Home Health

Mrs. Stibbles got angry at me and shouted profanities while accusing me of not knowing what I’m doing, because I did the wound care differently from the previous nurse. She doesn’t want to see me again and says she will call my manager. I...

Feel intimidated, apologize to keep her calm, and deal with the situation myself. Am going to talk to a leadership team member as soon as possible about the client’s allegations.

I know I should not take this personally. I...

Get over this and toss it up to the client just being this way Acknowledge the client’s frustration by hearing her out

I know the client needs care so I...

Will do a joint visit to the client’s home with another clinician and review the ‘Partners in Care’ and ‘Make Your Home Safer For Care Workers’ brochures. Will ask the clinical lead (WOCN, CRN) to join me for a follow up visit

While it is helpful not to take the client’s behaviour personally, verbal abuse is not acceptable. Ask the client to stop being verbally abusive in order to receive further care.

While it is important to acknowledge the client’s frustration she needs to be reminded not to speak to the nurse in a disrespectful tone. It is never ok.

Clients are expected to demonstrate respectful communication at all times. If this is not the case during any of the nursing visits and you feel unsafe, leave instantly. The client will have to make other arrangements to complete the care.

Clients do not always develop trust relationships with clinicians. Having someone else come in and provide perspective and understanding of the care plan may provide more clarity to the client and lead to clearer understanding about the care provided.