7. Eye Contact
Within many societies and cultures EYE CONTACT is one of the most important forms of nonverbal communication as it shows respect for the person you are speaking and listening to. In most Western European countries, it is proper and polite for nurses to maintain eye contact with patients during a conversation.
The customs and significance of eye contact vary between societies and genders, with religious and social differences often altering its meaning greatly. Eye contact is one of the most important forms of nonverbal communication, but may communicate very different things to people of various cultures. In Portugal, as in most Western European countries, it is proper and polite for individuals to maintain eye contact with patients during a conversation. Making eye contact is generally considered a good thing. In some Middle Eastern cultures, however, eye contact is much less common and considered less appropriate. Therefore, it is essential that nurses recognise the various interpretations that such practices can have.
Maria: How long do you think I will be in the hospital for?
Alex: It will depend on the surgical approach. The doctor will tell you about the procedure in more detail later on, but hospitalisation time in these cases is short. What worries you the most about hospitalisation?
Maria: I am worried because I have two children and if my husband stays with me, my youngest son will have to stay with my mother and my oldest will be home by himself taking care of the farm.
Alex: Very well. I will give you some information about the hospital and our service. I will tell you about visiting hours, meals, which belongings you can keep with you during your time here, and also little bit about our team. Then, we can go visit the service unit and I will show you where you will be staying.