Resources >> Browse Articles >> On the Job
10 Most Annoying Patients
Hamsa Ramesha & Jeff Hindenach | NursingLink
The Skeptic
You went to school. You studied to be a nurse. You have a medical license. And yet, the Skeptic thinks you are nothing more than a glorified secretary for the doctor. She waves you off and may even insist on seeing the doctor because she thinks you can’t possibly know what you are talking about. Perpetually questioning your every move, it’s no shocker if the Skeptic thinks she knows more about medicine than you, the qualified medical professional.
How to deal: Yelling at the Skeptic, or showing off your medical expertise might make you feel better, but it won’t get you very far. Ultimately, if the Skeptic is getting in the way of her own care, find the doctor or someone the Skeptic will listen to and avoid a meltdown. Some patients just don’t know what’s good for them, and insist on following archaic stereotypes.
How to deal: Yelling at the Skeptic, or showing off your medical expertise might make you feel better, but it won’t get you very far. Ultimately, if the Skeptic is getting in the way of her own care, find the doctor or someone the Skeptic will listen to and avoid a meltdown. Some patients just don’t know what’s good for them, and insist on following archaic stereotypes.
