How to Deal with Angry Patients?

 As a nurse, it can be pretty challenging when your patient takes out their anger on you. It is all the more difficult if you are suffering from something like a nurse burnout because then the anger inflicted on you by patients will seem more difficult to handle.

If you think that a patient is reaching boiling point then it is necessary to recognize any signs early on while also attempting to diffuse the situation at the earliest. In case you are sensing that a patient is getting agitated, there are some ways that can help in dealing with them.

Below, we will mention a couple of workable tips to deal with angry patients. Go through them to know more about handling angry patients.

1. Give Them Time: There are some times when a patient’s anger becomes a call for attention or support. Being around an angry patient is never easy but you have to understand that the patient needs time.

If you neglect the patient then you could increase your risk of liability. In case something goes wrong, you must also spend more time going over the plan of care with the patient and discussing progress and prognosis.

2. Be Empathetic: If a patient is suffering from a mental or a physical problem then tapping into empathy and understanding what the patient may be feeling can help you tailor an ideal response.

If a patient is suffering from a problem then they can overreact to minor things. If they are feeling anxious about something then you can attempt to figure out what is causing that outburst. This can be helpful if you are a charge nurse.

3. Be Calm: You must also resist any urge to get defensive or even raise your voice while speaking to your patient. However, if you think that things are going out of control then you can defend yourself against threats and intimidation.

Try to speak softly and allow your patient to complete what they are saying. You can continue treating your patient with respect and calmness so that they overcome their anger as soon as possible.

4. Interact Positively: Many angry patients are prone to losing steam but some of them could carry on for hours in case you allow them to. You should attempt to close the conversation by asking what the patient needs or how the patient wants to solve a problem.

Nursing education teaches nursing students to suggest options for what can be done to solve the patient’s complaint. Make sure that you summarize some steps so that the patient knows you are serious about addressing problems.

5. Acknowledge Their Feelings: Patients have a need to be heard and understood. You can stand shoulder to shoulder with someone who is upset and not confront them face to face.

Try to understand what ignited the anger of your patient so that you can recognize how they feel. As a charge nurse, you must let the patients know that you understand the reason for their feelings.

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Conclusion:

Angry patients are difficult to manage but their anger can be diffused and managed with finesse, experience, and knowledge. The more you work as a nurse, the easier it will become to manage the anger of your patients.