Manipulative/ Monopolizing Patients

mysticalwaters1 · Mar 29, 2005

Does anyone have any tips on how to deal effectively with patients that are manipulative and/or monopolize your time? Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated!

I try to go in the pt's room only when i need to and not any extra. Basically meds and pop my head on every 2 hours (that's med surg floor). I find if you totally ignore them an issue may arise to ultimitely get your undivided attention but if you go in way too much or cater to them you can't get out and it makes it worse. Sometimes if it's really bad I may ask another nurse to maybe hand out a med. Usually if there's a different nurse than the main when leverage is lost for that time so one person can get something done in and out rather than yourself the pt may put out some more stuff for you.

delta32 · Mar 29, 2005

I see to my other patients first and do there stuff then i will goto that patients room. That way they don't ruin the flow of the night .

Jamie

mysticalwaters1 · Mar 30, 2005

I see to my other patients first and do there stuff then i will goto that patients room. That way they don't ruin the flow of the night .
Jamie

I do that too great idea it prevents that manipulative one preocuping your time before you get to see everyone else.

helpinghands, BSN, RN · Mar 30, 2005

Thanks for the comments! I also really like delta32 suggestion. I have struggled with this since first semester and am struggling even more with it during my preceptorship. I keep looking to see if sucker is stamped acrossed my forehead! I find it very difficult to balance being empathetic and caring while setting limits with my patients! I sure hope it gets easier with experience. Please keep the suggestions coming, I need all the help I can get.

live4today, RN · Mar 30, 2005

Does anyone have any tips on how to deal effectively with patients that are manipulative and/or monopolize your time? Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated!

From my patient care experiences since 2003 when I returned to the field of hospital nursing, I notice hospitals give their stamp of approval for patients to manipulate and monopolize the nurses time, and if the nurse doesn't dance to the tune of the patients wants and more wants, you are called on the carpet for not being able to master the art of catering like a servant to your patients...........and Lord, let's not forget the visitors who do the same thing to the nurses time. :rolleyes: Good luck with the challenge of whipping this issue into line. And that's my :twocents: (2 cents). :wink2:

Put on your rollerblades, keep the Red Bull loaded in your system, and learn the art of saying "Whatever you want ma'am or sir.........." :lol2:

warrior woman · Mar 30, 2005

So Right Renee'. And not just in hospital nursing either. LTC is guilty of the same damn thing.