Question for nurses working in various ICU settings

[karenlm]

I interviewed for a position on a cardiac intensive care unit today, and was presented with (what I though) was an unusual question. They asked me how I would fit in with a "crass culture;" and then when on to explain that the nurses on their floor are often crude and crass while in the patient's rooms as a way to cope (stating that the patient was not conscious and could not hear). They assured me (during the question and then later in the interview) that this was the typical culture of any ICU environment. I did not believe it was wise to argue with them about whether or not they knew for sure that the patient could hear, since hearing is typically the last thing to go, so, my honest response was that I had worked in environments where the workers adapted similar coping mechanisms, and that I seemed to have a non-judgmental way of encouraging others to make better choices. I have had others remark to me after having the opportunity to get of getting to know me that I seem to bring out the best in them. It just now occurred to me that they may have been testing my reaction (though I am not sure). My question is: do you work in an environment where making crude remarks about the patients in their rooms the norm? Thank you for your responses. :-)

[NPOaftermidnight, MSN, RN, NP]

We have some nurses on our floor who will do this but it is definitely looked down upon. I work with one nurse who, while helping me turn, kept going on and on about how if she was this patient she would just want to die. We had some words.

[sugarmagnoliaRN]

We have some nurses on our floor who will do this but it is definitely looked down upon. I work with one nurse who, while helping me turn, kept going on and on about how if she was this patient she would just want to die. We had some words.

Wow. I would have had some words with that nurse too! I work with a PCT who has a similar habit and I've had some words with her (and management) about it.