Author: Emily Brooks, NRCMA 

Working in a healthcare setting is inherently challenging. You’re tasked with treating sick and injured individuals, often in high-pressure situations. Add unhelpful co-workers to the mix, and the stress can feel insurmountable. However, how you handle these moments not only affects your day but also the quality of care your patients receive. Let’s explore how to navigate these challenges, maintain a positive mindset, and foster a cooperative work environment—even when it feels like you’re on your own.

1. Acknowledge Your Feelings but Stay Professional

It’s natural to feel frustration or even resentment when you’re pulling more weight than your co-workers. Acknowledge those feelings privately, but don’t let them dictate your behavior. Take a moment to breathe, step away if needed, and remind yourself of your purpose: caring for patients. While you can’t control your colleagues’ actions, you can control how you respond.

2. Prioritize Your Patients

When the clinic is hectic and you feel unsupported, focus on what matters most—your patients. They are the reason you’re there. Shift your energy toward providing excellent care and let that fuel your motivation. Patients can sense when staff members are distracted or stressed, which can affect their confidence in the care they receive. Staying calm and collected helps set a tone of professionalism and compassion, even in difficult circumstances.

3. Communicate Clearly and Directly

Sometimes, unhelpful behavior stems from miscommunication or unclear expectations. If a co-worker isn’t contributing, consider addressing it in a constructive manner. For example:

• Instead of saying, “Why aren’t you helping?” try, “I’m swamped right now. Could you help me with intake for the next patient?”

• If someone’s attitude is affecting the team, consider saying, “I’ve noticed there’s been some tension today. Is everything okay? Can we find a way to work through this together?”

Clear, respectful communication can often resolve conflicts before they escalate.

4. Model the Behavior You Want to See

Leadership doesn’t require a formal title. If you want to foster teamwork, lead by example. Show initiative, lend a hand even when it’s not your responsibility, and maintain a positive attitude. Over time, your actions may encourage others to step up as well. Positivity is contagious—even in stressful environments.

5. Stay Solution-Oriented

When dealing with an uncooperative team, focus on solutions rather than problems. If you’re overwhelmed, break tasks into manageable pieces and delegate where possible. Can someone handle phone calls while you focus on patient care? Can another team member assist with charting? By staying focused on what needs to be done, you can reduce feelings of helplessness.

6. Motivate Your Team

Encouraging a sense of camaraderie can go a long way in changing the dynamic of your team. Try these strategies:

• Express Gratitude: A simple “thank you” can make a big difference. Recognize when someone steps up, even in small ways.

• Foster Team Spirit: Celebrate wins together, whether it’s a patient success story or simply making it through a challenging day. This can help build morale and remind everyone why they chose this profession.

• Encourage Open Dialogue: Create an environment where team members feel comfortable discussing issues. This can help resolve conflicts and prevent future problems.

7. Practice Conflict Resolution

Conflicts are inevitable in any workplace, but how you handle them can make all the difference. Here are some tips:

• Address Issues Early: Don’t let resentment build. Address concerns as soon as they arise, but do so privately to avoid embarrassment or defensiveness.

• Stay Objective: Focus on specific behaviors rather than personal attacks. For example, “I’ve noticed you’ve been late a few times, and it’s putting extra pressure on the team” is more effective than, “You’re so unreliable.”

• Find Common Ground: Look for solutions that benefit everyone. If someone feels overworked, for instance, suggest redistributing tasks more evenly.

8. Maintain a Positive Mindset

Staying positive doesn’t mean ignoring challenges; it means choosing how you respond to them. Here are some ways to keep your mindset healthy:

• Practice Gratitude: Reflect on the aspects of your job you enjoy, whether it’s connecting with patients or mastering new skills.

• Take Breaks: Even a five-minute pause can help reset your mind. Use that time to step outside, hydrate, or practice deep breathing.

• Seek Support: Talk to a trusted colleague or mentor about your struggles. Sometimes, just venting can help you feel better.

9. Take Care of Yourself

You can’t pour from an empty cup. Prioritize self-care outside of work to ensure you’re at your best when you’re on the clock. This includes:

• Getting enough sleep

• Eating nutritious meals

• Exercising regularly

• Practicing mindfulness or relaxation techniques

10. Know When to Escalate

If a co-worker’s behavior is consistently disruptive and efforts to resolve the issue have failed, it may be time to involve a supervisor. Document specific instances of unhelpful behavior and how they’ve impacted patient care or team efficiency. Approach management with a solution-oriented mindset, focusing on how to improve the situation rather than simply complaining.

11. Remember the Bigger Picture

At the end of the day, your primary responsibility is to your patients. Keeping their well-being at the forefront can help you rise above workplace challenges. Remember, every interaction you have—with patients and colleagues alike—contributes to the overall atmosphere of the clinic. By staying professional, compassionate, and solution-focused, you set a standard that others will be inspired to follow.

Conclusion

Dealing with unhelpful co-workers can be draining, but it doesn’t have to define your experience. By prioritizing communication, fostering teamwork, and maintaining a positive mindset, you can navigate even the most stressful days with grace. Remember, healthcare is a team effort, and your actions can inspire those around you to rise to the occasion. Most importantly, don’t lose sight of why you chose this field—to make a difference in the lives of others. Let that purpose guide you, even on the toughest days.