As a nurse, I’ve worked with a lot of nursing students. Some shadow for the day, some assist with tasks, and others take over my assignment while I quietly keep an eye on everything behind the scenes. Regardless of the setup, it’s always my responsibility to make sure the experience runs smoothly—for the student and the patient.
When I have a student working with me, I always ask the patient if they’re comfortable having a student involved in their care. Most of the time, patients are totally on board. And when they’re not? It’s never about the student. It’s usually because the patient is emotionally maxed out. They’re drained, anxious, and barely have the energy for one nurse in the room. Totally fair. In those cases, the student is reassigned, and everyone ends up in a better spot.
That said, many patients actually enjoy being part of a student’s learning experience. Some even feel special to be part of someone’s journey into nursing. But there’s one type of situation where patients have given negative feedback about students—and it has nothing to do with clinical skills.
It’s about emotional awareness. 👇
Nursey Story Time
Let me tell you about a time this came up.
A patient was about to have a chest tube removed. (Note: This procedure is painful, nerve-wracking, and pretty intense for the patient. And even to witness. It’s actually kind of barbaric the way it looks, coming out. It’s not fun, and a lot of patients dread its removal.)
A nursing student had the opportunity to observe this chest tube removal. They were bright-eyed, eager, and incredibly excited because they had never seen one before. From the student’s perspective, it was a big learning opportunity. But from the patient’s perspective, it was one of the scariest moments of their hospital stay.
Let’s set the scene:
Student: Exuberant, inquisitive, wide-eyed curiosity 😃
Patient: Quiet, scared, and trying to mentally prepare for a painful experience 😰
You can probably see where this is going…
The student, caught up in the novelty of the moment, failed to read the emotional climate of the room. They were focused on the procedure, not the person. What was an exciting opportunity for them felt, to the patient, like they were being watched for entertainment—not cared for during a vulnerable time.
The student excitedly asked questions before, and when it was removed, expressed how “cool” it was.
After the chest tube was removed, the patient was visibly upset. They later told me they didn’t want any more students in the room. And while their words weren’t directed at me personally, they definitely weren’t kind. Of course, the student didn’t intend to cause harm, but their lack of awareness left the patient feeling unseen and dehumanized.
The Lesson: Emotional Awareness Matters
This story isn’t meant to scare students away from the bedside, it’s here to highlight something that can’t be taught in a textbook: reading the room.
Being emotionally aware is one of the most important soft skills you can develop as a nurse. It doesn’t mean you have to be stoic or robotic—it means learning how to pick up on cues and adjust your energy accordingly.
Here’s how to start building that awareness:
🧠 Observe before you speak. When you enter a room, start with a neutral tone. Not overly enthusiastic, but not detached either. Feel out the vibe.
👀 Read the patient’s body language and mood. Are they tense? Quiet? Do they look overwhelmed or annoyed? Let their response guide your approach.
💬 Match your tone to the moment. If someone is dying, don’t walk in with a big smile and peppy energy. If they’re about to have something painful done, be calm and grounded—not bubbly and chatty.
🎓 For Educators: If you see a student struggling with this, this is a phenomenal teachable moment! Don’t brush it off, this is one of the most valuable skills they can learn during clinicals.
It’s a Skill You Build Over Time
Emotional awareness is part of what turns a good nurse into a great one. And like any skill, it takes time, practice, and patience. You’re not going to get it right every time. You might misread a room, say the wrong thing, or realize after the fact that you missed the mark. That’s okay. The key is being willing to learn from those moments and grow. 🍃
The sooner you start noticing emotional dynamics during patient care, the better. Being tuned in to what a patient is feeling—not just what they need physically—is what helps you build trust, rapport, and makes you really stand out as a nurse.
So yes, learn your meds. Know your patho. Practice those hands-on skills. But don’t underestimate the power of simply being present, perceptive, and emotionally in tune.
Until next time,
Kati 🪴
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