I work home health as one of my jobs and I have a client who has a brain injury from asphyxiation. He can hold conversations, he has ok memory. He's also a quad and requires everything done for him. The problem is that sometimes something small can set him off and he will call me everything in the book. "Wh***, Sl**, B****, Stupid, Suck my D***!, Cu**) These are all the colorful words he chooses. He'll then ask me to do something for him right after it I walk away. He'll ask for water, or something like scratching his head, and for a second it feels a little demeaning. I've been in health care for 8 years. A nurse for a year and a half and usually in a situation where I can walk away for a few minutes. I normally dont take these things personally, especially from patients who literally have psych issues, it doesn't get to me. But with someone who still is kinda with it and can hold conversations and a good amount of time is sweet. I notice I take it personal and get upset. I'll tell him " Its not necessary to talk to me that way, I'm just trying to help you" he then explodes even more. It's frustrating and I'm understanding why it's so difficult for this family to keep nurses. I would love advice on how you guys handle these situations. I'm wondering if I should give up this case for my own sanity. Am I being insensitive to his explosions?
