Navigating The Drama Triangle As An NP

In this episode, I had the pleasure of sitting down with Brooke Nielsen to explore a topic that is both fascinating and incredibly relevant to our work as healthcare professionals—the Drama Triangle. We've all seen it, whether we recognized it at the time or not. Those moments when interactions with colleagues or patients suddenly feel like a scene straight out of a play, with clear roles of victim, rescuer, and persecutor taking shape.

Brooke and I explored how these roles influence our work environment, especially for nurse practitioners. We shared stories, insights, and, most importantly, practical strategies for stepping out of these roles. The goal? To foster a more supportive, healthy work environment where we can all thrive, professionally and personally.

Understanding the Drama Triangle isn't just academic; it's about making real changes in how we interact every day. From recognizing when we're slipping into one of these roles to setting boundaries that protect our well-being and the quality of care we provide, this conversation is a stepping stone to more effective, fulfilling professional relationships.

Tune in to find out how you can start recognizing and changing these dynamics in your own clinical setting. It's an episode packed with insights for nurse practitioners and anyone keen on creating a healthier workplace culture.

✅ Understanding the Drama Triangle
✅ Impact of the Drama Triangle in clinical settings
✅ Strategies for recognizing and changing dysfunctional dynamics
✅ The importance of boundary management for healthcare professionals

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Chapter Video Breakdown:

00:00 - Introduction to the Drama Triangle
06:04 - Breaking Down the Drama Triangle
09:53 - The Rescuer Role in Healthcare
22:23 - Shifting Out of the Drama Triangle
26:36 - A Nurse Practitioner's Personal Experience
31:47 - Practical Steps to Escape the Drama Triangle
37:11 - The Importance of Self-Awareness and Personal Growth
45:17 - Brooke Nielsen on Professional Boundaries
48:33 - Coping Mechanisms for Stress and Burnout
51:49 - The Role of Empathy in Nursing
54:22 - Closing Remarks and Takeaways
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