I am new to this wonderful platform. I would like go have your feedback or advice about how to deal with patients’ threats.
In my almost two years of nursing experience, I didn't know how upset patients can get if their pain is not treated and care for appropriately in their own terms. But sometimes, I get patients who say things like ”I want IV push meds only”, ”the oral meds don't work on me, IVP meds work faster”, ”nurse, if you don give me IV pain meds, I am leaving! That's it! I can take better care of my pain at home”.
I always offer non-pharmceutical pain management first: ice or heating pads, elevation, etc, then pain medication. I also explain to my patients that I will Inform the provider about the pain not being well managed with the PRN Tylenol and I assure patients that my hands are tight about medication prescription and drug of choice for them. That I Have limitations withing my scope of practice and I am doing my best.
Most patients apologize, and state they understand me and feel sorry. I can empathize with people and trust my patients when they are in pain and ask many qusriin about their pain (hint; OLD CART).
But sometimes, It is not easy to deal with people who are demanding specific meds and medication routes.
How do you deal with these patients who threat to leave if I don give them the medication they want and get upset and sometimes nasty?
Background info: I work in a Med-Surg floor on evenings.
