New Grad need help with breaking away from patients

[Jaclyn.ready]

I'm a new grad at a nursing home. In my spare time, I'm also a hospice volunteer, which I did through nursing school. While Hospice offered me a chance to learn lots and really learn how to develop great repose with my patient's... I take care of 22 patients now.

My issue is how do I break away from patients who want to talk. I'm a social person and I know "you'll have time after your work is done." But, I'm talking in the moment. In particular there's one man who's a bit grumpy and hard to handle (he's hard of hearing which compounds the issue) but I've actually just developed a good working relationship with him... but I'm coming off orientation and I need to be able to get my work done... and of course leave him safe... but how do I get "away" from him when he still needs help?

Typically the help he needs is minor things, but, most of my med time for other patients is maybe 5-10 minutes to pull meds, give them and get out. I can take 30 min or even more with him! I don't have that time... but I feel guilty for leaving him in bed when he still needs help (usually things like get me this/that, turn on/off this/that... etc). His temperament has left some of the staff to avoid him. He's not someone I have to worry about with safety... so um... help please?

[lovenotwar14]

This is just my opinion, I say since its just one patient you should spend a few extra minutes with him during med pass then explain to him that you have other things to do but you will check on him periodically during the day..

Also give his new caretaker a few pointers on how to best deal with him.

I am sure he appreciates you even if doesn't act like it. People like that push people away because they don't feel like they are worthy of anyone's love.

Dont feel guilty because you have a job to do.

[LaMeshaMiller]

I get this all the time, and they are adults , be truthful. Say you would like to stay and talk but you have some work to do and when you get a chance you would be more then happy to sit and talk with them. I have become more organized so that I do have time for my residents throughout the day. Try it and let me know how it works.

[Pangea Reunited, ASN, RN]

I say something like, "Everybody has medication due right now that I've got to get out, but I'll come back after that's done and help you with everything else." Then, I make it a point to follow through. It seems to go over well most of the time.

[Helori]

When I have a pt that talks a lot and takes a little more time I usually save them for last. I know you're probably always busy and have something that you need to do but if you do his meds last at least you know that somebody else isn't waiting on their meds.