Ann J. Brady, MSN, RN-BC, CHPN

Sometimes the best answer to a patient’s question is quiet support. Can you recognize when no words are needed?

Have you had a patient or family of a patient who seem to know the diagnosis and prognosis, yet they react as if they do not completely understand? How do you handle a situation like that?

When a patient’s blood pressure is low, pain medications are often withheld. How is this situation best managed?

How do you handle work-related grief? Can you leave it at work, or do you take it home with you? What support is the most helpful to you when a patient dies?

Some patients seem to circumnavigate their way to an answer to your questions. Ann Brady explains why you should WAIT it out instead of pushing the patient toward a quick answer.

How patients’ fears manifest in communications can frustrate nurses. The best response may be a simple question that allows the person to voice their concerns.

A positive attitude can help patients cope in difficult situations. But what can nurses do when positivity is used to cloud reality?

Oncology nurses are exposed every day to so much pain and suffering. Any suggestions?

Have you ever recognized your own behavior in a caregiver’s actions? What do you do to apply professional lessons from personal experiences?

The end of cancer treatment is a turning point for patients. Some may embrace the change in their perspective on life, but some feel a sense of loss of their former selves and need help accepting who they are now.