Need advice

[Delirium, RN]

Ok, so my issue is not really a nursing issue, but it is close.

I am an Avon representative and one of my customers is impossible. "Alice" is a security guard at my dorm. She gets mad if I am not at her beck and call every second of the day. She orders things, but then getting her to pay for them is like pulling teeth. If I ask her too many times if she has the money, she gets mad and refuses to pay. Or she'll say, "Wait until my paycheck comes." I'm busy with classes, clinicals, and work, which all conflict with her schedule. By the time I can reach her she'll have spent it all. (She doesn't get her products until she pays- period.)

Just seeing "Alice" to get into the dorm is terrifying itself. I don't know whether she'll be nice/polite or if she'll ignore me or if she'll throw me daggers with her eyes. I try to be as nice (or at least professional) as possible but nothing calms her.

My question is this: I'm sure there are patients out there who are like this and it's probably worse considering they are sick/in pain. How do you handle something like this? Does anyone have any Jedi Mind Tricks I can try? Any magic words other than "please", "thank you", etc?

[EmmaG, RN]

Any magic words other than "please", "thank you", etc?

"You must pay upon ordering"

Jedi Mind Tricks

[babynurselsa, RN]

Or help her find a new Avon lady.....

[Keepstanding, ASN, RN]

You are getting yourself all worked up and she is not worth it.

Just stop giving her your Avon catalogs. If she doesn't have a catalog, then she can't order anything. If she ask's for one, tell her you do not sell it anymore.

If she harasses you again, I would report her. Her behavior is not acceptable and you need to develop a thicker hide.

____________

Praiser

[classicdame, MSN, EdD]

don't let her problem be your problem. If she has the money, she can have the stuff. Otherwise, send it back for credit after a specific period of time. She will get the message. She is manipulating you. Don't take the bait.

[Delirium, RN]

Lol! Thanks, and I am cracking down on her, but what would you do if this was a patient? You can't exactly refuse treating them (like holding back their meds), can you?

[lvnandmomx3]

No you can't do that with pt's. But as long as you are always professional and do your job then inside you know you did the right thing, even if the pt's was not happy with you. You are not going to make everyone happy 100% of the time, in this field or any other.And you will get a good rapor (sp?) with your co-workers, so if a situtions arises your co-workers should be on your side if it comes down to a p't reporting you because they feel you did not "attend" to them. You have to remember the only person you have complete control over is your self and no one else. Don't let this person be-little you or any person for that matter.

[leslie :-D]

in nursing, we call it limit-setting.

you calmly but firmly, tell the pt your intentions, your interventions and your limitations.

end of discussion.

you need to tell this customer to pay up or find another rep.

end of discussion.

leslie