Question

Tell me about about a time you had to deal with a difficult patient

Answer 1

You have heard the horror stories about unpleasant patients and will likely cross paths with one someday.There is no one size fits all answer that applies to every situation, but there are strategies you can use to help navigate tricky interactions with difficult patients.We spoke to seasoned nurses to get their take on dealing with difficult patients. Use their advice to help you work with challenging patients as you begin your new nursing career.Diffuse these situations or perhaps avoid them altogether.Just knowing that the nastiness is not about you is a good start.It is easy to think a difficult patient is upset with you personally, but that is almost never the case.Remember that the patient is dealing with unfortunate circumstances and likely isn’t in the best mood. Continue to do your job and don't let their negativity get in your head.Just knowing that the nastiness is not about you is a good start.Many patients are dealing with medical conditions, pain or side effects from medications that can alter their mood and make them more irritable.Sometimes you can alleviate a patients bad mood by determining the underlying cause of the problem.Look at why a patient may be overly critical, passive aggressive or downright mean, advises Haydel.For example, a patient experiencing irritability as a side effect of medication may be able to receive a lower dose or be placed on an alternative treatment plan.An agitated patient may try to goad you into tending to their needs above your other patients. It is important to view your patients needs objectively and prioritize.All nurses need a healthy sense of what's important and what won't diminish quality of care if it never gets done. Never neglect a patient in need because you feel pressured into helping a difficult patient who doesn't require immediate care.Sometimes difficult patients make a fuss about minor requests because they feel like no one is listening to them.Set aside your frustration with the patient and do what you can to meet their needs, as long as it doesn't take away from other patients level of care.Angelis recalls swallowing his pride and getting a second cup of coffee for a particularly irritable patient.simply being aware of your strengths and weaknesses in tough situations can help you prepare for difficult patient interactions.For example, you may be able to rely on your good sense of humor to keep you feeling positive or to improve a patients mood.If you are easily discouraged by negative comments, you can plan to take a few moments to yourself to regroup before moving on in your workday.Nurses may be able to prevent difficult situations before they happen just by being observant, according to Angelis.Learn to recognize pathological processes that may soon cause a patient pain or distress and be on the lookout for escalating social situations.You may be able to diffuse a tense situation before it starts.It is easy to become annoyed, irritated and angry when you are faced with a difficult patient.Taking your frustration out on the patient will only make matters worse.Staying calm will help you ease tension and keep the situation from escalating.Don't hide your feelings behind fake smiles, Angelis advises.That will only make you more stressed. Instead, try taking some deep breaths and pausing outside a patients room to collect your emotions and calm down.No one wants to be just another patient. Taking the time to get to know and connect with a difficult patient is a great way to show you care about them as a person and not just another item your to do list.Talk to the family and try to get to know the patient through their eyes. Ask questions about their hobbies, job and likes and dislikes.By seeing the patient as an individual, it is easier to tolerate his demands and be compassionate, getting to know your patient may make their negative mood go away.It is never in a nurses job description to be the victim of verbal abuse from an agitated patient. You must be careful not to establish habits where you are accepting abusive behavior or continually confronting patients.You must be careful not to establish habits where you are accepting abusive behavior.The line between a patient who is abrasive and abusive will depend on your work environment.A nurse working in a prison will likely have a different tolerance for abusive behavior than a nurse in an intensive care unit.Try following this rule of thumb: If a patient continues to be abusive after you have told them their behavior is unacceptable, it is time to alert your immediate supervisor.No matter what the circumstances, never hesitate to call hospital security if you feel a patient is placing you in physical danger.All patients deserve the best care you are able to provide even the difficult ones.Make it your main focus to deliver excellent, positive care to all of your patients.Even if a patient remains agitated, you'll leave your shift knowing that you did your job to the best of your ability.