Cognitive Deficit Behaviors Vs. Willful Behaviors

[bluegeegoo2, LPN]

I have been doing some soul-searching as to why a particular resident grates my nerves so. My conclusion is this: She seems willful in her many, many behaviors through shift. I say "seems" because she lacks a Dx of any cognitive dysfunction and her behaviors appear calculated and timed and are very attention seeking. No amount of time spent with her is enough. She always wants more. We do not have the resources to staff her 1:1.

She is younger as well, (

I can generally deal with those that have cognitive Dx's with behaviors. I understand that they can not help what they say/do at times. It's the willful behaviors that get to me so much. She has psych services on board, as well as very active and frequent social services and family involvement, but she's obviously not going to change any time soon so I am the one who needs redirection. Any tips or advice would be greatly appreciated.

(I would include her PDX but d/t it's infrequency, would likely violate HIPAA)

[caliotter3]

Can not offer any advice, just saying that I had a young client that I had this problem with. I noted the degree of cognition to be way above what everyone seemed to be claiming, in order to excuse willful, physical harmful behavior. If the individual is not gouging pieces of your skin and drawing blood, I guess it does not matter and the patient is free to do this because they have been given a "bye".

[ktwlpn, LPN]

Try sterile attention-everyone has to be on board with this, social services and the family as well. Residents like this will divide staff-look out for that ,too.