Graduate nurses' experiences of developing trust in the nurse-patient relationship

This paper presents the findings of a qualitative exploratory descriptive study that aimed to explore and describe graduate nurses' perceptions and experiences Of establishing trust in the nurse-patient relationship. Trust has been identified in the literature to be a crucial element in establishing an effective nurse-patient relationship. There is little in the literature, however, about the development Of trust in the new graduate nurse-patient relationship. This research attempts to address this deficit. With this in mind, in depth interviews were conducted with seven first year registered nurses participating in graduate year programs. These first year nurses were asked to describe what their knowledge, understanding and experience Of trust was in the nurse-patient relationship. From the data the themes that emerged were building a rapport, communication, being professional and confidence. The results of this study indicate that before a graduate nurse can achieve a trusting relationship with a patient, they first have to develop a rapport with them. More emphasis, therefore, on teaching communication skills in undergraduate and graduate programs may help to increase the knowledge and skills Of new graduate nurses. In addition, including discussions on the factors that are important to building rapport and trust, what being a professional entails and strategies for caring for Patients in situations where rapport has not been achieved. This research was untaken as p art of a Bachelor of Nursing Honors program.