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.

Blood Sugar Stabilizing Foods that Nurses Should Eat During 12-Hour Shifts

Nursing is a demanding profession. There is a need for nursing professionals to get many things done on an everyday basis while being on the move within a healthcare setting. In the middle of a high-pressure work setting, it is important that nurses take care of themselves by consuming food that stabilizes and even strengthens their bodies.

If you are working for one of the jobs for nurses that require you to attend a 12-hour shift then you should be monitoring your food intake consistently. Eating the right food or the food that stabilizes the blood sugar can have a tremendous effect on the blood sugar and your overall health.

Becoming a successful nurse has a lot to do with being in a good physical and mental state. Hence, you must try to consume healthy food that can keep your blood sugar in check. In this blog, we will see the blood sugar-stabilizing foods that nurses should eat during a 12-hours shift.

1. Fruits and Vegetables: Everyone who consumes whole fruits including blueberries, apples, and grapes has a low risk of having high blood sugar. Most fruits contain a lot of water and fibre to balance out naturally occurring sugar which is called fructose.

Consuming fruits and vegetables can help you in getting protected against heart diseases and even diabetes. So if you are new at one of the jobs for nurses, make it a point to eat healthy by consuming whole fruits and vegetables in your diet.

Some of the blood sugar balancing fruits and vegetables that you can add to your diet include apples, grapes, berries, avocados, broccoli, kale, and spinach.

         2. Whole Grains: Whole grains can be an amazing source of fibre and other important nutrients such as B12 vitamins, iron, selenium, potassium, magnesium, and folate which are responsible for keeping the blood sugar in check.

Even during completing the nursing study in Canada, you must be taught that eating food rich in whole grains helps in keeping heart disease at bay, manage high blood pressure, and some forms of cancer.

Hence, you must try to consume whole grain versions of food as much as possible. Some of the whole-grain foods that you can eat during 12-hour shifts include oatmeals, crackers, quinoa, brown rice, barley, buckwheat, millets, whole wheat bread, etc.

         3. Protein-Rich: Proteins are macronutrients that are important for building muscle mass that helps in limiting carb consumption to burn off more fat. Protein does not increase blood sugar levels and it can also help a person feel fuller for a long time.

Consuming protein-rich foods at your jobs for nurses can slow your digestion and also prevent any post-meal blood sugar spikes along with increasing the feeling of fullness. Some examples of high protein foods include fish, tuna, egg, beans, lentils, nuts and seeds, soybean, etc.

           4. Flavourful and Low-Calorie Drinks: Keeping yourself hydrated by drinking water is a good option but infusing the same water with fruits and vegetables is a great option too. You can cut a lemon or cucumber and put it in water or also make ice cubes while adding some flavouring to them.

In case you are not a hot tea drinker then you can also try cold tea with lemon or a cinnamon stick. Not only will this kind of beverage be low in carbohydrates but it will also help fill you up so you do not crave anything else.

Conclusion:

Working a 12 hours shift can be a tiring endeavour. As a nurse who is responsible for taking care of patients, you must first ensure that you are healthy too and for that, stabilizing your blood sugar levels is important. Make sure you consume healthy foods during your shift so that your blood sugar levels can be optimal and stabilized.

Your Guidebook to Study Cardiac Nursing in Canada

Rising heart diseases are resulting in many fatalities all across the world. People from the medical fraternity are consistently sensitizing others to take care of their heart and cardiovascular system. Given the importance of a healthy heart, there is a raising need for healthcare professionals of all kinds specializing in cardiac healthcare. 

The cardiac nurses are responsible for treating and caring for patients with a wide range of heart diseases after completing their nursing study in Canada. In case you wish to become a cardiac nurse then are some things that you must know. 

What is Cardiac Nursing? 

Cardiac nursing is a profession that includes treating patients who are suffering from heart conditions. This includes patients who are suffering from coronary artery diseases, congestive heart failure, recovering from angioplasty, bypass surgery, etc. 

After the completion of a suitable nursing course in Canada, a cardiac nurse is trained to monitor the hearts of patients of all ages and administer heart medications. In addition, they may also perform stress-test evaluations or care for the most urgent heart diseases such as assisting in processes like defibrillation. 

A cardiac nurse works very closely with a cardiologist for facilitating quality health care services for heart patients. As a cardiac nurse, you may be required to do many jobs at once. 

Why Study Cardiac Nursing in Canada? 

There is a wide scope in the field of cardiac nursing study in Canada. As mentioned in the introduction, cardiac nursing is extremely important and there is a need for qualified nurses to ensure that patients suffering from heart problems are taken care of properly. 

The graduate certificate of coronary care nursing assists the registered nurses to develop knowledge and skills needed to care for cardiac patients. It offers additional knowledge and skills to competently care for individuals experiencing cardiovascular diseases. 

One must study to become cardiac nursing in Canada to gain extensive knowledge in the field of coronary nursing. Studying this field of nursing offers the knowledge, skills, and judgment needed to practice safely in an acute coronary care setting. The students get an opportunity to apply their new knowledge to application exercised and case study analysis. 

Outcomes of Studying Cardiac Nursing in Canada 

After completing cardiac nursing study in Canada, you will be able to gain the additional knowledge and skills needed to care for individuals and their families experiencing cardiovascular illness. You will be learning about care from ER to ICU, and Cardiac Cath Lab to advanced diagnostics techniques. 

Cardiac nursing also includes patient teaching, goal setting, and understanding the clinical pathways for patients with cardiac disorders. During the duration of this cardiac nursing program, you will be introduced to the Canadian protocols and guidelines as per the Basic Practice Guidelines for medication administration. This will include IV, Tracheostomy Care, NG tube insertion and care, Wound care, Mobilization, Documentation, Catheterization, etc. 

Conclusion: 

The field of cardiac nursing has a great deal of promise for nurses who wish to help patients suffering from heat-related illnesses. In case you have decided to become a cardiac nurse then you have made a great career decision. 

After completing a suitable nursing program, you will be working in a great professional environment for assisting patients who need your support in leading a heart-healthy life. 

Why are Nursing Internships Important?

 Studying nursing is a comprehensive endeavour involving many aspects enhancing overall learning. As much as theoretical knowledge is considered a fundamental part of completing a nursing course in Canada, gaining practical experience is necessary as well. While you are studying to become a nurse, it is important to realize the significance of a nursing internship.  Just like all other professions, experience and knowledge are the basis on which success is dependent. A nursing internship is capable of offering both. Nursing internships may not always be paid and this can often discourage some students. However, it is way more important to remember that the experience of nursing internships is of higher value as compared to the money.  When you are in nursing school, there are chances that you may not see a patient’s progression of healthcare. However, when you are interning, you will be able to see the care that the patient receives first-hand while also seeing the medical teams working to offer the best possible care. Working with professionals prepares the nurses for a good start.  In this blog, we will know why nursing internships are considered important. Let’s start by understanding the meaning of nursing internship and how it can give an edge to a nursing career.  What is a Nursing Internship?  A nursing internship is a period where students completing their nursing education are exposed to the real-world experience of working in a clinical setting. It offers clinical training and a reliable experience of direct patient care. The interns can work under the direct supervision of a registered nurse while also learning from entry-level nursing skills in a secure environment.  Typically, the students intern during their academic year while completing programs at nursing colleges in Canada. A nursing internship is one of the best ways to prepare yourself as a new nurse.  Internships Give an Edge to Nursing Career:  When you study nursing in Canada, there will be many factors to think about. In addition to the everyday classes and practical learning, there is also a need to think about the future when you will be employed as a nurse.  The transition that you make from a nursing student to a professional nurse can be exciting yet overwhelming in many ways. However, if you do your nursing internships at the right time then this transition can be easy. It takes away doubts, fears, uncertainties, and also helps you land your first job easily.  Nursing internships offer students an understanding of the working structure and hands-on learning experiences. This structure and learning experience reflects real-world jobs and builds on nursing school clinicals, which eventually offer the nursing students a benefit in the first job. The students who intern get an idea of what to expect at the job because they have already done the same before.  All interns are normally assigned to coaches who are registered nurses in the department where the interns are working. The nursing interns are supposed to practice under the supervision of their coach. Nursing interns also gain a chance of gaining a mentor because of this working relationship.  All in all, the nursing internships create a seamless avenue for the recruitment of students, offering a steady stream of new nurse recruitments. Nurses with additional experience as students along with enhanced communication and teamwork skills are always preferred for the jobs.   Benefits of Nursing Internships: 

1. Gaining Real-World Experience: Gaining knowledge in the classrooms and learning from books are the two common methods for students when they complete their nursing education. That said, the practical experiences are completely different. 

As a nurse, one must develop a detailed knowledge and understanding of people from diverse backgrounds. A nurse does not just collaborate with medical professionals to work for the patients. An important part of the nursing profession is communicating with other professionals such as cleaners, chemists, receptionists, etc.  During the nursing internships, a student learns multiple processes that need to be carried out in a healthcare environment. They learn to help with administering injections, IV lines, ordering medications, taking samples, and much more.  A nursing internship is an excellent way to witness a patient from the time of hospital admittance to the time of recovery and discharge. Nursing internships offer excellent learning experiences that form a blueprint of working as a professional nurse. 

1. Collaborating With Senior Nurses: When it comes to learning then there is no better way than to learn from senior professionals in your own field. When you intern, you get a golden chance to collaborate with senior nurses and other medical professionals. These professionals are experienced and help you with many problems that may arise on the job. 

With dedication, observation skills, and an appetite to learn, collaboration with senior nurses can be extremely beneficial. They are the best teachers because they have been doing what you are starting to do for a long time. As an intern, you can expect the senior nurses to clear all your doubts because of past experiences.  Moreover, work experience with a broad healthcare team also enables you to understand the roles and responsibilities of the professionals. Nursing interns should ask as many questions as possible while paying attention to the relationship among the team members. 

1. Finding and Learning from a Mentor: A nursing internship is a proven method to look for a mentor who can lead you through an early nursing career. Many senior nurses readily become a mentor with the intention to teach you everything they know. They teach you how to create a secure healing environment for the patients and their families. 

Other than this, a mentor also becomes a good reference in the future when you are on the job hunt. The nursing students should focus on maintaining a good relationship with the nurses and other medical professionals that they interact with each day. These relationships become important down the line.  Your nursing education will be empowered exponentially when you prioritize maintaining valuable relationships with medical professionals. This way, you will also be able to network better, which can benefit you when you look for jobs, advice, and assistance in your career. 

1. Gaining Confidence: Internships enable you to acquire confidence in various clinical settings. A nursing internship is like a professional learning experience so nursing students should know that it is alright to ask questions. All of us begin somewhere so one must not feel anxious or worried in case a skill is not mastered right away. 

When you study nursing in Canada, the theoretical concepts can be learned practically when you meet real patients. This is going to increase your confidence and familiarity in the medical field.  The first-hand experience will also become important when you finally look for a full-time nursing job. There are multiple things that can be learned while you are on the job so you must ensure that you are willing to try and learn new skills. 

1. Exposing Yourself to Various Clinical Areas: While in the nursing college in Canada, a student may learn different patient care practices. However, when it comes to the real job, there are many specialties and each one follows different processes for treating the patients. 

Collecting blood samples from patients can in fact take some practice when it comes to older adults and children as they might be comparatively less cooperative. At the time of a nursing internship, students get a chance to know more about different nursing specialities.  In addition, a nursing intern can also work at different healthcare facilities such as nursing homes and laboratories. All the work experiences collectively converge to offer various hands-on experiences that help in choosing the area of medicine that suits the student. 

1. Improving Professional Behaviour: Pursuing a nursing course in Canada implies that you will be required to spend a good amount of time with your patients and staff. This means that you must develop the professional skills needed to do the same. Although all jobs need skills, in a profession such as nursing, it becomes essential. 

Nursing is based on effective teamwork and communication. Although most colleagues are easy to work with, there are work challenges that take the best out of your colleagues as well. This is right where professionalism comes into place and helps you perform your role no matter what the situation may be.  Nursing internships are an effective way to learn about clinical skills and soft skills such as communication, balancing duties, professional behaviour, and much more. Mastering all these skills increases your job opportunities and also improves your career progression exponentially.  Conclusion:  A nursing internship can enable you to familiarize yourself with a professional environment and it can even lead to a future job in the best-case scenario. Many employers also use the internship pool to choose their prospective employees.  Hence, nursing students must make the most out of all professional internship opportunities. Remember to also make as many professional connections as possible while leaving a lasting impression on the co-workers because that helps in the long run.