How do you effectively collaborate with difficult patients as a nurse practitioner? Nurses, nursing assistants and other healthcare professionals are all too familiar with the occasional grating individual who can be difficult to deal with. Yet when these individuals seek medical attention, it can prove to be challenging.
Despite your best efforts, there may come a time when an unpleasant patient becomes overwhelming. How do you navigate this tricky situation where everyone’s needs must be met despite differing personalities?
Let’s run through a few tips and tricks.
Establish Mutual Trust And Respect
As a nurse practitioner, it’s imperative that you do your best to establish a mutually respectful relationship.
Begin by being understanding and compassionate. Treating a patient with empathy and respect can go a long way in helping to build trust. Make sure to listen closely and take their concerns seriously. Acknowledge their feelings and ask questions to better understand the situation. This can help to create an atmosphere of understanding and provide a sense of comfort.
Understand That the Patient May Have a Reason for Being Difficult
Patients may be difficult for a variety of reasons, such as fear, stress, or pain. Acknowledge this and do your best to be understanding. Offer reassurance and work to create an environment of safety, trust, and acceptance.
Be Patient and Allow the Patient to Vent
When faced with a difficult patient, it can be helpful to take a step back and allow them to express their feelings. Offer a listening ear and be patient. This can help to diffuse the situation and create a more positive atmosphere.
Focus on Communication
Whenever possible, try to focus on communication with the patient. Use clear language and speak slowly. Be aware of body language and facial expressions, as these can help to create a better understanding between the patient and provider.
Empathize With The Patient’s Frustrations
Whenever a patient is experiencing an upsetting situation, the nurse practitioner must empathize with their predicament. Don’t be oblivious to their emotions or difficulties – instead acknowledge them!
On occasion, it’s difficult for patients to communicate with you about their health concerns. This can make collaborating with them on treatment alternatives as well as reaching a consensus that much more challenging. However, by establishing an understanding of what makes your clients tick – even within their frustrations – it can ultimately create a stronger bond between physician and patient alike.
Remain Professional At All Times
Don’t forget that you are a healthcare professional. Avoid any inappropriate conversation with patients, and don’t respond to some of their more agressive remarks.
Maintain an appropriate tone while speaking with them. In addition, keep an eye out for signs that they may become frustrated; if they exhibit any signs of impatience or agitation remember that such behavior could potentially jeopardize the well-being of both parties. Navigate the situation slowly.
Collaborate On A Solution To The Problem
When dealing with difficult patients, it is important to involve them in the process of their healthcare solution. Involving patients in their care encourages them to take ownership of their healthcare and gives them a sense of autonomy. This can help to foster a sense of trust and respect between the patient and the healthcare provider, which can help to calm any potential tensions.
Moreover, involving a patient in their healthcare solution helps to promote better health outcomes. When patients are aware of the possible treatments and options, they are more likely to make informed decisions that best suit their needs. Likewise, involving a patient in their own healthcare plan can also help to ensure that any potential risks are taken into account.
Lastly, involving a patient in their healthcare solution can help to reduce the feeling of anxiety and stress that often accompanies medical treatment. When a patient is actively involved in their own care, they can better understand the potential consequences of their decisions. This knowledge can help to empower them and create a sense of confidence, which can help to reduce any feelings of helplessness or frustration.
Provide Step-By-Step Plans Of Action
Clear instructions on care can help a difficult patient better understand their role in their healing process and can help to reduce any feelings of anxiety or frustration they may be experiencing. When patients are aware of the potential treatments and options available to them, they are more likely to make informed decisions that best suit their needs.
Additionally, providing clear instructions on care can help to ensure that the patient is actively involved in their own care. As stated previously, this can help to empower the patient and make them feel more in control of their own health. Plans of action can help to eliminate any confusion or misunderstanding. By establishing clear expectations, both parties can better collaborate on the best possible treatment plan.
Remain Calm
If you find yourself dealing with a patient who just isn’t getting along with doctors or healthcare providers, there is no need to panic. If you remain calm and composed throughout the encounter, you’ll be able to facilitate a more pleasant experience for both parties.
Take a deep breath and relax. Even if your patient seems consternated by your presence or frustrated at their circumstances, that shouldn’t put you on edge. Rather than react in an unprofessional manner, simply maintain an air of composure so that everyone can remain comfortable during this experience.
Although difficult patients can be a trial to your patience, they don’t have to ruin your day. You can maintain composure so that you remain professional and put an end to conflicts whenever they arise.
