You've taken
all of the steps to become a children's pediatrician, yet you're struggling to really get to know your patients and form the relationships you've always wanted on the job.
You've learned all of the doctor lingo, undergone the stress of the job, and worked long hours. Yet, still no reward for working with kids.
So how can you change this?
Working with kids isn't easy and it takes a very specific demeanor and way of talking to them to get them to warm up to you! Ready for the challenge?
Keep reading for some great tips on how to be the best children's pediatrician you can be!
Dress to Impress
You can easily throw on your nursing gear and walk into the clinic for the day. You'll be comfortable and ready to go with whatever the job throws your way.
But are you really going to make an impact on the kids you are working with? Probably not.
Instead, you could get attention with fun jewelry! You'll no longer be dreading your days of awkward conversation starters and prying kids to talk to you. They'll be eager to know about your jewelry and your outfits.
Whether you choose to wear just a
fashionable headband
or also throw on your adorable ID holder, your patients will be asking all about your style!
Understand What Kids Are Into These Days
As the generations change, so do the activities and hobbies that kids are into. In order to communicate with your patients, you will want to be up-to-date with the times!
If you bring up what you loved as a kid, like the Fresh Prince of Bellair or the Rugrats, they'll look at you as if you're not even there. They have no idea what those things are!
Instead, you need to be reading articles, watching TikToks, and scrolling Instagram to understand what kids love right now. Once you hear some lingo you haven't heard before, it's time to do some research!
For starters, here are a few examples of what you may need to learn more about to connect with your patients:
Snapchat
The Lego Movie
Minecraft
Among Us
Fortnite
Beyonce
These are just a few of the things you may be able to talk about with your patients! But in reality, you need to get to know them at an individual level.
They may tell you that they like basketball or gymnastics. Maybe they are really into chocolate ice cream. Or maybe they want to tell you about their friends.
Once you have that common ground, you can hold conversations with them all about what they love!
Give Choices
Most of the time, kids are not the best at
being told what to do. Since that's the case, you can win them over by giving them choices and being open to different options.
For instance, if you are about to give your patient a shot, ask them where they want to sit! Or if you want to give them a lollipop, ask them what flavor is their favorite! Even this small level of autonomy will make them feel more comfortable with you.
Less Is More
You've probably seen it before. Three nurses walk into your room, and you start to panic. It's three against one.
Imagine being a child when this happens. It would be extremely overwhelming to have a ton of nurses in the room (especially if there is no reason for it).
The child will respond better if they trust the doctor and have a relationship with them. Therefore, keeping things consistent with just one pediatrician (you) will lead to better results.
Use Distractions
When it comes to working with kids, providing distractions is a great way to keep them smiling and distracted from what is actually happening.
Putting a TV or music in the patient's room will allow for distractions with noise. Instead of hearing all of the instruments and supplies surrounding them, they are able to focus on their favorite TV show.
Or maybe you have to give them a shot. While you do this, give them a toy to play with. This could be anything that will keep their interest and attention for a few seconds.
Let Your Patients Help You
Children love to be helpers! They love to feel as if they have a role in whatever you are doing, so to build trust with your patients, allow them to help you out.
You may be wondering how to do that in a medical scenario.
Well, if you are about to give a shot, you may ask them to hold the bandaid before you open it. Or maybe you tell them to hold your stethoscope while you are not using it.
Not only will they feel like they are helping, but they will be very interested and distracted by the medical supplies you are having them engage with.
You Need These If You Are a Children's Pediatrician
Working with kids can be one of the most rewarding experiences if you do it right. If things aren't clicking with the kids you work with, there are so many things you can do to improve your relationship with them!
Get to know their interests, build trust, give them autonomy, and find some common ground.
If you are ready to change how you interact with your kids, check out our shop for some adorable products that your patients will love to see on you, like this
pink ribbon brooch!