Nursing involves the provision of healthcare services to patients in the hospital. The primary aim is to provide quality services aimed at client satisfaction. However, there are times when nurses encounter agitated and verbally or physically aggressive patients who need medical attention. The client may be psychotic, but the nurse must, in each case, remain in control of their own feelings and intervene most appropriately. This can be illustrated better if healthcare professionals develop essential skills and attitudes that help them cope with these situations.
In my career profession, I have encountered many challenges in the course of dealing with patients. I experienced this particular event when I was presented with an abusive patient. He had experienced some marital issues, which led to his divorce from her wife, who later left children under her care. Since they were too young, he could not manage single parenting, which made him stressed. With time, he developed depression, making him so aggressive. He generally developed a negative attitude towards women and could rarely positively interact with them. When he saw me, the imagination of her wife flashed in his mind, and he began to abuse me. As a nurse, I understood the victim’s situation and responded in a polite manner that could eliminate possible disagreements.
Some skills are essential to healthcare personnel to maintain a caring, therapeutic, and professional relationship. They include understanding verbal and non-verbal communication cues, active listening, maintaining eye contact, and keeping professional boundaries (Kleib et al., 2021). Culture differs from one society to another, which may lead to misinterpretation of some communication signs. Therefore, to avoid conflicts with other people, the nurse must know the meaning of these cues. Since I had a better understanding of the norms of the surrounding culture, I was able to communicate in a positive manner to avoid creating conflicts.
Face-to-face interactions with patients call for the maintenance of eye contact. The client becomes confident and gives a detailed explanation of their health status, corresponding to the required treatment plan. Respecting professional boundaries involves self-respect for patients. Some issues are confidential, and a nurse should not force the clients to open up if they are unwilling. Further, healthcare professionals must guarantee the safety of the sick by ensuring they do not receive any physical or emotional abuse.
To prescribe a better treatment plan for this patient, I had to develop a better way to communicate with him. At first, I had to compose myself so the patient did not get anxious because of my reaction. I then advised him on some practices which could lead to healthy lifestyles and avoiding exposing himself to risky situations. He then became free and shared with me more about his life experiences.
This experience taught me the importance of good communication while dealing with the sick. When faced with arguments from clients, one should not respond as this can worsen the situation leading to complex problems. Essential skills such as maintaining eye contact with the patients improve the treatment process as they develop confidence and reveal some secrets about themselves. Culture is another aspect that must be taken into consideration to preserve norms. Some individuals in society hold some beliefs which are not beneficial. However, nurses should play a role in educating the public on the importance of seeking medications when sick.
Reference
Kleib, M., Jackman, D., & Duarte-Wisnesky, U. (2021). Inter-professional simulation to promote teamwork and communication between nursing and respiratory therapy students: A mixed-method research study. Nurse Education Today, 99, 10-48. Web.