Building Bridges of Trust

Ashley Tyler

Welcome. I’m Ashley Tyler, Nurse Educator, Entrepreneur, and founder of Divine Bloom Coaching. And I am so glad you’ve joined me here, on *Poetic Nursing: The Nurse’s HEART*—where we bridge compassion with innovation in nursing to explore the art and science of care.

Ashley Tyler

Today, we’re diving into Jean Watson's Caritas Process 4: Developing Helping-Trusting-Caring Relationships. It’s such an essential topic, and I believe it speaks directly to the heart of what we do every day as nurses.

Ashley Tyler

Let's begin with a moment of gratitude. Thank you—yes, you, for investing in your growth as a caregiver, as a healer, and—beyond that—as someone who believes in making a difference. I’m so proud of your dedication, your commitment to your patients, your colleagues, and this journey of becoming.

Ashley Tyler

You know, when we talk about relationships in nursing, we aren’t just talking about offering care. We’re talking about building meaningful connections that inspire trust, comfort, and healing—for patients, for their families, and even for ourselves. It’s about creating spaces where people feel seen and valued.

Ashley Tyler

Trust—it’s not something we can see or touch, but it’s absolutely fundamental to everything we do. It’s an invisible thread connecting us to our patients and our colleagues. Without trust, even the most skillful interventions can lose their impact. But when it’s there, when trust is real and felt, it can amplify healing in ways that are truly remarkable.

Ashley Tyler

Think about it for a moment. When a patient feels safe, seen, and truly heard, they’re much more likely to follow our care recommendations, share their concerns openly, and take an active role in their healing journey. So how do we nurture this sense of trust, even in the fast-paced world we navigate?

Ashley Tyler

First and foremost, we must be present. You’ve heard it before, I’m sure, but it’s worth repeating. Whether you’ve got five minutes or fifty with a patient, make that time count. Put down the chart, step away from the monitor, make eye contact, and listen—listen as if what they’re saying is the most important thing in the world, because to them, it is.

Ashley Tyler

The power of attentiveness is so profound. Even the smallest moments of genuine connection can leave an enormous impact, not just on their day, but on the entire trajectory of their healing.

Ashley Tyler

And let’s talk about the importance of validation, of showing empathy. A simple ‘I hear you,’ or even saying, ‘I know this must be hard for you. It’s such a small gesture, but it can reassure someone that their feelings matter, that they are seen. And I think we all know how rare and precious that can be.

Ashley Tyler

Now, keeping promises—that’s another cornerstone of trust, isn’t it? If you commit to coming back in ten minutes, come back in ten minutes; if you’ve been entrusted with a personal concern, honor that trust. Consistency in what we say and do builds credibility, and that credibility is like the soil where trust takes root.

Ashley Tyler

When we talk about trust in nursing, it’s easy—too easy—to immediately think about our patients. But trust isn’t just for patient care; it's foundational to our relationships with each other and with our teams. A strong, cohesive nursing team? That’s the heartbeat of better patient outcomes and, really, of a healthier, more fulfilling work environment.

Ashley Tyler

Now, let’s start with support. Nursing is—and always will be—a team effort. We’ve gotta have each other’s backs, you know? If you notice a colleague drowning under a mountain of tasks, step in. Even something small, like grabbing a supply for them or checking on their patient, can lighten the load in ways that—well, honestly—it can save the day.

Ashley Tyler

And communication. Oh, communication is huge. If something’s bothering you—whether it’s how a shift is running or even a quick misunderstanding—address it, but do it with kindness. Assume the best in one another. Sometimes, we’re so caught up in the moment that it’s easy to jump to conclusions, but taking a breath and clarifying? It can change everything.

Ashley Tyler

If we can address misunderstandings promptly, they don’t have a chance to fester. And really, isn't that what trust is about—clearing the air so we can move forward, stronger, together?

Ashley Tyler

Now, one of my favorite ways to cultivate trust is through recognition. A simple thank-you or telling someone, ‘Hey, I see how hard you're working,’ can completely shift someone’s day. It doesn’t have to be grand or over-the-top. People wanna know that their efforts aren’t going unnoticed.

Ashley Tyler

And one more thing: Acknowledging the challenging moments, naming the reality of what we do—that’s another way to build trust. Say to a colleague, ‘I know this shift feels impossible, but you’re doing great. Just one step at a time.’ Those words can anchor someone when everything feels chaotic. And isn’t that what we’re here for? To lift each other up, even in the messiness?

Ashley Tyler

Let’s consider a real-world scenario. Picture this—you’re working alongside a brand-new nurse. It’s their first shift, and you can see how nervous they are. They’re trying, you can tell, but they’re making mistakes, fumbling, maybe even avoiding asking questions because, well, they don’t wanna seem incapable. I mean, who hasn’t been there before, right?

Ashley Tyler

Now, at that moment, we have a choice to make. We could focus on the errors, point out what went wrong—but what would that do to their confidence? Instead, imagine stepping in with patience, with guidance. You might say something like, ‘Hey, I know this feels overwhelming right now, but you’re doing better than you think. Let’s work on this together.’ How different would that feel for them?

Ashley Tyler

It’s really about creating a safe space. A space where they feel okay to ask questions, to admit what they don’t know. And isn’t that a foundation of trust? It’s the same principle we talked about with patients—the idea that when someone feels safe and seen, they’re able to grow. Only now, we’re applying it to our colleagues.

Ashley Tyler

Over time, as you keep showing up like that—as a mentor, not a critic—you’ll see the change happen. That new nurse will start to stand taller, speak with more confidence, take on challenges they once might have shied away from. And you’ll know you played a part in that transformation. Honestly, isn’t that just as rewarding as providing care to patients?

Ashley Tyler

It’s a ripple effect. Empowering one colleague strengthens the whole team—and ultimately, that benefits everyone, including the patients we serve.

Ashley Tyler

Take a moment with me to reflect. Let’s pause and breathe because everything we’ve explored up to now is not just information. It’s an invitation. An invitation to look differently at how we show up in our roles, for our patients, our colleagues, and even for ourselves.

Ashley Tyler

When we talk about trust and connection, it’s not just something we "do." It’s something we live. It’s in the way we listen fully, without distraction... in the kindness we offer in small, often unnoticed ways.

Ashley Tyler

Let’s commit. Commit to being fully present, really present. To listening—not just to reply—but to understand, to hear the needs beneath the words. Because when we show up like that, when we prioritize trust, healing naturally follows. Trust becomes the bridge to comfort and wholeness—for everyone we touch.

Ashley Tyler

And kindness—kindness can be simple, but it’s never small. A kind word, a moment of acknowledgment, a gentle nod that says, ‘I see you’—these things matter. They create ripples we might never see, but they matter. It all matters.

Ashley Tyler

As we wrap up today's episode, Thank you for joining me in this conversation. Together, we’ve explored *Jean Watson's Caritas Process 4: Developing Helping-Trusting-Caring Relationships*—a beautiful reminder that nursing isn’t simply about tasks or treatments; it’s about the connections we create, connections that truly heal.

Ashley Tyler

May we take these insights and weave them into our daily practice, remembering that trust begins with presence, with empathy, creating a safe space, and with keeping our promises—to our patients, our colleagues, and even ourselves.

Ashley Tyler

If today’s discussion resonated with you—if it gave you a moment to pause or even made you smile—please subscibe and share it with a fellow nurse or anyone else in your circle. Together, let’s inspire and uplift each other, strengthening our community one conversation at a time.

Ashley Tyler

And, as you go about your day, hold this in your heart: every step you take, every act of kindness, and every moment of trust brings us all closer to excellence in nursing. You are making a difference—never forget that.

Ashley Tyler

On that note, we’ll see you next time. Take care.