What should a psychiatric nurse avoid saying to a patient when guiding their decisions?

The statement "You should do" is problematic because it implies that the nurse is instructing the patient on what to do, which may undermine the patient's autonomy and decision-making ability. In psychiatric nursing, it is crucial to support patients in developing their own decisions rather than imposing the nurse's opinions or directives. Encouraging a patient's self-efficacy and allowing them to explore their feelings and choices fosters a stronger therapeutic alliance and promotes independence.

Other phrases such as "Why do you feel this way?" or "Have you thought about this?" invite the patient to reflect on their feelings and experiences, stimulating a dialogue that can lead to greater insight. Saying "It might be beneficial to" introduces a suggestion while still respecting the patient's right to make their own choices, maintaining a collaborative approach in the decision-making process.