Shocking Truth About Difficult Patients and Their Families

 

Working as a unit secretary in a hospital can be challenging. One of the biggest challenges is dealing with difficult patients and their families. While many patients and families are grateful and easy to work with, others can sometimes be incredibly demanding and aggressive. 

As a unit secretary, it's important to remember that these difficult behaviors aren't necessarily personal. Patients and families may be stressed and anxious due to their medical situations, leading to challenging interactions. 

Nonetheless, it's crucial to maintain a professional and compassionate approach when dealing with these situations. By staying calm, communicating clearly and empathetically, and seeking help from supervisors when necessary, unit secretaries can navigate the challenges of difficult patients and their families with grace and integrity.

How to Take Care of People Who Come to the Nursing Station (Video)

People will approach you at the nursing station every day. Below are things that you should do to assist them.  

• Make eye contact with the person and smile. 
• Ask what brought them to a nursing station, listen carefully while they talk about their concerns or problems, and offer to help if you can. Be mindful of how you are interacting so far - do not interrupt. 
• Escort them to a location if you know the directions are confusing. You know the hospital's layout better than they do, and walking them to another unit or the correct department is the right thing to do.  
• If you can assist them in getting a book, phone charger, or a clean blanket or towels, 
• If you can, follow up to see if they need anything else. 

Abandoned Patients in the Hospital (Video)

Learn about the plight of hospital patients who are abandoned. Discover how healthcare providers can offer support and improve their well-being.
 

Visitors and the Unit Secretary (Video)

All unit Secretaries will have to deal with visitors. We are the first people they encounter.

And there are some scenarios that, from time to time, we usually must deal with.

1. A lot of visitors all at once.

2. Visitors wanting to stay overnight.

3. Kicking visitors out/off the unit.