Depersonalization

Am I the only person bothered when a doctor, nurse or CNA refers to a pt as"it'?:no:To me this seems like the person is just the same as a slab of meat , have been a nurse for a long time and it seems to be the norm lately! I sure don't want to ever get to the place that a person lying there needing help is an "it"!

Midwest4me · Dec 9, 2008

No, you're definitely NOT the only person bothered by that. Referring to a patient as "it" is VERY disturbing--that's worse than "the appendix in room 126". Thankfully, I have NOT heard of pts being referred to as "it" in our hospital.

Jules A, MSN · Dec 10, 2008

Thankfully I haven't heard that either.

Valerie Salva, BSN, RN · Dec 10, 2008

I've never heard a pt referred to as "it."

How awful.

Whispera, MSN, RN · Dec 10, 2008

I think if I heard a caregiver call a patient "it," I'd talk to the caregiver, cuz he or she surely isn't very caring.

Wildwood Flower · Dec 10, 2008

I hate to admit it but have also heard that, No offense to anyone but it is usually the techs that do it . I always correct them when I hear it but it keeps happening, To me, if that ever happens with a nurse, I would have to tell them they need to find another line of work!!! :no:

al7139, ASN, RN · Dec 10, 2008

Never would I refer to a patient as "It" and if I heard someone else saying it, whether MD, nurse or assistant, I would say something. They are people, with feelings, and deserve our respect and caring.

Even when I have to make the late night calls to the MD for orders, I first say to them "I am calling about Mr. (fill in the blank). He is in room (fill in the blank). This is the problem, and I need further orders. I am sure that most of the time, the MD's do not know right away who I am talking about, but I refuse to say "I am calling about the CHF, A-fib, Renal, etc. pt. This depersonalizes them and makes healthcare workers seem uncaring. I would rather have a MD ask "What is their history, diagnosis, etc. then treat them as a diagnosis or number. I have helped assistive personnel bathe ands change unresponsive patients and have experienced situations where they will say things they wouldn't say in front of someone who can talk back, and have taken them aside later and explained to them that just because the patient cannot talk does not mean they cannot hear, and to watch what they say in any patients room.

I hate it but I do see it, and I do my best to stop it.

That's part of my job.

Keep your caring and compassionate attitude! It pays off in the end despite those who may not see it your way.

Amy