Considering that they have to deal with so many patients on a daily basis – many of whom are dealing with complex medical issues – it's not surprising that many people with travel nursing jobs are constantly on the lookout for better ways to deal with difficult or frustrated patients. All experienced travel nurses have their own favorite ways for handling these tough cases, but several particular methods are almost universally seen as successful strategies.
Read on for a few of the most popular techniques for handling difficult patients.
Acknowledge their point of view
One of the most common contributors to a patient's frustration is the feeling that he or she is not being heard. Even if your hands are tied in a specific regard – if you cannot increase their medication levels, for example – you should make a point of telling discontented patients that you understand their frustrations. This small step will show them that you are listening to their concerns and doing your best to address them.
Keep your calm
It is easy to feel defensive when you are dealing with a difficult patient, but giving into the desire to express your frustrations is likely to only make the situation worse. Instead, try to remain as calm as you can, as this can often help the patient take a deep breath and see things from a different perspective as well.
If it becomes especially difficult for you to remain cool and collected, don't be afraid to step back for a moment. In circumstances where you feel you run the risk of aggravating the situation instead of improving it, it can be helpful to simply ask a co-worker to stand in for you while you collect your thoughts.
Ask a supervisor for help
If this situation shows no signs of improving, it may be time to ask a supervisor for help. According to NurseTogether, bringing in a supervisor can help a travel nurse resolve the situation by either changing a patient assignment or simply providing an experienced perspective on the matter.
Of course, you should not rush to take this step. Learning how to handle difficult patients without calling in a supervisor can help you build your interpersonal and problem-solving skills.
Flex your empathy muscles
Ultimately, the most effective way to reliably handle difficult patients is to engage with them through empathy. As the Huffington Post points out, being a patient can be an exhausting and frustrating experience, so travel nurses who understand this and act accordingly have a much better chance of minimizing the effects of difficult patient interactions or avoiding them altogether.
Empathy is an important part of a travel nursing philosophy, so making it a priority can help you become a more effective and attentive travel nurse. Patients respond positively to nurses who exhibit signs of empathy, and finding ways to show them that you care about them and understand their circumstances will help you earn their trust.