A LITTLE LIGHTBULB MOMENT
Nursing fundamentals, assessment and communication
Active listening
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Listen with your whole face.
The idea behind the cue
Active listening means giving full attention, using silence well, and responding in a way that shows the message was received. It helps patients feel heard and often reveals information they did not say at first.
Practice this flashcard →Make it memorable
Short & simple
Listen with your whole face.
Acronym
ASR — Awkward Squirrels Rap.
Story
The patient talks about fear, then stops. The nurse stays present, nods, and waits. After a quiet pause, the patient adds the detail that matters most.
Connect the pieces
- A (Awkward) → Attention: Give the patient your full attention.
- S (Squirrels) → Silence: Use silence well so the patient can think and continue.
- R (Rap) → Response: Respond in a way that shows the message was received without interrupting with long explanations.
- Awkward · Attention: Give the patient your full attention.
- Squirrels · Silence: Use silence well so the patient can think and continue.
- Rap · Response: Respond in a way that shows the message was received without interrupting with long explanations.
Know the limits
Active listening does not mean interrupting with long explanations or finishing the patient’s sentences.
Further reading · OpenStax nursing textbooks ↗Check your understanding
Which nursing behavior best shows active listening?
A. Asking several questions at once
B. Changing the subject to keep the visit moving
C. Nodding and allowing silence after the patient speaks
D. Giving advice before the patient finishes
Reveal explanation
Nodding and allowing silence after the patient speaks
Nodding and allowing silence show attention and give the patient space to continue speaking.