Assignment Part 1: As I work as a Nurse Extern at HCA South Tampa, I have seen a lot of rude and verbally abusive patients. One patient the last time I worked was very loud, throwing things and calling nurses nasty names. Women were primarily homeless and recovering from something or people who thought they were entitled. Many patients believe that you are not helping them or giving them what they need, and that is not the case, so they tend to take it out on the nurses even though we provide the best care to them. A way to maintain a therapeutic relationship is the skill of always listening attentively and always reassuring the patient no matter what. The way I communicate is to understand my patient and build trust. I like to get to know them as a person instead and have those conversations to make them feel comfortable. Many patients seem to like me because of how I asses situations and build a bond or trust, so they don't feel like were against them. I always look at it like if this were my family, how would I want them treated in. the hospital care?
Assignment Part 2: Being a nurse means dealing with all types of people, whether family members or patients. I've dealt with my fair share of unhappy people who treated me rudely. When this happens, I focus on remaining calm. I let them know that I am there for them. I've noticed sometimes when people are agitated, it's because they feel their concerns have not been addressed properly. For example, I've entered a room to give medication to a new patient and found them agitated. By using active listening, I attempt to find out why they're upset. Once I know, I assure them that I will help however I can address the problem. By using a calm, therapeutic approach, I can at least convey the message that I want to help. I have found this approach typically calms them and builds trust and respect. I then follow through with anything I may tell them I will do. If this approach fails, I remain professional. I provide the needed care as I would other patients. However, I may provide more therapeutic silence. Sometimes if I say more, it leads to more negativity from them, and I choose to remain positive. Individuals require different forms of communication, and as nurses, we should learn to recognize the best way to redirect an angry client while diffusing the situation. It is essential to maintain professionalism even if a client has been rude or offensive toward us. Often, they are confused and do not even realize they are being offensive or rude. Regardless of rudeness, we must remember we are professionals, and it is our place to help people who are often at their worst when we see them.
For each discussion, describe new knowledge gained regarding therapeutic communication and describe how this new knowledge will impact your nursing practice.