How do you deal?

Simplepleasures · Feb 26, 2008

Whoa, thats a hard one. We need to have certain amount of emotional attachment, thats called compassion, but we also need to draw a line and be effectual as nurses. As for getting others to treat the pt. and pts. family with respect, we can only set a good example, some will follow it, some wont. Some health care workers are just not suited to be in this profession.

pagandeva2000, LPN · Feb 26, 2008

It is hard, I assume. What I do is to try my best and give the care that is ordered, report variences for further instruction and then, pray for the best. Being too emotionally attached will not allow me to have a life of my own that is free of concerns related to work. I feel that we work to live, not live to work. It has taken me some serious time to try and seperate the two when I first became a nurse in the summer of 2006. I tried to be sure that I knew everything at the tip of my head and tongue. Now, I make sure that I have the basic resources that I need just in case I do not know...a PDA that contains a drug guide, diseases with nursing interventions and another nurse that is at least a phone call away. I keep fundamental things in mind and try to respond in the way that I would like to have done with myself and my loved ones. Some of the patients, I may strongly dislike...but I try to at least keep them safe and informed.

TheCommuter, BSN, RN · Feb 27, 2008

How do you help other nurses to treat pt's/the family with respect?

I'm sorry to say that you cannot do anything to make other nurses treat patients, family members, and visitors with respect. A respectful demeanor comes from within, and you cannot control the amount of respect that another nurse has for others. You can only control your personal situation and the level of respect bestowed upon your patients and family members.

Change comes from within. In other words, the other nurses must take the initiative to treat the patients and visitors with respect.

Dolce, RN · Feb 27, 2008

Ever since I lost my Grandpa to Alzheimer's disease last July I have a really hard time not becoming overly emotionally attached to elderly male patients with dementia. Sometimes I have a lump in my throat as I help them get ready for bed or care for them. Memories of my Grandpa are in the forefront of my mind as I care for this type of patient.

But, I think that there is a professional line that must not be crossed. We are to treat each patient with compassion and respect. We should not be visiting patients outside the hospital, we shouldn't be giving out our home phone number to them, we shouldn't over-share details of our lives with them. We are professionals and must act like professionals, regardless of our emotions.

I think that if we are unable to maintain a professional relationship with a patient then we should ask for a reassignment.

nyapa, RN · Feb 27, 2008

How does a nurse care for someone and not become emotionaly attached to that person?
I try to treat all my pt's the way that I would want to be treated. How do you help other nurses to treat pt's/the family with respect?

You have no control over how other staff members treat your patients. All you can do is share objective information.

Your own attitude is the only thing you can control. But nursing is about relationships. Whether you like it or not you will become attached to some, and clash with others. Its human nature. But you still must stand behind that professional line where possible. By the same token, be yourself, be natural. Its a fine line...

Just ensure that your care is congruent with that of other staff members, as some patients unfortunately can be manipulative.