I'm writing for two reasons, 1) to vent to fellow nurses and 2) to ask for advice regarding my recent situation.
At work I carried the same patient load as the previous shift. The first night had gone splendidly and I gave my pain meds as ordered Q2 hours (you know the type: they'd call us otherwise).
Well, my second shift I walked into a irrate patient and it only got worse. After 1 hour and 15 minutes post medication, the patient rings me to say he needs his pain meds. I politely informed that he wasn't due for 45 more minutes and would bring it in when it was due. Long story short, I walked in to cancel the light and the patient began cursing me and calling me nasty names telling me I wasn't doing my job. As professionally as I could, I showed him the order that stated he receives the meds I have been giving him and he slapped my clipboard from my hands. Now believe you me, if the clipboard had not been there, it would have been my face!
Without giving too much info here, this man is not an elderly demented patient and truly knows better! I called security and the nursing supervisor had her two cents worth and the situation was resolved with a few apologies and a promise for no further abuse.
Whew! Did I cry my eyes out after this all came crashing down. I felt nothing was resolved. The nurse supervisor really took the patient's side and did nothing regarding the abuse I had endured at my own professional expense. :angryfire I've heard of hospitals banning abusive patients...is this ever going to be nationwide?
Thanks for the virtual ear, just had to talk this out.
it is sad that our supervisors pacify customers without recignizing what it does to the morale of their own people. I watched that airline show last night where people scream and cuss and abuse airline workers when they don't get their way in airports. My DH laughed cuz I cheered and cheered when a supervisor refused to board an abusive passenger twice, then finally gave him a refund and escorted him OFF the premesis...he was persisting in his abuse of airline employees. I would LOVE to have a supervisor stand behind me like that..and its never happened to me in nursing. Supervisors generally cave to make the customers feel they've 'won' over the nurse...they're too afraid the patient will go above them and make trouble for them if they don't take their side.
it is sad that our supervisors pacify customers without recignizing what it does to the morale of their own people. I watched that airline show last night where people scream and cuss and abuse airline workers when they don't get their way in airports. My DH laughed cuz I cheered and cheered when a supervisor refused to board an abusive passenger twice, then finally gave him a refund and escorted him OFF the premesis...he was persisting in his abuse of airline employees. I would LOVE to have a supervisor stand behind me like that..and its never happened to me in nursing. Supervisors generally cave to make the customers feel they've 'won' over the nurse...they're too afraid the patient will go above them and make trouble for them if they don't take their side.
Unfortunately, in our head-up-its-a$$ society, flying the friendly skies is a priviledge but health care is a right. As far as supervisors allowing abusive customers to enjoy their "win" over the nurse - they are disrespecting their own profession and should be ashamed to show their faces among their colleagues - IMO.
or perhaps leaving his food tray in the fridge for a few minutes.
Unplug the tv and tell him it broke. same with the phone.
The worst one i have seen is a dude who took a swing at a spunky young nurse I worked with. the sup pacified the client. The mortified nurse took her vengence by writing a very sexual letter to the client full of promises when he got out of the hospital. She than left it were this clients wife would find it.
I know childesh, cruel and unprofessional.....
I have had my share of angry folks in the back of the RIG, especialy blue paper transports at 0200 and most are drunk or crazy. Patience, tolerance, and the occasional Police officier with some OC help to make the trips...safe anyway.
Good luck, and remember a little visine goes a long way:devil:
When I was a student nurse I asked my instructor how she dealt with jackasses...she said she imagined them with pink polka dot underwear, or as a cute baby. I guess there's nothing wrong with imagining other things.
mattsmom81
4,516 Posts
it is sad that our supervisors pacify customers without recignizing what it does to the morale of their own people. I watched that airline show last night where people scream and cuss and abuse airline workers when they don't get their way in airports. My DH laughed cuz I cheered and cheered when a supervisor refused to board an abusive passenger twice, then finally gave him a refund and escorted him OFF the premesis...he was persisting in his abuse of airline employees. I would LOVE to have a supervisor stand behind me like that..and its never happened to me in nursing. Supervisors generally cave to make the customers feel they've 'won' over the nurse...they're too afraid the patient will go above them and make trouble for them if they don't take their side.