Was I wrong ?

Published

Last night myself and another CNA (both of us are new LPN students working in LTC as CNAs)were cleaning up a confused resident, had his bed flat, and he was rolled onto his side.

The nurse (LPN for 20 yrs) was standing there watching, and decided he "needed to be hydrated" and proceeded to attempt to offer him a drink. I politely asked if she could wait till we were finished, and we would sit him up and offer it at that time.

She stated, "Ohhh, he's fine". I asked again for her to wait, as I didnt want him to aspirate. She looked at me like I was crazy ! And said very loudly..........." Ohhhhhhh he can't aspirate! He's not a tube feeder!" and gave me a disgusted look.

AND PROCEEDED to have the resident drink from the straw, when laying flat, on his side.

THEN.............. she went back to the nurses station, threw her hands up in the air, rolled her eyes, and said "NURSING STUDENTS!" in a irritated tone.

WAS I WRONG TO ASK HER TO WAIT ??

What else could I/should I have done?

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Nephrology, Cardiology, ER, ICU.

No, you were not wrong. She was rude. Good luck in school!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in SNF.

I havent started school yet (NS)...but I wouldnt let my healthy child drink laying down...seems like a control thing to me.

Good luck.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Thanks for the replies. ALL night long she treated me like I was an idiot after this happened.

But I feel better now, THANKS!

Up Vote Up Vote ×

She's a jerk.

Aside from aspiratin, why interrupt your aides when they're holding someone on the side of the bed?

Assclown.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Geriatrics/Family Practice.

In the LTC facility that I work at, I am one of the only nurses who will only give meds when a resident is sitting up. I will either raise the head of the bed,wait until their up in their chair, etc. I've seen many nurses give the meds while residents are laying down. I know personally I couldn't take meds or drink while laying down, why would I expect a elderly person to do it? If it's the am or hs med pass, I'm always behind because I make sure they are sat up and stay with them until I know they aren't going to choke and always ask did the pills go down and are you okay? Time consuming, maybe, but atleast I know I caused no harm. You did the right thing and that nurse needs an attitude adjustment. When someone develops aspiration pneumonia, it'll probably be her fault.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Oncology, Med-Surg, Nursery.

Not your fault, I would have done the same. However, everyone has their own way. Don't worry about it, you know what you know, and you aren't wrong. Some people are just hard to work with!

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Good looking out.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in NP / USAFR Flight Nurse.

NO. You did the right thing. There are always going to be people/nurses who have issues with students. Dont let those people compromise your patient care. ALWAYS put the patients needs first. Ill take a berating from a seasoned nurse any day if it means protecting the patient. :trout:

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Peds Cardiology,Peds Neuro,Pedi ER,PICU, IV Jedi.

The nerve of some people. She was, and I'm sure, continues to be an idiot. You did the right thing, no worries.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in med/surg, telemetry, IV therapy, mgmt.

No, you were not wrong. A patient doesn't have to be on a tube feeding as a pre-condition of aspiration. Flat in bed and being rolled from side to side can lead to aspiration of stomach contents. It is always safer to administer any fluid or solid food with the patient's head elevated and while they are not being moved around.

As I like to say, this LPN is an example of some of the deadwood that needs to be cleaned out of the LTC. They give LTC and the good nurses working in it a bad rap. I'm sorry you have to put up with somebody like this. I can only encourage you to always look for the "why" behind the reason we do things with patients to assure you are giving the best care possible and then teach it to everyone you come into contact with, CNAs included.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

So she couldn't wait a few minutes to hydrate him? While she might think that it was to show you who was in charge, she actually showed you ignorance. Thank goodness the patient did not aspirate or she would be looking at a whole mess of trouble.

Kris

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion