Patient Accusations...

[ERRNTraveler]

I am an ER nurse, and recently had a patient complain to my manager that I did not give her the medications that the ER Dr. ordered for her. Her complaint was "they didn't do anything for me, just gave me a prescription & sent me home." Now, I know for a fact that I gave her the meds, and I checked her nameband, so I know they were given to the right patient, but she insists she did not receive any medications while in the ER. The meds were pepcid, benadryl & prednisone, so it's not like any controlled substances are involved, so at least I can't be accused of diverting narcotics or anything, but it really bothers me that this patient would make this up! Has anyone ever had this happen to them before? Do I need to be worriend about losing my job (I've never had anyone complain about me before)? Any words of advice?

[carol72]

This is the first time a patient lied (knowingly or not) about the care you have given? Really? I want to work where you work! In my opinion and experience this is not a once in a lifetime occurrence.

[StNeotser, ASN, RN]

This is the first time a patient lied (knowingly or not) about the care you have given? Really? I want to work where you work! In my opinion and experience this is not a once in a lifetime occurrence.

I've been accused a three or four times of not giving pain medication. When it comes time to explain it means the MD would not order the drug of choice to drug seeker or I would not give prn percocet half an hour after I gave the first dose.

It's lucky in your case that narcotics weren't involved.

[ERRNTraveler, RN]

Oh my God!!! The SAME lady came in last night complaining of "carpal tunnel pain." When she realized she wouldn't be getting IV pain meds, she refused her oral pain meds, refused to let us give her a splint for her wrist, and refused to take her prescriptions for oral pain meds! I am no longer worried about anything this woman might say about me, because she is just plain crazy!

[SassyRN2469]

hehehehe...go figure!!! Do you feel better now?? I really hope you didn't lose too much sleep over your prior contact with this patient. Interesting how things turn out. Keep up the good work, and if you have time, refer to the essay by Dr. David Baehrent, listed as a must read under the ER forum, right at the top of the page. It did my heart good to read this. Take Care....Judy

[mamason]

Wow, it's quite obvious she was trying to manipulate you and the rest of the staff.:angryfire At least you don't have to worry about this anymore. :uhoh21:

[KIAN]

A lot of patients don't tell the truth. Sometimes on purpose, sometimes by mistakes. Document, document, document!!!!! I work at an office and we have patients who want to be seen without an appointment so they just show up and say someone from our office called them. :flamesonb I've had patients tell me one thing and the Doctor another. It happens and it is not pleasant.