How does dealing with difficult patient helps you grow as a nurse?

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How does dealing with difficult patient helps you grow as a nurse? I have been dealing with may difficult family members recently and I am very burn out because of this. Family asking for pain meds constantly, going to other patient room just to look for me, constant complain.

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Specializes in Medical-Surgical/Float Pool/Stepdown.

What doesn't kill you only makes you stronger...

Dealing with difficult patients and families can make you a better nurse by giving you repetitive social interactions on learning how to be more professional with continuing to provide boundaries and education.

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Specializes in CMSRN, hospice.

Interesting question. I suppose it gives you a buttload of patience, and also teaches you to set good boundaries when needed. Communication skills. And yes, how to keep yourself from burning out.

I guess it can be helpful to think of these things as opportunities for growth, but sometimes I just have to remind myself that it's not about me. Not every situation is here to change me, and not every situation will be changed by me. I will site up every day, do my best for each patient, and not kick myself for not being able to make everyone happy.

Make sure you spend some of your time off doing things that give you peace and energy. Don't let anyone's negativity steal any precious time from your life!

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