grrrr

[chenoaspirit]

Ok, I was charge the other night and a new nurse came to me saying that her patient was c/o chest pain. Well, we go thru getting vitals, calling the doc, drawing cardiac labs, EKG, SL nitro, etc. While we were waiting for the doc to come see her, this patient decided she wanted cheese and crackers. Now this was at 0200 so we have no way of getting any cheese anyway. But I told her that she couldnt have anything to eat until the doc came to see her and ruled out a MI. She was infuratiated with us and said she was going to report us to management because she didnt get her cheese and crackers. I had explained why she shouldnt eat anything until the doc saw her, etc. This patient is overweight with alot of health issues going on. We are trying to help her and all she is worried about is getting to eat! And trying to get me in trouble for trying to help her! Of course, I wont get in trouble, but its the point of her attitude.

[RN1982]

Got this one the other night at 3:30am:

Me: "Mr. Jones, I understand you don't want an IV?"

Pt: "I'll take an IV. But these nurses have to clean up in here first."

Me: " . . . what?"

Pt: "There's stuff all over. Like those bandages, and that breathing thingy. I can't take it, they need to get in here and clean up."

Me: "You won't let them put in an IV until they clean the room?"

Pt: "Yeah, that's right. Now are you going to get them to do it?"

Me: " . . . look, I don't give a crap about whether or not your room is messy. I'm telling you as your doctor you need an IV. You want to refuse it, that's your business, but I'm obligated to inform you that refusing it could potentially result in serious complications including death."

Pt: "So you're going to have them clean my room so I'll get the IV?"

Me: "No, I'm going to go back to bed. Have them call me if you change your mind about the IV."

RN: "Well?"

Me: "Call me when he wants drugs bad enough to get the IV. Until then, tell him to [string of expletives]."

Nice.