great job with this”

Example:

  • “I will do my best to make sure you have what you need”

Notes:

  • Making this kind of commitment is a powerful statement

Example:

  • “Could you say more about what you mean when you say that…”

Notes:

  • Asking a focused question prevents this from seeming too obvious

Three fundamental skills

Example:

  • “Tell me more about…”

Notes:

  • Use when you are not sure what someone is talking about (rather than jump to an assumption).

Example:

  • “What do you think about…”

  • “Here’s what the tests show”

  • “Does that make sense…?”

Notes:

  • Related to Assess-Knowledge-Respond in SPIKES. Think of this as one unit of information transfer

Example:

  • “I wish I could say that the chemo always works”

Notes:

  • Enables you to align with the patient while acknowledging the reality of the situation

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