Feelings? Never Heard of ‘Em!
This is the ability to recognize and understand your own emotions.
What is self-awareness?
This is the best type of listening when speaking with a distressed patient.
What is active listening?
Name one early sign of burnout.
What is exhaustion, irritability, or loss of motivation?
This quality helps a nurse maintain composure when faced with an angry patient.
What is professionalism?
A patient says, "I feel like I'm a burden." What’s the best response?
What is, "I’m here to help, and you are not a burden."
When you're feeling frustrated with a patient, take a deep breath and do this before responding.
What is self-regulate or pause and reflect?
Instead of saying, "I understand," this phrase is better when comforting a patient.
What is, "That sounds really difficult. Tell me more about what you're feeling?"
A nurse skips breaks, doesn’t eat lunch, and never sleeps well. They are at risk for this.
What is burnout or compassion fatigue?
True or False: It’s okay to vent about a difficult patient to your coworkers at the nurse’s station.
What is false? (Always maintain confidentiality!)
A patient with schizophrenia is yelling at the wall. What should you NOT do?
What is argue with them or dismiss their experience?
You’re overwhelmed. Your patient is demanding, and your stress level is rising. What’s a healthy coping mechanism to avoid snapping?
What is deep breathing, mindfulness, or stepping away briefly?
If a patient is agitated, what’s the best tone of voice to use?
What is calm, low, and steady?
A nurse puts on a fake smile every shift but feels emotionally drained. What’s happening?
What is compassion fatigue?
If you’re feeling overwhelmed in a high-stress situation, what’s the FIRST thing you should do?
What is take a deep breath and assess the situation?
You walk into a patient’s room, and they refuse to talk to you. What should you do?
What is give them space and try again later?
True or False: It’s okay to roll your eyes when a patient yells at you because they probably won’t notice.
What is false? (Nonverbal communication matters!)
When a patient is experiencing paranoia, should you argue with them or validate their feelings?
What is validate their feelings? (e.g., "I understand that feels real to you.")
This is a crucial strategy for preventing burnout.
What is self-care?
A patient is yelling at you. What’s the best way to respond?
What is stay calm, set boundaries, and use therapeutic communication?
A patient tells you they have a plan to hurt themselves. What’s your immediate action?
What is stay with them and notify the mental health team immediately?
This term describes when a nurse reacts based on personal emotions instead of professional judgment.
What is emotional hijacking?
What’s the best response when a patient refuses medication and gets defensive?
What is, "Can you tell me why you don’t want to take it? I’d like to understand."
True or False: Nurses should "tough it out" and never ask for help when stressed.
What is false? (Seeking support is a sign of strength!)
If you make a mistake in patient care, what’s the most professional response?
What is acknowledge it, report it, and learn from it?
You’re feeling emotionally drained after a tough day. What’s a healthy way to decompress?
What is journaling, exercising, or talking to a trusted person?