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How do you deal with stressfull patients

In the future, i want to be a registered nurse. They are needed right now in the medical field, and i like to help people and listen to them. #healthcare #nurse

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Hwal’s Answer

Jesus,

Firstly, the answer depends on how you define "stressful patients," but I think I have at least some idea of what you meant. Patients will invariably have many different needs that you'll be able to help meet while you take care of them, and this is where the care setting also plays a role.

On a hospital inpatient ward, for example, you may come across patients who are experiencing pain, uncertainty and anxiety, anger, sadness, etc. Because of this and perhaps other reasons, they may say or do things out of frustration, and you might think they are "stressful patients." In this case, it's often helpful to not take it personally, and to try to understand where they're coming from, and to your best to help minimise their pain and/or discomfort, if you're able to. At the same time, understand appropriate boundaries of what is and isn't acceptable. In other words, violence is never appropriate, so no one should use or tolerate it.

Just as importantly, it's often helpful to know different resources in your workplace in case you need them. For example, you may find that your shift supervisor, colleagues, and/or human resources staff can be valuable resources when you're having a hard time or stressed. I hope this is helpful.

Good luck!

Hwal
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Wanda’s Answer

Be prepared ahead of time for challenging patients. Not because they're evil or mean, but because they're usually scared. They are in a strange environment and usually because they are not well. They are afraid of the unknown, just as most of us are. Have some "tools" ready, and meet them where they are. Read them; some patients appreciate touch, others do not. I find often that if I just take a few minutes, pull up a chair, touch their hand and ask them what's the most important thing they need from me while I'm caring for them, and what can I do to make their stay more enjoyable and less stressful, they often are less stressful. Finding a way to bond with them goes a long way in reducing their anxiety, which in turn reduces their dependence on you. Humor, used tastefully and at the right time can go a long way, and at times you must remind the patient, tactfully, that your job is to help them help themselves so they can get home sooner.

Wanda recommends the following next steps:

Research Emotional Intelligence, Cultural Humility and how to de-escalate a situation
Take a self-assessment: What are your biases that might affect your treatment of others, even unconsciously?
Don't fall into the trap of mocking "that" patient. Use compassion, despite what your peers might be saying, and try to find the bridge to help that patient.
Remember everyone travels a different journey. You have no idea what that patient has gone through in their lives, what their eyes and hands have seen, and the many hurts they hold in their hearts. They may just need a empathetic ear.
Don't try to "fix" them if they need to vent. Sometimes talk therapy truly works. Sitting down and looking them in the eye gives them the perception that you care and you are truly listening.
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