Communication Challenges

You Can if You Think You Can — Finding Inspirational Words for Cancer Patients and Their Families

By

Ann J. Brady, MSN, RN-BC, CHPN

Inspirational words can help patients with cancer and their loved ones rally, but sometimes what is needed is reflective questioning to help them acknowledge how exhausting the fight is for the patient.

Decision Paralysis: When All the Patients’ Options Are “Bad Possibilities”

By

Ann J. Brady, MSN, RN-BC, CHPN

Ann Brady suggests a way to help patients who are asked to make a decision between two difficult options.

“The Blessed Event Occurred This Morning”: Counseling Patients on Good Bowel Management

By

Ann J. Brady, MSN, RN-BC, CHPN

A jovial message from a patient confirmed the value of counseling patients taking opioids for cancer pain on good BM practices.

Fernweh: Understanding Cancer Patients’ Longing for What They Will Miss

By

Ann J. Brady, MSN, RN-BC, CHPN

Patients with cancer will eventually have to cope with unique feelings of loss. The loss of their future life plans. Fernweh, a German that means farsickness, may explain those feelings.

Hocus Pocus: Perspective on Noncompliance

By

Ann J. Brady, MSN, RN-BC, CHPN

The term noncompliant assumes in part that the patient has accepted the premise of what they are instructed to comply with.

“I Used My Courage”: A Strategy for Facing Internal Challenges to Nursing Practice

By

Ann Brady, MSN, RN-BC, CHPN

Nursing takes courage. Sometimes that courage is needed to respond to a difficult patient or case; other times it is needed to respond to your own reactions and needs.

Guide Dogs and White Canes: Navigating Patients, Families Through Cancer at Their Pace

By

Ann Brady, MSN, RN-BC, CHPN

A reflection on how nurses guide patients and their families through the cancer journey.

Mentoring 101: The Importance of Supporting New Nurses

By

Ann J. Brady, MSN, RN-BC, CHPN

Nurses need to rethink their attitude toward those who are new to the profession, lead with compassion, and share their knowledge gained through experience.

‘Are We There Yet? How Much Longer?’: Deciphering Patients’ Persistent Questions

By

Ann J. Brady, MSN, RN-BC, CHPN

How do you answer when the patient or family asks, “What is next?” More importantly, though, you need to recognize if they are asking that question, or is there something else they are really asking.

How Keep/Stop/Start Analysis Can Improve Nursing Practice

By

Ann J. Brady, MSN, RN-BC, CHPN

This simple framework for communicating can be adapted to fit each situation, regardless of it being a nurse-to-patient or a nurse-to-nurse setting.