Among health care workers, nurses interact the most with hospitalized patients and families, with up to 86% of nurses’ time being spent at the bedside.1  Nurses are highly trusted by the public and, by virtue of proximity, have the most opportunity for therapeutic communication. Bedside nurses generally receive little training on navigating difficult conversations despite the fact that patients and family members experience fear, pain, anxiety, and stress while in the hospital and need supportive interactions.2–5  Nurses and nurse practitioners are accessible to patients and have ample opportunities to make a significant impact on family emotional support and coping through their engagement. This article provides practical, evidence-based strategies for improving the effectiveness of communication for patient and family emotional health.

Patients and families dealing with serious illnesses in intensive care units (ICUs) undergo a profound amount of stress from a variety of sources. Children and adolescents...

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