How do you deal with inappropriate patients?
- Remain Calm. When dealing with trying patients, the best approach is to remain calm.
- Engage in Conversation. Try to draw out the patient's feelings by engaging in conversation.
- Be Empathetic.
- Avoid Arguing.
- Set Boundaries.
- Shake it Off.
- Difficult Patients are Part of Nursing.
What should I do if my patient is behaving inappropriately?
If you have reason to suspect beforehand that your patient may behave inappropriately, always try to involve another health clinician. A male doctor/nurse, for example, should always try to avoid seeing a female patient by themselves if there is any possibility of inappropriate behaviour or examination of private body parts.
What to do if a patient makes inappropriate comments to nurses?
“While working in a hospital, the first step is for the nurse to address the behavior. The nurse should tell—not ask—the patient to refrain from the inappropriate comments or actions and to stop immediately. The nurse should then report the behavior to his/her manager so that the leader can be aware.
What should you do if a patient is being rude?
Always remember that becoming angry with the patient is most likely going to make the situation worse. Behave as professionally as you can, avoid engaging with socially inappropriate comments made by the patient, and as with all patients, focus on doing your job and provide thorough explanations for the medical condition or situation at hand.
How do you deal with aggressive patients in the workplace?
Bring along a female co-worker as a chaperone/witness. And if you are worried that your patient may be aggressive or dangerous in some way, bring another co-worker in with you, or let them know that you will be seeing the patient, and in which room, so that they can keep an eye on the situation.
What do you say to an inappropriate patient?
Explicitly state that the patient's request is inappropriate. For example, it might be poor medical care, illegal, dishonest, or against policy. Couple this statement with a brief explanation but avoid lengthy explanations, which often create room for debate.
How do you set boundaries with difficult patients?
Set boundariesInstruct the patient to come to the office only for scheduled follow-up visits and to call only during office hours or in an emergency.Be upfront about the time allowed for each appointment and ask the patient to help focus the discussion according to his or her main concerns.More items...•
How do you document inappropriate patient behavior?
In the patient's medical record, document exactly what you saw and heard. Start with the date and time the incident occurred, the location, and who was present. Describe the patient's violent behavior and record exactly what you and the patient said in quotes.
What do you do if a patient is inappropriate?
How to respond to inappropriate patient requestsF: Recognize any uncomfortable feelings that stem from the patient's request. ... A: Analyze why the patient's request makes you feel uncomfortable. ... V: View the patient in the best possible light. ... E: Explicitly state why the request is inappropriate. ... R: Reestablish rapport.
How do you set boundaries with rude patients?
Tips for handling difficult patientsStay calm: Just knowing that the aggressive behavior is not because of you is the way to go. ... Be empathetic: One of the most effective ways to calm an angry patient is by being empathetic. ... Initiate a conversation: Try to engage the patient in a conversation.More items...•
How do you handle difficult patients or family members?
LISTEN. When someone is concerned or upset the best thing you can do is to listen to them. ... ASK QUESTIONS. Once you've listened to what they have to say, go a step further and ask questions. ... SET BOUNDARIES. ... KNOW YOUR LIMITS.
How do you deal with rude medical staff?
Addressing Complaints of Rude Medical Practice StaffHere is a five-step approach to help you resolve this issue:Express gratitude for being notified. ... Take the blinders off. ... Find out more. ... Compile factual information. ... Invite your receptionist to meet with you.
How do you handle a verbally abusive patient?
Here are a few tips to help you manage verbally abusive patients.Be Polite but Firm. When a patient has recurrent abusive behaviors or makes inappropriate comments, address the issue as soon as it occurs. ... Walk Away. ... Question the Reason Behind the Behavior. ... Call Security.
How do you say no to a difficult patient?
How to Say No to Unreasonable Patient RequestsSaying no to unreasonable patient requests:Just say no Don't be vague. If you are not going to give in to something a patient is asking, say so. ... Explain why you are saying no. To just refuse a request without explanation is rather cruel. ... Offer alternatives.
How do I tell a patient no?
Medscape: 10 ways to tell patients 'no'Explain why. Patients can get frustrated if they don't understand doctors' decisions. ... Get to the root of the request. ... Offer alternatives. ... Engage. ... Be positive. ... Utilize clinical staff. ... Be empathetic. ... Read your patient.More items...•
How do nurses deal with difficult patients?
Follow the 7 tips outlined below to handle even the most exasperating patients with empathy and professionalism.Don't Get Defensive. ... Watch Your Body Language. ... Let Them Tell Their Story and Listen Quietly. ... Acknowledge the Situation. ... Set Boundaries. ... Administer Patient Satisfaction Surveys. ... Be Proactive.
What does Cowan do after addressing inappropriate behavior?
After addressing inappropriate behavior, Cowan circles back to most patients to find out why interactions went awry.
Why is role modeling important for physicians?
Rolemodeling is essential for physician leaders to effectively train care teams to address disrespectful patients.
Who wrote about disrespectful behavior?
Cowan wrote about calling out disrespectful behavior this month in JAMA Internal Medicine.
Do follow up conversations have a positive result?
Most of these follow-up conversations generate a positive result, but some don't, she says. "Sometimes, I end up reinforcing that we have to be respectful to each other."
How to handle a patient who is suggestive?
The best approach is behavioral. When providing direct care, use two or more staff members—one to hold his hands and engage him, the other to deliver care. Organize supplies beforehand, so caregivers can get in and get out without disruption. When possible, use male staff. If it is noted that there is a particular staff person with whom John does not engage in this behavior, use that person when providing care. If the patient continues to be suggestive or grabby, inform him that his behavior is inappropriate, excuse yourself, and tell him you will resume assisting him when he is in control and can be respectful. If possible, enlist aid from families. Patients are less likely to engage in objectionable behaviors when a family member is present.
How do nurses respond to patients?
Nurses respond to these behaviors in many ways. Some stoically go ahead with their tasks, excusing the patient’s behavior because of his or her illness. Other nurses may feel devalued and suffer emotional trauma, in which case they should receive support and counseling as they deliver care under difficult circumstances. Nursing homes are often reluctant to prosecute patients for these behaviors, and courts are unwilling to get involved when dementia or certain mental illnesses are involved. However, a competent patient without major mental illness who inappropriately touches nurses should be referred to law enforcement. Behaviors that are criminal in the community are also criminal in health care settings when the perpetrator understands, plans, and carries out such actions.
What does it mean when a patient makes a suggestive comment?
Patients who make suggestive comments often feel they are joking or complimenting the staff person in some way, rather than being disrespectful . In addition, transference can occur, where patients develop positive feelings of attraction toward their caregivers.
What is inappropriate sexual behavior?
In this context, sexually inappropriate behavior includes suggestive comments, public masturbation, and unnecessary self-exposure or touching of staff members who provide close-up care. Such behavior, which also includes unwanted or inappropriate touching between patients, is a common problem in nursing homes. It is estimated that up to 15 percent of patients in long-term care settings may engage in some sort of inappropriate sexual behavior (Boughton, 2009), and it can be difficult to manage.
Do nursing homes have objectionable behavior?
Patients are less likely to engage in objectionable behaviors when a family member is present. In many nursing homes, staff members and patients can become quite friendly, and “joking around” may occur.
Can nursing homes prosecute patients?
Nursing homes are often reluctant to prosecute patients for these behaviors, and courts are unwilling to get involved when dementia or certain mental illnesses are involved. However, a competent patient without major mental illness who inappropriately touches nurses should be referred to law enforcement.
What happens if a patient uses derogatory language?
If a patient “uses derogatory language or acts in a prejudicial manner only” and refuses to “modify the conduct,” the Code says, then “physician should arrange to transfer the patient’s care.”
What does the Code of Medical Ethics say about trust?
“Trust can be established and maintained only when there is mutual respect.”. The Code says that in their interactions with patients, ...
What is the code of ethics for physicians?
The Code says that in their interactions with patients, physicians should: Recognize that derogatory or disrespectful language or conduct can cause psychological harm to those they target. Always treat their patients with compassion and respect.
Can a physician in training turn to science for help?
It’s a clinical curveball, though in this case a physician in training can’t turn to science for help.
Do patients have provocations?
Patient provocations are bound to happen from time to time, but professionalism is always the expectation for physicians.
Naming the behavior
Many of the patients and clients you work with are likely to have a trauma history, or symptoms of ADHD, anxiety, or learning disabilities. They may also have some form of developmental disability, undiagnosed or misdiagnosed from childhood. Mood, psychotic, or substance use disorders may also be present.
Pointing out the inappropriateness
Naming the behavior sets the stage to point out its inappropriateness. Some patients and clients may have difficulty naming the behavior, and others may not be fully aware of its inappropriateness.
Addressing it
You have named the behavior, pointed out its inappropriateness, and you have explored it. It is now time to take the next step – addressing it.
Taking actions
Maria had already been too traumatized to continue working with Ken. It was too late and the situation had already deteriorated.
What to do if a patient is making you uncomfortable?
If a patient’s behavior…is making you uncomfortable or causing you to feel unsafe, leave the situation immediately. Your personal safety and well-being are the most important. Federal laws on sexual harassment apply regardless of whether the harassment is taking place at a hospital or a doctor’s office.”.
How to tell if a nurse is inappropriate?
According to Trista Long, RN, DNP, MBA, ON-C, a nurse manager for an inpatient med/surg unit with Blessing Health System, it is easy, most times, for nurses to differentiate between behavior that is appropriate or inappropriate. “The first sign of inappropriate behavior is when patient’s actions or conversation makes the nurse uncomfortable. Patients who are making inappropriate comments will first ‘test the waters’ by making inappropriate jokes or mild comments to gauge the nurse’s response. If the nurse dismisses the comment, the patient will likely continue with the inappropriate conversation or actions.”
What is the goal of the American Nurses Association?
The American Nurses Association has challenged nursing professionals to end sexual harassment in the workplace by adopting a zero-tolerance policy. “Much has been written lately about the importance of nurses engaging in self-care.
What did Celia tell the patient?
She told the patient that he was so far out of line. He was shocked that she was so rattled and tried to justify it by saying that it was a compliment. Celia left his room immediately.
Is sexual harassment wrong in nursing?
No matter the gender of the nurse who experiences it, sexual harassment is wrong. That said, how do you decide if what a patient is doing or saying is sexual harassment?
Can a nurse help a patient into bed?
Probably not. But if a nurse is helping a patient into bed, that patient may need assistance stabilizing himself/herself and may rest his or her hand on the nurse in a way that would otherwise not be necessary.”. She adds, “Sexual harassment is basically a step down from sexual assault.
Is it acceptable to be harassed by anyone at any time?
Long says that harassment, whether physical or verbal, has been perceived in health care as “part of the job.” But it’s not and never should be seen as such. “It is never acceptable to be harassed by anyone at any time. Nurses are an integral part of the health care team and should command the same respect as every other profession,” says Long. “Unfortunately, nurses have been depicted in a sexual manner for ages and that has demeaned the profession. Being a nurse does not negate my rights as a human being to not be verbally or physically assaulted.”
