As a nurse, you will often find yourself caring for vulnerable patients, regardless of your area of speciality. Patients can be fearful, agitated, confused or withdrawn. They may or may not have a mental health diagnosis, learning disability, dementia or autism. Emotionally vulnerable patients have reported mixed experiences of care. Some feel misunderstood, traumatised, alienated and sometimes stigmatised. While others report that empathetic and respectful treatment and being listened to have positively affected them. Many patients have experienced both—sometimes in the same treatment episode— and so are aware of the difference. This course promotes critical refection and shares interpersonal skills that can promote understanding during even the briefest encounter.