How To Handle Stressful Situations During a Nurse-Provider Conflict.
Dealing with a problematic provider may be intimidating, but communicating is critical. I’ll address four tips nurses can use to conquer challenges with providers. Running away from the problem won’t dissolve the situation.
As discussed in the previous blog about handling complex patients, the same values apply when dealing with providers.
Providers' complexity and tension may come from their demanding work schedules. They have limited time with patients and face emotional intensity. As a result, medical providers also experience personal burnout from the job. Studies confirmed this. 63% of physicians are burnout! This is due to regulation requirements and administrative burdens.
Not all nurse-physician communication is terrible. However, these conflicts still exist for several reasons. Some nurses feel that providers belittle them, especially when suggesting orders for their patients or needing clarification on an order. Is it because doctors have more schooling than nurses, or do gender relationships play a role? One could only hope this isn’t the case.
Let’s discuss overcoming bothersome situations with a provider using these four tips.
Set ethical values
What are ethical values as a nurse? Moral values are standards. Healthcare professionals must follow these when caring for their patients. As a nurse, you follow these “ rules” in your work setting to maintain a healthy work environment. Sometimes, people forget about work ethics when a problem arises. Remembering one simple rule will help you remain professional during an intense situation.
For example, you have a moral duty to provide compassionate care to your patient without causing harm.
2. De-escalte the problem
If you experience a provider giving you a hard time during a patient situation, remain calm. Adding water to hot grease will not solve the problem. What you could do instead is stay calm and be patient. Some providers don’t know when they are demanding.
This can hurt the nurse-provider relationship and cause patient care delays. Once the situation has settled down, this will be the time to pull the doctor aside and explain how you feel about what happened previously.
For example, Dr. Jones, I would like to discuss how you spoke to me during the rapid with my patient. You asked several questions at once. I wanted to ensure the answers were correct. Telling me to hurry up was inappropriate as I was doing my job.
3. Involve other team members.
You may have to involve other team members. This will happen in situations to help resolve a nurse-provider conflict. This is okay and encouraged. Some providers will respect your autonomy, and others won’t for their own reasons. To stop this conflict, involving other collaborators can help establish a working relationship.
For example, Dr. Smith. I noticed you didn’t acknowledge my request to clarify your medication order. Due to this being the third occurrence, I involved my charge nurse to help with the matter.
4. Take it with a grain of salt.
Sometimes, this phrase is easier said than done, but it’s true. Don’t take it face-to-face when working with an intense doctor. It may be their personality. Historically, doctors would write the orders, and nurses would implement them. Times have changed where now, nurse practitioners can issue prescriptions. The best way to handle a “rough around the edges” provider is with respect and confidence.
For example, If a provider is short with you while asking for medications. Remain calm, and continue with your request.
In nutshell
Communication is critical between nurses and providers. Setting boundaries and involving team members can help during hard times. Proving solutions to the issue instead of adding to it can make it more manageable.
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