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6 Ways Nurses Can Solve Patient Care Problems

Identity Crisis

Problem:

In order for a hospital to run smoothly, many people take responsibility for different aspects of a patient’s care. In the course of one shift, a patient may see several members of the nursing staff, a dietitian, the cleaning staff, a doctor or two, a physiotherapist, a phlebotomist, and so on.

Some hospitals have a protocol that calls for every group within the hospital to wear identifying scrubs or uniforms by color, while others require only nametags, making it even more difficult to identify who is who.

Solution:

At the start of every shift, introduce yourself to your patient. It should be standard protocol, but explain to your patient who you are and what your role is. If possible, explain who else is coming in to see her, so she’s prepared. If you’re in the room when another team member comes in and doesn’t introduce himself, make the introductions yourself. It may also remind the other person to do so in the future.

Even if your patients don’t remember names or roles, the act of making that connection helps a patient feel more secure in a strange environment.