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Urinals Fly, Boundaries Apply: Real Talk on Handling Difficult Patients
Manage episode 476246974 series 3621119
Conflict is inevitable in healthcare, but how you respond to it defines your nursing practice. In this raw conversation, Colby and Christopher tackle the challenging reality of patient aggression toward nurses – from verbal abuse and name-calling to physical threats and inappropriate touching.
Drawing from their combined experience, they share powerful stories that illuminate the daily challenges nurses face. Christopher recounts being called racial slurs by patients, while Colby describes an incident where a confused patient attempted to pull her into bed. These aren't isolated events but common occurrences that nurses traditionally accepted as "part of the job." The hosts challenge this outdated thinking, emphasizing that healthcare professionals have rights and deserve safety.
The conversation delves into practical conflict resolution strategies that maintain professionalism without sacrificing personal boundaries. Using Brené Brown's principle that "clear is kind," they discuss how direct communication with patients about inappropriate behavior often leads to better outcomes than avoidance. The hosts examine the critical thresholds that indicate when it's time to request reassignment: when your safety is threatened or when you cannot provide safe care due to your emotional response.
Two compelling spotlight cases illustrate these principles in action. In one, a patient with endocarditis refuses critical antibiotics while demanding only pain medications, escalating to verbally abusing staff. The hosts explain how documentation and proper protocols led to an "administrative discharge" – a rarely-used but important tool for healthcare facilities. In another case, a patient experiencing steroid-induced psychosis leaves the hospital without notice, later falsely claiming a nurse had threatened them.
Whether you're navigating difficult patients or workplace conflicts with colleagues, this episode provides essential guidance on maintaining your professionalism, knowing your rights, and protecting your wellbeing in challenging situations. Subscribe to continue learning how to thrive in nursing's most challenging moments.
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Chapters
1. Introduction to Nursing Life 101 (00:00:00)
2. The Reality of Patient Aggression (00:01:15)
3. Setting Professional Boundaries with Patients (00:06:42)
4. Situational Awareness of Violent Events (00:11:42)
5. Spotlight Case: The Combative Patient (00:19:23)
6. Handling Conflicts with Coworkers (00:36:16)
7. Documentation and Resources for Help (00:46:50)
8. Conclusion and Key Takeaways (01:09:10)
10 episodes
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