What to do with a crying patient

MarySunshine · Jun 20, 2008

I usually say something like "Oh, Mrs. so-and-so, I'm so sorry." And I get them some ice water or juice and a cold washcloth/kleenexes and I sit down and ask if they want to talk about it or be left alone for a little while.

suanna · Jun 20, 2008

Night time is a lonely depressing time for patients suffering from pain and illness. Many of our patients feel the isolation and fear most acutely at night with visiting hours over and no distraction of tests, meals, doctors, road trips... If I can, I try to offer empathy "I've been a patient and I know it's tough being in the hospital when you would rather be home" and at least a bit of concern "is there anything I can get you that would make tonight easier for you?...". Distraction sometimes helps " I've got 4 grandaughters, they think thier grandpa is is the next best thing to sliced bread- I'd love to hear about yours!" More often than not , your patient may just need to cry-that's OK. I cry too when I'm sad and I don't like anyone telling me I shouldn't. Keep in mind, they aren't just patients but people with joys and sadnesses just like you. What would you say to your neighbor if you say her crying on her front porch? Empathy isn't a drug or treatment you were taught about in school but it's something you have from being human. Don't let the nurse part of you overshadow the compasionate person you are out of uniform and you'll do fine.

BlueRidgeHomeRN · Jun 20, 2008

sometimes words are not needed. sitting quietly, hand-holding, and tissue provision with soothing..."um-hmm's"...can be enough.:redpinkhe

leslie :-D · Jun 20, 2008

Night time is a lonely depressing time for patients suffering from pain and illness. Many of our patients feel the isolation and fear most acutely at night with visiting hours over and no distraction of tests, meals, doctors, road trips... If I can, I try to offer empathy "I've been a patient and I know it's tough being in the hospital when you would rather be home" and at least a bit of concern "is there anything I can get you that would make tonight easier for you?...". Distraction sometimes helps " I've got 4 grandaughters, they think thier grandpa is is the next best thing to sliced bread- I'd love to hear about yours!" More often than not , your patient may just need to cry-that's OK. I cry too when I'm sad and I don't like anyone telling me I shouldn't. Keep in mind, they aren't just patients but people with joys and sadnesses just like you. What would you say to your neighbor if you say her crying on her front porch? Empathy isn't a drug or treatment you were taught about in school but it's something you have from being human. Don't let the nurse part of you overshadow the compasionate person you are out of uniform and you'll do fine.

awesome response.

forget the nurse in you:

let the human take over and reach out.

every pt is different.

some will want their hand held and to just talk.

others will welcome being distracted.

some will be fine w/a sleeping pill or even a snack.

often these bouts are r/t sleep deprivation or pain.

we need to find out the whats/whys before we can implement the hows.

once they've calmed down, they still appreciate the nurse checking in on them once in a while.

don't be afraid to show them your concern.

it will get easier w/experience.

leslie

it's all about (quickly) getting to the root of their angst

pagandeva2000, LPN · Jun 21, 2008

Oh, that is hard! Sometimes, the patient just needs presence. Maybe you can do paperwork while sitting with them, if you can, and they just want someone near them, but don't want to speak. Listening, allow them a chance to voice their concerns, etc. Night time is a fearful time...many think that they are going to die and are afraid to sleep, because they fear they will not wake up. Maybe if they have a radio and can play it softly, or headphones, if allowed. Many times, they just want to hear some form of life happening around them. You'll get better at it.

chapril · Jun 22, 2008

After 12 weeks of orientation I am finally on my own- just finishing up my second week on my own actually. .......!
I know there are no "magic words" you can say to make things "all better" but are there any kind words you have found to help in such a situation?

Thank you for your question, hope you found the answers as helpful and insightful as I did.

May I ask where in the world you were given 12 weeks of orientation? So far, I have found facilities that provide only 8 weeks at most, and 3 workdays at least to new RNs.

Thanks much.