As if I am not busy enough!

Specialties Geriatric

Published

Started my shift yesterday and was just about to pull away from nurse's station with my med cart and a woman comes to me and says she likes to crochet and would like to crochet some blankets for the nursing home. Great idea I say. Then she says which residents need blankets and I say "I don't know off-hand, but if you make some and donate them, activities will make sure they go to someone who needs it." She then says ok. How big should I make them and I think in my mind (IDK - I don't crochet blankets - you do- don't you know how big to make a blanket?) but instead I say Well I'm not sure, use your best judgement. Stupidly I make another suggestion to make some smaller lap blankets. The elderly seem to enjoy placing a small blanket on their lap or around their shoulders when sitting in their w/c. She then asks how big should she make it. I am getting a bit aggravated at this point but I go down to a resident's room and borrow a lap blanket. I hold it up for her to see. She asks me how big it is. I say I don't know, I didn't measure it, but brought it to you to get an idea of the size. I venture a guess that it is 2 feet by 3 feet. Then she asks me what colors she should make. REALLY????????? At this point I excuse myself and say I need to return the resident's blanket and so she doesn't get cold. I lingered in the resident's room until that pesky lady left!

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Specializes in Medical Oncology, ER.

Youll eventually learn how to limit conversations as they can really detract from your time, esp if youre working in a snf, maybe redirect her to the activities director next time?

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Ohhhh, poor thing. She obviously needed validation. Too bad you didn't have more time to engage her.

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Specializes in retired LTC.

Dang - I was getting antsy just reading your post. Been there; done that stuff too so I can sympathize with you. The joys of LTC :yes:

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...and then you found out she was actually a confused resident who really doesn't know how to crochet!

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...and then you found out she was actually a confused resident who really doesn't know how to crochet!

Thank you you for the laugh!

:D

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Specializes in kids.
...and then you found out she was actually a confused resident who really doesn't know how to crochet!

And YOU win the internet today!!!! :roflmao:

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It seems to be the norm sometimes with nursing in long term. Family also can be like that, they just think you have nothing better to do. I don't mean to sound cold but we get stopped with narcs out and during counting even to have a family member wonder where Dad's slippers are. I feel your frustration.

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LOLOL!! I know, I know, not funny when it's happening!

You should have whipped out your crochet hooks and given her real time demonstration. Or tried to convince her to KNIT instead, but only use natural fiber yarn, no acrylics, no synthetics, organic ONLY.

Family members (even more than the patients) are clueless that we aren't running down the hallway just so we can be stopped and asked how to find the local Albertson's with a decent bakery. I've yet to discover a way to front load this information. No amount of running down the hall, grimacing, eye bulging, leg crossing hafta go potty face has ever stopped a well meaning family member from 'yoohoo, I was wondering if you could show me how to get on the free Internet please?"

You have to laugh or you will burn out in a jiffy :)

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Specializes in Gerontology, Med surg, Home Health.

Tell her to check out the video on YOUTUBE on arm knitting. At least that'd keep her busy for a while.

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Specializes in Geriatrics, LTC.

All these responses are so true.... What never ceases to amaze me is the fact that if I take time I don't have to hand hold family it all seems to work out ....most are just struggling to deal with not being able to help and wanting to make sure I'm doing it in some way near how they would.

I've given up trying to get across an understanding of the time crunch because they all think they are the most important! I smile I think to myself Jesus loves you dear BUT I'm HIS favorite....that keeps me happy and them wondering why the sneaky grin :D

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I'm sorry, but I started laughing after I read your post. I've dealt with similar situations and just have to laugh it off. What you really want to say is, "crocheting, I'm sure, is difficult; but, it's not rocket science. I'm sure you can figure it." Then, walk off.

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