Professionalism Issues/Questions

Nursing Students NP Students

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Hi Folks,

So previously before I decided to pursue the NP route, I worked as an EMT while i studied. However, I've found the transition from "blue collar" field work to working in the office a bit challenging. I'm still doing clinical, but patients have complained to my preceptor or noted that I'm very rough on them with my physical exam or am rude or disrespectful. I'm also a male, so i'm not sure if that has anything to do with it when I introduce myself as a Nurse practitioner (student)

Hoping for some concrete advice on how to be a better clinician.

Specializes in ACNP-BC, Adult Critical Care, Cardiology.

Are you serious? way to sell our gender short. There are plenty of male NP's who came from an EMT background and yet are never accused of being rough during physical exam or rude and disrespectful. My advice? you may have to do some remediation in a physical exam lab setting and do a number of supervised patient exams or even some role playing with "pretend" patients. That's the only way you can have direct feedback on what you're doing wrong.

Specializes in Hospitalist Medicine.

Get someone to agree to be a "patient" and then make a video of your assessment. That's the best way to see your demeanor and how you interact. Seeing yourself on video can really be eye opening. I never knew I tended to put my hands in and out of my pockets (which makes me look nervous) or put my hands on my hips (which can come across as "bossy" body language). Now that I've seen this, I am more conscientious about my body language.

Sorry to hear that. Maybe its all in your demeanor? I mean, some patients may think you are too loud and "overly friendly" (which helps to calm people down during an emergency when you were an EMT, but may translate as intimidating and unprofessional in a small office exam room. I'm just speculating. I agree with the other post, like do some role-playing or do an exam on a colleague and get some feedback. I agree with the other post that by the time pts reach us, they could have been waiting a while so they are watching every single hand gesture and hear every inflection of our voice, and feel every slight touch of our hands. During clinical, I remember a "live" patient/model asking why someone's hand was laying on her thigh when it was unnecessary (during my classmate's exam). I know its tough, but make this a learning opportunity to improve upon your exam and bedside skills. Good luck.

It might. Had a similar situation myself. Ex-military?

Specializes in HIV.

I could see how a previous EMT would be "rough" with patients. Many of the patients they see are at death's door and gentleness isn't needed? As a NP, you are a healthcare provider and a professional. Patients expect you to be concise but pleasant. You can't just go reaching into someone's clothes without letting them know about what you're going to do, assessment wise.

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