Dealing With Tears

re: Dealing With Tears

Bridget Steiner — Mon, 15 Jun 2009 01:10:00 GMT

I bet you offer more than you know just by listening. It sounds like you are doing all the right things, but you just don't feel confident in your ability yet. It will take time to develop. I wonder if there any seminars or workshops on this topic for NPs and other healthcare professionals?

re: Dealing With Tears

Natalie — Sun, 14 Jun 2009 13:29:43 GMT

I wanted to add one more thing. If it's a diagnosis that the patient has to now deal with. What about referring them to one of the many support groups you have in your city? Many hospitals now have weekly and/or monthly meetings for various support groups that your patients can attend for free.

Rather than looking at this as a "downside" of your job perhaps look at it as a great way to additionally help people! :)

re: Dealing With Tears

Natalie — Sun, 14 Jun 2009 13:27:21 GMT

My suggestion next time would be to offer the patient 2 names of good psychologists that they could go talk to in confidence. Or to refer them to whatever they are in need to talk about to that respective professional.

You are an NP now. You have the ability to make referrals. Do it. Not only will it help your patients, but it may provide them with a new outlook on life. My NP did it for me and now I too am en route to become an NP but not after I left an abusive situation and took care of my children and myself.

You have a lot of power, believe it or not, to help these people and by just referring them to a professional, be it a psychologist within your hospital, or something simple as the Credit Counseling Agency within your city...it can help people tremendously.