The Impact of Caring: Teaching Students Empathy Through the Patient Voice.

The purpose of this educational brief is to describe an innovative learning experience focused on teaching students empathy for chronic illness, using patient voices. Panel members of individuals who had experienced acute and chronic illness from either the perspective of the patient or caregiver participated in a one-time session for undergraduate baccalaureate nursing students. Panel members presented their narrative to the students, engaging them in a question-and-answer session about the impact of nursing care on their experience. Both the panelists and the students found the experience meaningful. Over time the panel has varied in format, but has consistently humanized the patient experience, highlighted the importance of empathy, and conveyed the impact that nurses have on their patients and families. This innovative strategy proved to be very beneficial for students transitioning into their first clinical experience.