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?
