Disturbance During Lunch/Break

[pagandeva2000, LPN]

When I take a break or lunch, sometimes, I go to one of the stores across the street, sit on the benches outside or the steps. I may have a book, listening to my MP3 or speaking on my cell phone. NUMEROUS times, patients will come to me with non-emergent situations and demand my attention (this happens to MANY nurses as well in my hospital). I have been told "I'll wait until you finish your conversation" and I will say that I am on break and will not be off for awhile, but will ask what and it can lead to a loooong....looong story on something silly like venting about a doctor, asking about prescriptions, can I take their pressure, make an appointment (when I say no, then it is "Why?"). Once, I was so engrossed in my conversation that I didn't realize that someone was staring at me, I turn around, and the person says "You didn't see me standing here? Is this how you treat your patients?" all OUTSIDE the building-many times across the street from the building. Some have asked me for money (out of my own pocket) for medications, ask about their bunions, etc...My answer would always be that since I do not have a chart before me, it is really inappropriate to comment on your care without documented facts, labs, and the provider available to give correct information.

I have had to get to the point where I have stated in a kind way "I am on lunch, on break, and unless it is an emergency, I am entitled to it the same as you would be if I came to your job. Please respect this". This does take time away from my own time of peace and quiet to get my mind together to get back to the clinic and deal with people effectively. Does this happen to any of you, and if so, how do you handle it?

[TazziRN, RN]

Quite simply, I would smile politely without saying anything, and continue with what I was doing. By asking "What?" you are inviting the conversation.

As to the one who was standing nearby, I would have said "No, I didn't see you there, I'm sorry. I am on my own time and I do not go looking for patients during that time."

[Rio, ASN, RN]

"You didn't see me standing here? it?

Be calm and honest: "YES I saw you standing there [pause for effect] and I chose to ignore you."

[leslie :-D]

i'm all for being polite and honest:

"i am on my break now, and will address any concerns in approx 25 minutes, when i return".

then go back to reading, texting, etc.

leslie

[CrunchRN, ADN, RN]

I would simply state " I am not on duty right now and you will need to see me in the clinic if you wish any assistance".

[MrsCaseyRN]

The general public does not feel we are entitled to a break. If they need something, well, then we should be there, reguardless. However, most other professions have no problem with closing for lunch, or ignoring people wating for service during their breaks. I know that our "services" can be just a little more important that other professions, at times, but its not like a nurse will go off to lunch with one of the pts in need of urgent care, or one of our pts coding. I think most nurses tend to wrap up important things before going to lunch, otherwise they are tasks that can wait until the nurse comes back. The general public doesn't get that. Why? Because as we talk about in other threads, the public thinks a glass of water IS urgent. They think talking to you about having more blankets instead of the amount usually given CAN'T wait until you get back. People think everything in the hospital must happen NOW, otherwise their loved one's life is in danger. And if you missing your lunch is what it takes to make grandma just perfectly comfortable in bed, then her family is more than willing to have you sacrific that!!

As for the random pts walking up to you on break, they don't care if you are on break, because, again, you're not entitled to a break.(In their minds, of course) The same way I've heard many people say that because of the importance of the services we provide, that doctors and nurses should work for free.

[jessiern, BSN, RN]

:yeahthat:

That sadly is so true. When I first started, if patients called needed something nonurgent while I was at lunch, I would reply that it would be a few minutes I was finishing lunch (many times lunch is around 1:00 for me) Almost always, the reply was "but I need something now, can't you do it then finish eating", with the tone of a slaveowner back in the old south speaking to his "slaves". So now, I just lie and tell them I am in with another patient, and it will have to wait.

Sometimes my stomach isn't very "patient" at lunch time.

[santhony44, MSN, RN, NP]

And don't you dare take any time off or get sick!!!

[Quickbeam, BSN, RN]

The same way I've heard many people say that because of the importance of the services we provide, that doctors and nurses should work for free.

So unbelievably true.

[smurfy]

people are selfish and do not respect boundries. So when this happens to me, I ignore the person untill they give up and go away or untill my break is over and I am back on the floor.

[oramar]

Maybe you should wear a disguise. Perhaps a pair of gag glasses with a mustach would help.

[pagandeva2000, LPN]

Because policy dictates that nurses wear white, even the disguise will not hide my white scrubs...LOL

It is really above and beyond belief...if a person went to the bank, to a business or whereever else, business type people are expected to take breaks, but they believe that nurses should be above taking time for themselves. I remember once, when leaving work for the day, I had on my coat, had my bags and was talking on my cell phone. One of the patients walks over to me and asked if she can use my cell phone! I told her that she can either get 50 cents or go to ask to use the courtesy phone. Now, we are expected to give them our cell phone minutes, too?? It is unreal!!