A personality overhaul

[brookie92207]

I am a new nurse (6 months) and am really having problems dealing with patients and their families. I have had a few complaints. Anyways, my boss feels it is my body language that turns people off. I am almost 31 so this is nothing new but I really want to do something about it. I work too hard to have it ruined by complaints. I try to be more conscience and smile more. I use the "how would I want my family to be treated" when I start to feel frustated and that brings me back. Everyone I work with tells me I am doing a great job and not to worry about it but I am starting to worry. I now wonder if I could be in danger of being fired over this. Anyone, especially seasoned nurses have any suggestions??? I am truly devasted and can't imagine going to work tomm after my day off today. (Im a med surg nurse, btw)

[Bortaz, MSN, RN]

I couldn't agree more. (They've done studies on this) Whenever you need to see your patient, whether it's explain a new med, or assessing their pain after medicating them, or perhaps just tying up loose ends so you can finish your shift - sit down and talk with the patient.

"Hi Mrs. Jones, is your HA improving? yes, good, what number on the 0-10 scale is it now? 9 down to 4 - great we've made progress. I'm getting ready to go home, so I'm going to meet with your night nurse to give report before I do. Get a good nights rest, I'll see you tomorrow!

Say the above paragraph out loud. It takes me approximately 15 seconds. If you sit down and say it, the patient will perceive it taking twice as long! Not only that, sitting gives the impression that you care and have time for them.

It really does work. I sit nearly every time I'm in the patient room, even giving their meds (You know, the one's with 10 pills that can only take one at a time) It's a break for me and it makes the patient happy - win/win situation.

Try it

Blessings

I couldn't agree more. I can't count the number of times I've had my classmates or instructors scold/question me for sitting down and talking to my patients, especially when I'm about to do a procedure or assessment.

I've tried and tried to explain to them that sitting down doesn't equal goofing off. It puts the patient at ease, and I'm still able to assess them while I'm chatting with them. And, it's not like I'm sitting there for hours on end.

Anyway. They keep questioning me (and complaining about non-compliant patients), and I keep explaining (and sitting there chatting with my compliant, happy patients).

[Virgo_RN, BSN, RN]

I couldn't agree more. I can't count the number of times I've had my classmates or instructors scold/question me for sitting down and talking to my patients, especially when I'm about to do a procedure or assessment.

Really? It was one of my instructors that taught us this.:redbeathe

[Bortaz, MSN, RN]

Really? It was one of my instructors that taught us this.:redbeathe

Yeah, it just seemed like common sense to me. And common courtesy.