The Antibiotic Prescriber Personalities — Which One Are You?

It’s sick season. Patients are rolling in with coughs, congestion, and a conviction that they need an antibiotic. But you know most of them don’t. So why do so many good clinicians still say yes?

Let’s talk about the 5 types of antibiotic prescribers — and how to move from anxious prescribing to confident, Jedi-level communication.

🎥 Watch the full breakdown below

The People Pleaser Prescriber

The People Pleaser prescriber avoids disappointing patients at all costs. They know the infection is viral, but they prescribe an antibiotic to keep the patient happy.

“I know my body. I just need an antibiotic,” patients often say. And as the People Pleaser, your instinct is to give in.

Why it’s a problem:

• You risk patient harm from unnecessary antibiotics

• You reinforce misconceptions about antibiotics

• You contribute to antibiotic resistance

Pro Tip: Borrow this line from your clinical toolkit:

“My job as a practitioner is first to not hurt you, and second to help you.”

 

The Fence-Straddling Fumbler

This prescriber wants to avoid confrontation. They may say:

“You really don’t need this, but here’s an antibiotic just in case.”

Why it’s a problem:

• Puts medical decision-making on the patient

• Causes confusion and expectation-building

• Avoids teaching and relationship-building opportunities

Have you ever had a confrontational patient encounter that changed your approach? Share your experience in the comments — we learn from each other.

The Protocol Purist

Protocol Purists stick strictly to guidelines. They say:

“It’s viral. I said what I said. Next.”

Strengths:

• Excellent antibiotic stewardship

• Never swayed by patient pressure

Weaknesses:

• Misses opportunities to educate patients

• May appear cold or dismissive

• Can erode trust for future encounters

Takeaway: Following guidelines is essential — but delivery matters. Combine science with empathy to strengthen patient relationships.

The Gut-Check Gambler

These clinicians trust their instincts. Sometimes it works. Sometimes it’s “antibiotic roulette.”

Behind the gut feeling:

• Often anxiety about missing something or fear of confrontation

• Early in practice, this is common and understandable

Have you ever been a Gut-Check Gambler? Was it instinct, or anxiety and avoidance disguised as intuition? Drop your thoughts in the comments — no judgment here.

The Jedi Clinician

The clinician we all want to be: the Jedi Clinician.

Key traits:

• Listens and validates patient concerns

• Educates without judgment

• Combines evidence, empathy, and clear communication

Impact:

• Builds long-term trust

• Reduces unnecessary prescriptions

• Improves patient satisfaction

Download your free guide Top 10 Patient Approved Phrases EVERY NP Needs to start practicing Jedi-level communication today!

Recap: Which Prescriber Are You?

1. People Pleaser – avoids disappointing patients

2. Fence-Straddling Fumbler – avoids confrontation

3. Protocol Purist – sticks to guidelines but may skip empathy

4. Gut-Check Gambler – follows instincts, often anxiety-driven

5. Jedi Clinician – listens, educates, and practices confidently

Which type shows up most often in your clinic? Comment below — awareness is the first step to mastery.

Level Up Your Antibiotic Conversations

Every NP can become the Jedi Clinician. It’s a skill you can learn, practice, and refine. By combining empathy, evidence, and clear communication, you’ll improve patient outcomes, build trust, and feel confident in every antibiotic conversation.

Remember: even the best clinicians have been all five prescriber types at some point — that’s normal. The key is recognizing patterns and leveling up.

In this together,
Mel, NP

PS. Don’t forget to grab my free guide: “Top 10 Phrases for Confident Patient Conversations” to start practicing Jedi-level communication today.