Listening and Presence Guiding Nursing Practice

Listening and presence are crucial for establishing presence in nurse-patient relationships, and the nurse-patient relationship forms the basis of nursing practice. Nurses, through their presence, listen to expressions that form the basis of patients' stories and what is important. Active listening necessitates the use of various skills, including the elimination of preconceptions, reflecting on patients' words, clarifying statements, maintaining eye contact, effectively utilizing silence, and focusing on employing techniques for the development of trusting relationships. When listening and presence are knowingly practiced by nurses, there are concurrent enhancements to improved patient outcomes and increased nurse satisfaction.