Baffled...

PMFB-RN, RN · Apr 1, 2012

I recently worked with a new grad RN who was absolutely disgusted because her patients did not thank her each and every time she did something for them. How can I delicately say "it's not about you"? Why do people want to be nurses these days... for themselves, or for the patients?

*** She better never become an ICU nurse. Hard for patien't to say "thanks" when they have that tube down their throat.................

trauma_lama, BSN · Apr 1, 2012

Did she have any clinical experience from her training? Or have any interaction with the outside world?
She should have realised by now that people are "bastard coated bastards with bastard filling".

BAHAHAHAHAHA i love that!! how funny!! going to have to use that... :lol2:

dirtyhippiegirl, BSN, RN · Apr 1, 2012

Boo. I knew that was a quote from somewhere but didn't think of Scrubs.

Anyway, I'm only 26 but was raised to say my please and thank-yous often and with sincerity. I get a lot of compliments about how nice/pleasant/polite I am. I definitely out-please and thank you my patients. Tack on a sir or ma'am and you don't have that awkward moment where you realize that you've mispronounced a name or, even worse, called them by the wrong name. And the older folks love it.

Creamsoda, ASN, RN · Apr 1, 2012

I recently worked with a new grad RN who was absolutely disgusted because her patients did not thank her each and every time she did something for them. How can I delicately say "it's not about you"? Why do people want to be nurses these days... for themselves, or for the patients?

Exactly, its not about her. Some people

And ill add that I just dont feel like my day is complete unless im called some obnoxious name, whether it rhyme with witch, bunt, mother trucker or anything along those lines. I dont get how people can get so offended. I guess I just must have a sick sense of humor

netglow, ASN, RN · Apr 1, 2012

...She should have realised by now that people are "bastard coated bastards with bastard filling".

:rotfl:

merlee · Apr 1, 2012

And I get embarrassed when some patients say "thank you" for every little thing! But I don't expect it from most people, even when I know that I have managed something out of the ordinary.

I try to thank my caregivers when I am in the hospital or having a procedure. It's a two-way street, and I believe some people aren't raised to be very polite and/or appreciative.

SHGR, MSN, RN, CNS · Apr 1, 2012

I don't expect a thank you from patients. A few times I have had heartfelt thanks. A guy called me to say, "I took your advice, I did what you said, now my blood sugars are great and I feel great."

That meant a lot to me!! It was validating! And a "unicorn," to say the least.

What does bother me? Being undervalued by management and by the big healthcare corporation (s) that I work for. Sure, I get a paycheck, but it would be really nice to hear a "thanks for all you do" from TPTB, on occasion.

Patients don't know or care that we and the docs even more so studied for years, developed expertise, and stay up to date in our respective fields. Management does though...they know we didn't just wake up one day with knowledge and competence.

SHGR, MSN, RN, CNS · Apr 1, 2012

I recently worked with a new grad RN who was absolutely disgusted because her patients did not thank her each and every time she did something for them. How can I delicately say "it's not about you"? Why do people want to be nurses these days... for themselves, or for the patients?

Reading this again, that could be just a vent and some culture shock. Hard to know from just one anecdote.

nguyency77, CNA · Apr 1, 2012

I agree it is probably an individual thing but it is going to be a generaltional thing too. How many times do you hear parents thank their children for doing simple things they ask them to do. My parents just responded to something they asked me to do IF I didn't do it (you know what I mean).
Saw recent 60 minutes piece on how employers now have to adapt to the young new employees attitudes. Guess we will adapt.

I know it's not good to generalize, but I believe I'm part of what other people are calling "Generation Me." Supposedly it is characterized by entitlement, expectation of praise/gratitude, and expectation to be included in decisions. Not that I think that 60 Minutes is a good source of information, but when I first got hired my manager was genuinely shocked when I asked her to please tell me straight up if I'm doing something wrong and don't be afraid to hurt my feelings.

But no, I don't expect a thank you from residents. The fact that they are clean and happy is thanks enough. :)

Perpetual Student · Apr 1, 2012

I expect people to say please and thank you regardless of the setting. I always do. I don't let it bother me if they don't say 'em, but it certainly colors my overall opinion of someone. I once out of habit said "thank you" when handed a speeding ticket.:uhoh21:

Around 95% or so of my patients thank me. A good portion of the rest are unable to due to being tubed, drugged out of their minds, or too demented.

0402 · Apr 1, 2012

i'm sorry, but that was one of the best quotes from scrubs. that, along with "tough titties, turkleton," are often thought of during my shifts. maybe she should watch the episode where jd goes to a pt's house because he didn't get a "thank you" from the guy (if memory serves me, jason bateman was the pt). he gets attacked by angry ostriches, just to get into the house to demand his thank you and find out that the pt is a garbage man who brings up the fact that almost no one thanks their garbage man. "why would i thank you for doing your job? i'm a garbage man. how many times a day do you think i get thanked?"

[color=#3a3a3a]

WildOne · Apr 1, 2012

That's true if they thanked you everyone I would start to tune them out and be like ok.. Your welcomeI much prefer the one really nice thank you that you might get at the end of shift or after their heart just stopped beating!