The Art of Listening

Welcome back to Heart & Hands: The Nurse’s Journey! I’m Ashley Wiltcher, a doctorally prepared nurse practitioner with years of experience in home health, hospice, case management, and primary care. Through my journey, I’ve come to believe that one of the most powerful tools we have as nurses isn’t a stethoscope or a syringe—it’s the ability to listen.

Today’s blog is all about The Art of Listening—why it matters, how it transforms patient care, and how we can all become better listeners in our daily practice. Whether you’re a new nurse or a seasoned professional, mastering this skill will elevate your impact and deepen your connection with your patients.

Why Listening is a Nurse’s Superpower

Think about a time when you truly felt heard—maybe it was a friend, a mentor, or even a patient who took the time to listen to you without interruption. That moment probably made you feel valued, respected, and understood.

Now, imagine that same impact on your patients. When they’re scared, in pain, or overwhelmed, sometimes what they need most isn’t just medicine—it’s someone who listens.

Studies show that active listening in healthcare improves patient satisfaction, increases treatment adherence, and even leads to better health outcomes. When patients feel heard, they trust us more, they share critical details about their symptoms, and they engage more in their own care.

But here’s the challenge: In the fast-paced world of healthcare, where beeping monitors and urgent tasks constantly demand our attention, how do we truly listen?

A Story of the Power of Listening

Let me share a story.

During my time in hospice care, I worked with a patient named Mary, an elderly woman with terminal cancer. One day, her daughter pulled me aside and said, “She hasn’t been eating. She won’t take her meds. I don’t know what’s wrong.”

When I went to see Mary, I didn’t start by checking her vitals or adjusting her medications. Instead, I simply pulled up a chair and asked, “Mary, what’s most important to you? What are you thinking about today?”

She sighed deeply and said, “No one has asked me that in weeks.”

She then shared that she wasn’t avoiding food or meds because of pain or nausea—she was holding back because she felt like a burden to her family. She didn’t want to prolong her suffering or theirs.

That moment changed everything. Once we addressed her emotional fears, she felt safe enough to eat again. Her daughter realized Mary didn’t need more medicine—she needed reassurance and love.

This experience reminded me that sometimes, our greatest intervention isn’t a prescription—it’s the act of listening to our patients. 

How to Become a Better Listener

So, how can we become better listeners, even when our schedules are packed and stress levels are high? Here are three simple yet powerful strategies:

1. Practice the Power of the Pause

Before jumping into advice or solutions, take a breath. Let silence do the work. Patients often reveal the most important details after a pause. Give them that space. 

2. Listen with Your Whole Body

Listening isn’t just about words—it’s about posture, eye contact, and facial expressions. When talking to a patient, put down the chart, step away from the computer, and show them that you are fully present.

3. Reflect and Validate

Instead of responding immediately, try repeating or summarizing what the patient said. Phrases like:

• “It sounds like you’re feeling really frustrated about your recovery.”

• “I hear you saying that you’re scared about your test results. That makes a lot of sense.”

This small shift shows patients that their concerns are seen and respected.

Closing Thoughts

Today, I challenge you: The next time you’re with a patient, pause, focus, and listen with intention. Even in the busiest moments, a few seconds of deep listening can change a life.

Thank you for spending your time with me today. If this resonated with you, share it with a fellow nurse who could use some encouragement. And don’t forget to subscribe for more insights, stories, and inspiration.

Until next time—keep healing, keep listening, and keep making a difference.

XOXO,
Ashley