Dealing with sexual harrassment and verbal harrassment from patients?

Nurses Relations

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Hi,

I was wondering how you nurses deal w sexual or verbal harrassment from patients on the job?

Ive only been an rn for 3 months but feel like im constantly having weird sexual comments said to me.

I know it happens to most of thr girls on my unit but idk how to respond to it.

Now the verbal harrassment hasnt happened to me as much but I anticipate it in the future.

Thanks for the advice :)

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Specializes in Acute Care, Rehab, Palliative.

I just say "down boy" lol

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Specializes in Case mgmt., rehab, (CRRN), LTC & psych.

Set limits. Tell them, "I'll return to your room when you're ready to behave properly, but I will not tolerate mistreatment." Then leave. Return to the unruly patient's room in a few minutes to see if any behaviors have been modified.

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Specializes in Critical Care, ED, Cath lab, CTPAC,Trauma.
Hi,

I was wondering how you nurses deal w sexual or verbal harrassment from patients on the job?

Ive only been an rn for 3 months but feel like im constantly having weird sexual comments said to me.

I know it happens to most of thr girls on my unit but idk how to respond to it.

Now the verbal harrassment hasnt happened to me as much but I anticipate it in the future.

Thanks for the advice :)

First......I am sorry you are feeling this way and experiencing this:hug:.

Where do you work? What department? If you are working in a prison you will be subjected to unsavory comments at times and if that makes you uncomfortable......maybe you need to seek another place to be employed. What are you considering sexual comments and why are you expecting an increase of verbal harassment in the future? What are your duties that verbal and sexual comments are expected that you feel under attack? I ma not sure how to help you cope unless I have a better idea of what you are experiencing and possibly why. Are you being overly sensitive or are you in an environment that is not suitable for your personality.

I would love to help!

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Specializes in PICU, Sedation/Radiology, PACU.

I encountered this a lot when I was working as a CNA in a nursing home. If the patient has dementia, then I usually just ignore the comments and redirect the conversation to something else. If the patient attempts to touch you inappropriately, I say, "please don't do that" move away and redirect.

But if the person is A+O, you have to nip the behavior in the bud or the patient thinks it's okay. Just realize that everyone comes from different backgrounds. Some patients may have been raised making lude comments and assume it's okay with everyone. Likewise, some nurses might be more comfortable and tolerant of the comments and even laughing or joke with the patient. So the first time the patient makes any time of comment, say something along the lines of:

"I'm not comfortable with language like that."

"Please don't speak to me like that."

"I know you may be used to talking like that, but please treat me like a professional."

If this doesn't work:

"Would you like me to get our security officer to come in here and speak to you?"

If that doesn't work, call security.

If it's verbal abuse, tell the patient:

"I can tell that you're upset. I'm going to step out and close the door. When you can speak to me calmly, I'll come back."

If necessary, repeat the blurb above about security.

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Specializes in Emergency & Trauma/Adult ICU.

I too am curious what type of unit/environment the OP works in where she is "constantly" encountering sexual comments verbalized to her. Definitely not the norm. Even in corrections settings, inmates are generally respectful of nurses ... if for no other reason than, you're not the CO.

With a bit more info, maybe we can help.

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Specializes in Hospital Education Coordinator.

I would definitely agree with Altra. If the offense was overt enough I would consider a lawsuit, but make sure you contact House Supervisor or Security first so the event is documented.

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Specializes in Infectious Disease, Neuro, Research.
Ive only been an rn for 3 months but feel like im constantly having weird sexual comments said to me.

I know it happens to most of thr girls on my unit but idk how to respond to it.

You've made a subjective-conditional statement, followed be a declarative. First, you need to define, for yourself, whether the comments are inappropriate or not. If you do in fact "know" it happens, then it may be a cultural issue, in that your co-workers are intentionally or unintentionally flirting with the pts, or they are unable to properly define interpersonal boundaries.

In either case, the previous posts are good advice.

For egregious offenders, I have assisted my female counterparts with urinary cath procedures ("adequate" lubricant is such a subjective assessment), or obtained sterile water(vs NS) for IM injection solutions.;)

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How does one "anticpate" verbal harrassment in the future??

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I work in a county hospital w a very large mix of people from different backgrounds. For alot of people the hospital I work at is the only place they have to go for healthcare due to financial issues. Alot of my patientd are respectable and kind but there seems to be at least 1 a day that makes such comments. I anticipate verbal abuse in the future because I see that happening to my coworkers alot too.

Anyways, I think ill just try to nip this stuff in the bud as you guys have stated.

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