Horrible 14 1/2 hr shift.

Perhaps the lady needs some limit setting...

What about a psych consult?

Hey jess...you are not alone.

I sometimes go home feeling the exact same way. Honestly ashamed and embarrassed that some of the patients that really needed and deserved my attention didn't get it...beacause some crazy (ya I said it) pt takes up all my time.

Dont really know the answer on how to fix it...sounds like this lady needs a psych consult.

And document the heck out of everything I guess..Although who has time to document well anymore with all the staffing cuts, increased workload, higher acuity pt's, and (ya I will say it again) crazy patients? But I guess that's a topic for another thread. Just keep swimming......(I love Nemo)

Wow, I work in psych, and this sounds very similar to the females I take care of. It kinda reminds me of my "borderline personality" patients. They are very difficult to deal with. Maybe your patient needs a psych consult. Sorry you had a such a horrible shift.

Next time she comes in ask her doctor about a psych referral...and look up "Borderline Personality Disorder" to see if it describes you patient. Good luck.

Break open an ammonia amp and bring her around a time or two, lol. Some people really enjoy their illnesses ( my mother is one example ) and it's frustrating. I guess, difficult as it is to accept, there is a need being expressed in that behavior. It's my responsibility to attend to that while she is in my care.

I knew I would never be a good psych nurse.

I seriously would consider just putting a blanket on top of her and telling her to enjoy her nap on the floor until her ride came there.

Yep.

I suck.

Leave her a wet washcloth, and a pile of Bandaids, and tell her you certainly WILL discharge her if she's still bleeding. Self induced wounds are not a reason to hang around.

I also like Jo's idea, give her a pillow and blanket, and possibly tie the call bell to the bed, just out of reach.

Take a deep breath and tell yourself that you will have a few weeks off with your beautiful little baby, away from all the drama in just a few weeks. That's what I used to do.