Being Non-judgemental

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Hi,

I just wondered if some experienced nurses could give me some tips on how to handle this. I work on regular med-surg floor, and this weekend I worked 3 12hr. shifts. It seemed like the majority of my patients all 3 days were s/p MVA with ETOH intox. Now, I am a very understanding person, in my opinion, and I know the importance of being professional and nonjudgemental. I try to give the best care I can regardless. But... after the 2nd day of getting admit after admit after admit with the same scenerio, God help me, deep down I was getting irritated. I gave them the very best care I could and kept all my thoughts to myself. I didn't even talk about my feelings with my coworkers. It just irritated me deep down that someone would intentionally drive intoxicated and injure themselves and others like that. A few of them were fathers and husbands with a family, and I couldn't help but be appalled at their total disregard for their responsibilities. Maybe if it had been just one it wouldn't have bothered me so bad, but at one point I had 2 patients at one time on alcohol drips and a couple more with rib fractures and closed head injuries all with high BAC on admission. I honestly hope noone reading this feel offended or thinks badly of me. I just wanted to get this frustration out and hopefully get some advice on how to handle it. Thanks.

Hi,

I just wondered if some experienced nurses could give me some tips on how to handle this. I work on regular med-surg floor, and this weekend I worked 3 12hr. shifts. It seemed like the majority of my patients all 3 days were s/p MVA with ETOH intox. Now, I am a very understanding person, in my opinion, and I know the importance of being professional and nonjudgemental. I try to give the best care I can regardless. But... after the 2nd day of getting admit after admit after admit with the same scenerio, God help me, deep down I was getting irritated. I gave them the very best care I could and kept all my thoughts to myself. I didn't even talk about my feelings with my coworkers. It just irritated me deep down that someone would intentionally drive intoxicated and injure themselves and others like that. A few of them were fathers and husbands with a family, and I couldn't help but be appalled at their total disregard for their responsibilities. Maybe if it had been just one it wouldn't have bothered me so bad, but at one point I had 2 patients at one time on alcohol drips and a couple more with rib fractures and closed head injuries all with high BAC on admission. I honestly hope noone reading this feel offended or thinks badly of me. I just wanted to get this frustration out and hopefully get some advice on how to handle it. Thanks.

I don't think badly of you. There is enough knowledge out there that everyone knows drunk driving is bad - including the people who do it. And I get aggravated when I think these people are driving on the same roads that my children drive, and on the same streets that my grandchildren play on.

This is the best way to unload your frustration - right here in this forum. Good luck to you and keep giving the best care you can. You are building good Karma!

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Specializes in geri, med/surg, neuro critical care.

Fast forward to about 3 years later. I'm shopping at a local store and some clerk with gobs of makeup on her eyes comes sashaying up to me all gooey and excited repeating "I thought I recognized you. I'm so glad I have a chance to see you again. I've never forgotten you." She proceeds to tell me who she is. I got it quickly. It was the young girl who had attempted suicide and given me a miserable night at work. She wanted to thank me. She said it over and over. You were so right, she said. Things are so different now. I'm so glad I didn't die.

I went home and cried for hours. What a crappy way to learn a lesson. I learned it well that day.

I cried when I read your story...it was very moving and touching. I'm so glad that everything turned out well for your patient, and that you got the opportunity to experience a very important lesson. Sometimes we all need a reminder, including myself. Thank you so much for sharing your story...bless you.

~Lori

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Thanks so much for the advice. I do hope with time it rolls off my back a little better.

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