difficult patients

[dlrrn2010]

I'm a fairly new nurse who has encountered a difficult patient. She has a bipolar diagnosis but is in my facility for rehab. She is in pain from RA with contractures. She questions all actions of the nurses and stna's. I'm opening this up to get suggestions on how to deal with this type of patient!

[Davey Do]

You know, dlrrn, your post has really got me to thinking. There are so many times when Patients with Mental Illness or Personality Disorders or just PIA Patients try our souls. I neglected to mention one action that has a tendency to decrease the tension: Common Ground.

If we can find a common ground, or some other way to identify, relate, or even have some sort of positive bond with a Patient it can greatly enhance the therapeutic relationship.

Personally, I've found that if I can laugh with a Patient over some trviality, that comaraderie greatly decreases stress, making life easier for everyone involved.

Just more I wanted to throw in. Thanks.

Dave