What it means
Learning is hard when a person is in pain, tired, very anxious, still in shock or denialdih-NY-ulRefusing to accept or believe a painful fact or situation, often without being aware of doing so.Full entry about a diagnosis, or not yet interested. Readiness also depends on what the person already knows, their health literacyhelth LIT-er-uh-seeA person's ability to find, understand and use health information to make decisions about their health.Full entry , language and culture. Signs of readiness include asking questions and wanting to take part in care.
For the nurse
Before teaching, ease pain and other discomfort, choose a calm time, find out what the client already knows and wants to know, and start with what matters most to them. Confirm learning with teach-backTEECH-bakA way to check understanding by asking the client to explain, in their own words, what they have just been taught.Full entry .
Related terms
health literacy
A person's ability to find, understand and use health information to make decisions about their health.
denial
Refusing to accept or believe a painful fact or situation, often without being aware of doing so.
teach-back
A way to check understanding by asking the client to explain, in their own words, what they have just been taught.
discharge teaching
Teaching that prepares a client and family to manage care at home after leaving the hospital or facility.