Getting Oriented

Hi everyone!

I haven't technically started yet, but I did get two days of general orientation to Rex Hospital. Although this was a little boring, I appreciated the gentle introduction to the hospital environment. I also picked up a few good tips from the Protective Services agent (i.e. security guard). He did a presentation on dealing with difficult patients. We probably won't have to deal with many aggressive or angry patients - most incidences occur in the ER - but we may have patients annoyed with cold soup or families upset with the food options. So I'll pass along his tips in case anyone needs them:

• People get upset when they don't feel listened to/cared about, and when they're losing control (especially control of their time). So, always acknowledge what they person has said, empathize with their situation, and tell them how you're going to help in a specific time frame. Even if you don't know the answer, say that you'll get your supervisor within a certain amount of time.
• If someone is making you uncomfortable, don't hesitate to say so politely but directly. Don't tolerate advances from patients.
  
• If someone is frightening you, again, just tell them. Almost anyone would back off immediately.
• Don't approach an aggressive or angry patient alone.
• Don't hesitate to call protective services/security/the police - they're trained to deal with difficult patients.

Again, I hope no one needs this information. Good luck moving and getting started!