Dealing With Tears
One of the many things that I have learned and been surprised by as a new nurse practitioner is how readily people will pour out their life story to a complete stranger.
I am a fairly private person and need some sort of relationship with someone before I can share deep, personal thoughts and feelings. In this week alone, I have had 7 patients weeping, telling me about problems with finances, husbands, wives, work, and so forth. And it is only Thursday!
All of these folks were new patients for me, and none of these confessions were prompted by me other than to ask something to the effect of "is anything new going on since we last saw you" -- meaning new medical diagnoses, surgeries, etc. One patient cried so much that she had to sit in the exam room for awhile after the visit to rein in her emotions before she could leave.
I feel ill prepared for these cathartic events and feel that I am doing little for the patient other than listening, offering tissues and resources for counseling. I didn't really have this type of interaction with patients as an RN or while in my NP program, so I feel like I am struggling with learning a new skill.
When I first began practicing, I felt uncomfortable and tended to try to console the patient, just to bring an end to the visit and get me out of the room. Now that I am getting more used to these emotional torrents, I am no longer uncomfortable but feel that I have nothing helpful to offer. I like being able to recommend solutions to problems, but for patients with anxiety, depression, overwhelming social situations and lack of coping mechanisms - that is easier said than done.
So, to those of you that work in behavioral health - a big round of applause for what you do! I want to be like you when I grow up!