5 answers
Jane
Student
1
Question
Updated
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What is the hardest thing about being a nurse and caring for patients?#Spring24
what courses are difficult and how do I tackle these difficult topics.How do I maintain rapport with rude patients
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5 answers
Maureen Komperda
Nurse Practitioner
23
Answers
Elmhurst, Illinois
Updated
Maureen’s Answer
Hi Janes,
These are some very good questions.
DIFFICULT COURSES:
Having been a nursing instructor in the College of Nursing at Rush University, I would say: Statistics, Anatomy and Physiology, Microbiology, Organic and Inorganic Chemistry, and Pharmacology. I love math and science but multiple choice exams usually got me. I would recommend forming a study group for tougher classes, these will help keep you from cramming for exams at the last minute. Meeting weekly can keep you up to date on your readings and knowledge.
RUDE PATIENTS:
I have been a RN for 44 years and a Nurse Practitioner for 26 years. I've worked with angry substance abuse patients, Veterans with PTSD, dementia patients, and demanding patients. First, you need to investigate what makes them "rude". Many times mirroring their emotions can settle them down, "Boy, I hate waiting for hours while I'm fasting for my surgery. What can I do to make this easier for you?"
While I'm typing this an aggravated man got misdirected to our clinic. He was now late for his echocardiogram (after 3 different misguided trips to the wrong areas). He was a retired employee from another hospital. We talked about his hospital and career while I walked him to the right clinic. I taught him what the room numbers, letters, etc. mean so he would be able to decipher the location himself next time. My best answer is treat patients the way you would want to be treated in that situation.
Good luck.
These are some very good questions.
DIFFICULT COURSES:
Having been a nursing instructor in the College of Nursing at Rush University, I would say: Statistics, Anatomy and Physiology, Microbiology, Organic and Inorganic Chemistry, and Pharmacology. I love math and science but multiple choice exams usually got me. I would recommend forming a study group for tougher classes, these will help keep you from cramming for exams at the last minute. Meeting weekly can keep you up to date on your readings and knowledge.
RUDE PATIENTS:
I have been a RN for 44 years and a Nurse Practitioner for 26 years. I've worked with angry substance abuse patients, Veterans with PTSD, dementia patients, and demanding patients. First, you need to investigate what makes them "rude". Many times mirroring their emotions can settle them down, "Boy, I hate waiting for hours while I'm fasting for my surgery. What can I do to make this easier for you?"
While I'm typing this an aggravated man got misdirected to our clinic. He was now late for his echocardiogram (after 3 different misguided trips to the wrong areas). He was a retired employee from another hospital. We talked about his hospital and career while I walked him to the right clinic. I taught him what the room numbers, letters, etc. mean so he would be able to decipher the location himself next time. My best answer is treat patients the way you would want to be treated in that situation.
Good luck.
Linda Gift Nmezi
Front office surveillance
1
Answer
Lagos, Nigeria
Updated
Linda Gift’s Answer
Nursing requires passion, love and total care to humanity, in nursing the 7 rules of Red Cross Society need to be adhered to, you give care without bias, you put your patient life first before any other things. No partiality . You will be willing to care whole heartedly because a sick patient act wired sometimes. Care like your own
Nurses are life savers
They are like mothers
Linda Gift recommends the following next steps:
Godfrey Magawe
Clinical officer nephrology
90
Answers
Nairobi, Nairobi County, Kenya
Updated
Godfrey’s Answer
That's a great concern.
Nursing requires passion and resilience.
As one meets challenges which includes psychological stress from caring so patients with chronic illness, trauma patients among other debilitating illnesses.So it requires the provider's to have not only sympathy and empathy too...Nurses sometimes get so attached to their close patients and in the event of there loss can lead to some form of trauma to the provider.
Nursing requires passion and resilience.
As one meets challenges which includes psychological stress from caring so patients with chronic illness, trauma patients among other debilitating illnesses.So it requires the provider's to have not only sympathy and empathy too...Nurses sometimes get so attached to their close patients and in the event of there loss can lead to some form of trauma to the provider.
Ashley Buttgen
Home Health Caregiver
3
Answers
Rensselaer, Indiana
Updated
Ashley’s Answer
I have been working in Healthcare for 11yrs and some of the difficulties I have experienced have been getting overwhelmed by how busy it gets when having 10 or more patients to care for that all need your assistance but you can only get to one patient at a time and having rude patients to deal with I have always remaind polite and positive when dealing with rude patients but always report to the nurse and if possible supervisor to inform them on the patients rude behavior so they can talk with them and try to solve the issue and can have another person to be with you when caring for a ride patient as a witness so there are no allegations.
I appreciate you taking the time to answer this.
Jane
Martin Schoen
APRN
185
Answers
Ocala, Florida
Updated
Martin’s Answer
There's no one-size-fits-all answer to good questions. We all learn differently, so only you can determine which courses might be trickier for you. Typically, biology is quite straightforward, but subjects like chemistry and physics can pose challenges, especially if math isn't your strong suit. However, don't be discouraged. Do your best, seek tutoring if needed, and utilize other resources to aid your understanding. Remember, we're all in the same academic boat, each with our unique strengths and weaknesses. The key is to identify what you excel at and what you find more challenging, and not be afraid to ask for help when needed.
Dealing with difficult patients, their families, and sometimes even friends can be tough. You're there to do your job to the best of your ability. Some might act rudely out of fear, pain, or uncertainty. Identifying the root cause of such behavior can be the first step towards improving communication. However, some people are just inherently rude. In such cases, maintain your professionalism and composure, and most importantly, don't let them get under your skin. Remember, you only have to deal with them for a shift. If things escalate, don't hesitate to involve your supervisor and let them mediate. Sometimes, personality clashes are inevitable. If the situation persists, you might need to request a different nurse to be assigned to that patient. You're never in the wrong for doing your job to the best of your ability. As a precaution, keep a personal diary to note down details, just in case you need to refer back to them later.
I once worked at Disney where a child had a minor cut on their chin because their parents let them do something that was not allowed. When they came in demanding a plastic surgeon, I promptly arranged it, cleaned up the child, and even got them a free T-shirt and other goodies to keep them happy. I went above and beyond to ensure everyone was satisfied. However, when I returned from my lunch break, the child had already left. Later, my supervisor informed me that the family had complained, stating that "we didn't do anything to help them". Naturally, I was upset, but I knew I had done my best, and so did my supervisor. People will be people, and all you can do is give your best effort.
Dealing with difficult patients, their families, and sometimes even friends can be tough. You're there to do your job to the best of your ability. Some might act rudely out of fear, pain, or uncertainty. Identifying the root cause of such behavior can be the first step towards improving communication. However, some people are just inherently rude. In such cases, maintain your professionalism and composure, and most importantly, don't let them get under your skin. Remember, you only have to deal with them for a shift. If things escalate, don't hesitate to involve your supervisor and let them mediate. Sometimes, personality clashes are inevitable. If the situation persists, you might need to request a different nurse to be assigned to that patient. You're never in the wrong for doing your job to the best of your ability. As a precaution, keep a personal diary to note down details, just in case you need to refer back to them later.
I once worked at Disney where a child had a minor cut on their chin because their parents let them do something that was not allowed. When they came in demanding a plastic surgeon, I promptly arranged it, cleaned up the child, and even got them a free T-shirt and other goodies to keep them happy. I went above and beyond to ensure everyone was satisfied. However, when I returned from my lunch break, the child had already left. Later, my supervisor informed me that the family had complained, stating that "we didn't do anything to help them". Naturally, I was upset, but I knew I had done my best, and so did my supervisor. People will be people, and all you can do is give your best effort.
Thanks for your encouragement!
Jane