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?
Breaks? I'm definitely going to ask about them when I interview for my next job. I would love to leave the floor once in twelve (actually thriteen most days) hours.
"I'm on my lunch break and legally not able to offer that type of assistance. If this is an emergency, please call 911". Smile and walk away.
Obviously, you would not let a person in need of CPR lay there in the street, but to a person expecting you to do them a petty favor will get the point.
"I'm on my lunch break and legally not able to offer that type of assistance. If this is an emergency please call 911". [/quote']
I really like that answer! Except, I might add "UNPAID lunch break":)
Have to add, I've seen patients/families WALK IN TO OUR BREAK ROOM, there's no hiding anywhere. Bad enough they come right in to the nurses station, now the breakroom too. Soon I'll probably have them walking in on me while I sit on the toilet.
These same people wait in line for their turn at the grocery store, the bank, the gas station, at doctor's offices, etc. So why do they expect every petty request to be dealt with immediately when in the hospital?
believe it or not this is something i haven't ever come across.
of course breaks were far between and usually consisted of the secretary and i doing a power-walk on the back corridors. they were marked off in 1/4 mi segments. the hospital and the 2 adjoining office buildings were a total of 2 and 1/4 mi.
as far as lunch.....a bunch of nurses staring at each other at the gobble ground is pretty formidable too.
maybe take off the name badge and have one made for star-franks or something. "sorry we haven't opened yet."
I get inturrupted all the time for stupid stuff that can wait until I'm done with my lunch. I just got inturrupted yesterday by a pompous doctor who had me out for 30mins to read the chart for him and dial numbers. At the facility I am on assigment with the nurses kiss the Docs butts and jump when they say jump regardless. I hate the whole nature of it...
A loud ipod, very dark sunglasses, and book titled "Nursing for Dummies" usually do the trick to keep people from talking to me :) Being serious about the ipod and sunglasses though. Then just pretend you can't see, feel, or hear them.
Specializes in Alzheimer's, Geriatrics, Chem. Dep..
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?
Just tell them, "I am not allowed to treat patients unless they are at the hospital/clinic." If they ask why just repeat your statement.
What if you DID "treat" them and something wrong happened? You would not be covered. So really it's "can't" and not "won't"
:lol2:
This customer friendly stance that the hospitals are taking are really wearing down on nursing.
*ac*
514 Posts
Breaks? I'm definitely going to ask about them when I interview for my next job. I would love to leave the floor once in twelve (actually thriteen most days) hours.