![]() ![]() Support – Express support and affirm non-abandonment. “I appreciate you taking the time to have this difficult conversation with me.” Respect – Express praise or gratitude about things the patient/family are doing. “This helps me understand what you are thinking.” Understand – Acknowledge the emotion or situation. “I can see this is making you feel concerned/anxious.” Name – Acknowledge the emotion, then pause. The framework N-U-R-S-E-S, created by VitalTalk®, can be used to acknowledge and attend to emotion: When individuals express strong emotion, it is helpful to actively listen. ![]() Dealing with emotion is often necessary for effectively discussing decisions. ![]() Initiating these conversations with families, both your own and others we serve, can be difficult. Formally documenting your decisions doesn’t mean you cannot change your mind, and your plan, as your circumstances change. “Advance Directives” are legal documents (Living Will and Healthcare Power of Attorney) that allow you to plan and make your own end-of-life wishes known if you are unable to communicate. Take the time to consider “what matters to you” at the end of life. Begin by having a conversation with those closest to you. The important thing is to start thinking, and then start talking. You don’t need to wait for a physician to begin the conversation– conversations can get started in the privacy of your own home and on your own timeline. Advance care planning starts with expressing wishes, clarifying values, identifying health care preferences and selecting an agent to communicate healthcare decisions if you are unable to speak for yourself. National Healthcare Decisions Day is celebrated on April 16th each year to inspire, educate and empower the public about the importance of advance care planning. ![]()
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