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Lesson 3 of 8 · 3 promptsAI for Nurses
LESSON 03 OF 8

Patient Communication and Advocacy

3 prompts for Nurses

Prompts for Nurses: copy one, fill it in, paste it into your AI.

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In this lesson

  1. 01Draft an Empathetic Family UpdateUse this when you need to inform a family about a patient's condition with compassion and clarity.
  2. 02Prepare for a Difficult Patient ConversationUse this when you anticipate a challenging discussion with a patient or family and want to plan what to say.
  3. 03Write a Patient Advocacy LetterUse this when you need to advocate for a patient's needs with an insurer, specialist, or organization.
1Copy the promptClick Copy on the prompt you need.
2Paste it into your AIChatGPT, Claude, Gemini or Copilot.
3Fill in the {{brackets}}Your own details, or let the AI ask you.
4Follow up and checkUse the follow-ups, then check the facts.
01

Draft an Empathetic Family Update

Use this when you need to inform a family about a patient's condition with compassion and clarity.

Prompt

Role You are a nurse drafting a family update about a patient's condition. You optimise for compassion, plain language, and accuracy so the family feels informed and respected.

Context you provide

  • {{patient_preferred_name}} — how to refer to the patient
  • {{family_member_name_and_relationship}} — who receives the update
  • {{current_condition_summary}} — stable, improving, declining, or under review
  • {{recent_changes}} — what changed since the last update
  • {{next_steps}} — tests, treatments, or consults planned
  • {{channel}} — phone call, in-person, or secure message

Instructions

  1. Ask for any missing inputs, then confirm the family member's relationship to the patient.
  2. Open with a warm greeting using the family member's name and the patient's preferred name.
  3. State the purpose of the update in one sentence.
  4. Describe the current condition in plain language; define any clinical term in the same sentence.
  5. Summarise what changed since the last update, most important first.
  6. Explain next steps and who owns each one.
  7. Offer one or two concrete ways the family can support the patient.
  8. Close by inviting questions and giving the best way to reach the care team.

Output format 120 to 250 words, warm and calm, second person, short sentences. Include a one-line summary the family can repeat to others. Leave out speculation and promises about outcomes.

Guardrails

  • Use only the facts the user supplies; do not invent diagnoses, results, timelines, or medication names.
  • Flag any statement that needs the attending clinician's confirmation before it is shared.
  • Remind the user to follow facility policy on identity verification and disclosure, and to route prognosis questions to the responsible clinician.

Example Patient Maria, daughter Ana, stable after a fall, physiotherapy starting tomorrow, phone call.

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02

Prepare for a Difficult Patient Conversation

Use this when you anticipate a challenging discussion with a patient or family and want to plan what to say.

Prompt

Role You are a nurse preparing for a difficult conversation with a patient or family member. Optimise for a clear, compassionate plan that respects the patient's autonomy and your professional boundaries.

Context you provide

  • {{patient_or_family_member}}: who you are speaking with (e.g., patient, spouse, adult child)
  • {{clinical_situation}}: brief, non-identifying summary of the medical context
  • {{conversation_goal}}: what you hope to achieve
  • {{known_preferences}}: any known patient/family preferences, cultural or religious considerations, or communication needs
  • {{your_role}}: your role in the conversation
  • {{setting_and_time}}: where and when the conversation will happen, and how much time you have
  • {{previous_conversations}}: any relevant prior discussions or unresolved concerns
  • {{your_concerns}}: what makes this conversation difficult for you

Instructions

  1. Ask for any missing inputs, then confirm the conversation goal and the patient/family member's relationship to the patient.
  2. Identify potential emotional triggers or barriers based on the provided context.
  3. Draft an opening statement that is honest, clear, and compassionate.
  4. Outline key points to cover, using plain language and avoiding jargon.
  5. Prepare for likely questions or reactions, and suggest responses that acknowledge emotion and offer support.
  6. Suggest ways to close the conversation with a clear next step and an offer for further discussion.
  7. Provide a brief self-care reminder for after the conversation.

Output format A structured plan with sections: Opening, Key Points, Anticipated Reactions and Responses, Closing, Self-Care. Use bullet points. Tone: calm, respectful, practical. Length: about one page. Leave out medical jargon, diagnoses not provided, and any specific legal or regulatory advice.

Guardrails

  • Do not invent clinical details, prognoses, or legal requirements.
  • Flag when a conversation should involve a physician, social worker, or ethics committee.
  • Remind the user to check local policies or a supervisor before discussing sensitive topics.

Example patient_or_family_member: patient's adult daughter; clinical_situation: new diagnosis of heart failure; conversation_goal: help daughter understand discharge plan; known_preferences: daughter prefers direct information; your_role: primary nurse; setting_and_time: patient room, 15 minutes before shift change; previous_conversations: daughter asked about prognosis yesterday; your_concerns: daughter may be angry about lack of prior communication.

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03

Write a Patient Advocacy Letter

Use this when you need to advocate for a patient's needs with an insurer, specialist, or organization.

Prompt

Role You are a nurse writing a patient advocacy letter on behalf of a patient. Your goal is to clearly and professionally communicate the patient's needs to an insurer, specialist, or organization to secure appropriate care, coverage, or action.

Context you provide

  • {{patient_name}} - full name
  • {{patient_age}} - age
  • {{diagnosis}} - primary diagnosis and relevant conditions
  • {{current_situation}} - summary of condition and why advocacy is needed
  • {{specific_request}} - what you are asking for
  • {{recipient_type}} - insurer, specialist, or organization
  • {{recipient_details}} - name, title, and address of recipient
  • {{supporting_evidence}} - clinical findings, test results, provider recommendations
  • {{desired_outcome}} - what you want to happen
  • {{deadline}} - date by which action is needed
  • {{nurse_name_and_contact}} - your full name, credentials, phone, and email

Instructions

  1. Ask for any missing inputs, then draft a formal letter using the provided details.
  2. Address the recipient by name and title if available. Begin with a subject line that includes the patient's name and purpose. In the opening paragraph, introduce yourself, your role, and the patient, and state the reason for writing.
  3. In the body, present the clinical rationale using {{supporting_evidence}} without inventing facts. Clearly state the specific request and desired outcome, including any deadline.
  4. Close with a professional sign-off, your contact information, and an offer to provide further documentation.
  5. Maintain a respectful, factual, and appropriately urgent tone.
  6. Review for clarity and conciseness.

Output format Provide the letter in standard business letter format. Length: 250 to 400 words. Tone: professional, respectful, persuasive. Avoid emotional appeals unless clinically supported. Avoid unnecessary medical jargon.

Guardrails

  • Do not invent clinical details, test results, policy numbers, or dates. If information is missing, ask the user.
  • Remind the user to obtain patient consent and follow organizational policies for advocacy and privacy.
  • Do not provide legal or insurance advice; suggest consulting a supervisor or legal professional if needed.

Example Patient: Jane Doe, 68, COPD, needs portable oxygen concentrator; insurer: Acme Health; request: approve equipment; nurse: John Smith, RN.

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