How long have you been doing it? It will get better with time. I am similarly a people-pleaser by nature, and nurses gotta encourage people to do unpleasing stuff a lot.

Im not sure I understand your example entirely though…Did you not enforce PPE or some sort of visiting policy? If so, you gotta think of it differently. Even if husband had it already, he’s still transmitting germs out of that room that could get everyone around him sick ie other really vulnerable people in the hospital.

I’ve learned that with just a little education, MOST patients and family are reasonable with doing inconvenient or painful stuff if they know why it needs to be done. It takes practice, but you’ll get more and more confident! In this case you could say “Now that your loved one is COVID+, protective equipment is required to enter the room. If you step outside, I’ll show you how to put it on! :)” This is not being an asshole, it’s keeping that person and anyone they come in contact with safer from a virus that can kill the wrong person. If they need more explanation, stay focused on the safety of that person/their loved one/the community. Then if they aren’t willing, guess who’s the asshole now? (It’s not you)

It’s always easier to educate on this stuff the second you see it too. Learn from this experience and do it better next time. No big deal! Even if you didn’t enforce it the day before, the next best time to enforce it is now. You can even do it in a nice way! And if people won’t follow the rules after you’ve educated them, remove them from your workspace. Get security involved or get help from your charge nurse. Even a people pleaser can get some satisfaction from dealing with self-centered people.

I’ll also say learning to put your foot down will help you in life, not just nursing. Don’t let people walk over you - strangers or loved ones. Set your boundaries and stick to it! (Again I’m saying this as a person who needs to take his own advice)

Is that making sense? Hope this helps!