Many nurses feel ill-prepared when it comes to working with some of the most difficult patients: those who are chronically, mentally ill. However, as with all other aspects of healthcare, each nurse’s confidence increases as he or she learns more about the condition and what to do to help.

Here are some interventions for handling the negative signs/symptoms of schizophrenia:

• Refrain from showing frustration or trying to hurry the patient.
• Engage the person in conversation and listen carefully.
• Gently encourage the patient to do some things for him or herself.
• Set realistic goals. Do not push the person to undertake too much too soon.
• Balance the need for diversion and company with the need for a quiet environment.

Source: Stressed Out About Difficult Patients, HCPro Inc., 2007. For more information on this book, click here.