How do you deal with needy family members on the Med/Surg floor?
I deal with them by approaching them with an understanding that they are in the scariest, most uncertain time of their life while having no control of outcomes. Sure, a Med Surg patient may not be critically ill but their loved one is aimlessly trying to make sense of the situation so I do my best to appease seemingly frustrating requests. I thoroughly explain to them that their concerns matter if I am busy with a more pressing issue but I assure them I will return and I do my best do give a time frame that they can count on to build trust into our rapport.
I’ve found that setting boundaries help. Ask them how you can help and then do what they need/ answer their questions and then nicely say I need to go take care of my other patients for a little while but I will be back in and say an exact time.. roughly an hour from when you are leaving. And be sure to go back to the minute on the time you promised them. I find that helps with trust, setting expectations and it’s also a nice way to remind the family that you have other people that are counting on you for care.
Boundaries. If they are abusive that’s workplace violence and that’s a whole other topic. Needy, encourage highest level of functioning, sometimes I would give them a job. Maybe give them permission to use the water machine them selves. Set them up for success and yourself and use your emotional intelligence to see what is the neediness being drivin by. Is it fear? Is it they consider you a waitress? Is it they want to be more involved? Etc… sometimes they need permission to go home and to relax… try to find their driver… meet the need if you can, or find someone who can or activity that can
Establishing trust is important! Have family decide on who is the dedicated member to keep rest of family informed of ot status etc
Boundaries and limit setting . Include the physician team as well
If getting no where use patient/ family liason in your facility
My perspective only.
Most pts don't want to be in hospital, and most families don't want to be, so they are miserable. Remember DABDA - Denial Anger Bargaining Depression Acceptance. Most families are in Anger Bargaining stage when their loved one is in hospital so they project their feelings into us.
In these moments, especially if there are extra few mins, I'll talk with them, review test results and update on meds/plan of care. I'll do an extra ROM exercise. I also created a free 2nd (in my case it's 3rd) phone number of my phone and give it to them. These extra steps shows the family that I'm familiar with their loved ones condition and that I care. Whether it's phone call or call bell, these decrease in frequency. When families call, I'll give them 2-3 mins in the phone, but they won't bother my for several hours. I Also encourage them to call and ask Q. It gets tougher when there multiple kids but do the best I can to give them all of this attention. SmAt the end of the day, I feel that fsmily members want to be there 24/7 and need to know that people who are taking care of the patient simple CARE.
I will try my best
Yes
