Dealing with difficult behavior. Author/s: Catherine Whitaker Issue: June, 2000 Most of us have experienced confusion and frustration working with passive-aggressive people who prefer to express their dissatisfaction in indirect ways. As an RN in the mental-health field for 20 years, I've learned to deal confidently with this personality type, and you can too. A typical passive-aggressive person exhibits at least four of the following characteristics: * passively resists fulfilling routine social and occupational tasks * complains of being misunderstood and unappreciated by others * is sullen and argumentative * unreasonably criticizes and scorns authority * expresses resentment toward those perceived as more fortunate * voices exaggerated and persistent complaints of personal misfortune * alternates between hostile defiance and contrition. Dr. Len Kemp, a chief therapist at Charter Hospital, Glendale, Ariz., offers these tips for dealing effectively with a passive-aggressive colleague. * Clarify your expectations so all assignments and agreements are as concrete as possible. * Expect results. Don't accept, excuse, or reward poor performance; expect more than an apology for a mistake. * Be open-minded and avoid defensiveness. If some of her complaints have merit, acknowledge this. Trust your instincts. * Challenge distortions or half-truths. Note any discrepancies between what she says and documented facts, such as an assignment sheet. You can be empathetic and still demand results. For example, you could say something like, "I understand how busy you are, but I need the inventories by 8 o'clock." For more information, go to http://www.apa.org, the American Psychological Association's Web site. Catherine Whitaker, RN, ASN, psychiatric nurse, currently employed at St. Luke's Behavior Health Hospital, Phoenix, Ariz. COPYRIGHT 2000 Springhouse Corporation COPYRIGHT 2000 Gale Group Page: 1 Print this article | Email this article Terms related to this article: Psychiatric nursing Management About Us | Advertise With Us | Contact Us | Help |
