What makes conversations difficult? For many healthcare professionals it's conversations about dying and death but what about the newly diagnosed diabetic who was afraid of hospitals, and very afraid of needles or how about enabling conversations with loved ones over video calls during the Covid19 pandemic or perhaps supporting colleagues in time of need? Difficult conversations can come in all shapes and sizes. 
 

Do we always apply the same amount of gravitas to different types of difficult conversations and do we recognise them as such? How well do we, as nurses, prepare to do it? And how often do we reflect on and acknowledge the impact the difficult conversations we have? 
 

As nurses we often come across ethical problems or have to tell people news that they will see as unwelcome or work to facilitate conversations in difficult times.  Interacting with positive effect with those in our care is important to the wellbeing of all... so how do we do it well ?