Seek Out the Teachable Moments

Teachable moments occur when presented with an opportunity to impart knowledge to someone who you feel needs a change in behavior. They are often precipitated by a cognitive or emotional experience. In this short story about two doting daughters caring for their dying mom, I identify teachable moments that lead toward appropriate comfort care for the patient and less emotional toll on the family caregivers (FCs). These moments present themselves to nurses on a regular basis and nurses need to be ready to teach FCs so they can provide the best care experience for the ones they love. In the second example, I show how nurses teach each other when these unique teachable moments arise. In return, all nurses must be receptive to learning from other nurses. Most seasoned nurses take it upon themselves to mentor and train the next generation of nurses. It is the right course of action. We advocate for best patient care when we teach and support patients, FCs, and each other (nurses) and all HCPs.