Disturbance During Lunch/Break

Nurses General Nursing

Published

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?:banghead:

We aren't allowed to leave the hospital grounds for break if you work inpatient. We are also not allowed to tell pt's that "your nurse is at lunch." It's bad for our press gainey scores:uhoh3::uhoh3:

One more reason to stay working in Canada.

Specializes in HCA, Physch, WC, Management.

Maybe I just feel this way now because I am in NS but I can't imagine walking up to an employee outside of the hospital or clinic to ask them something medically related. I see my GP, my chiropractor, and many nurses that I know personally on a daily basis and I have never asked them for advice or whatever. The only time I ask any of the nurses anything at the rehab facility where my grandmom is at right now is when they enter her room or are behind the front counter. If it was an emergency, I might just grab the nearest nurse standing outside the door but that's not the same as walking up to someone who appears to be eating their dinner and asking them for something.

I work in a "true" customer service position right now while I am in NS. It doesn't matter to ANYONE if I am just coming in or leaving and not on the clock or if I am on what is supposed to be my "break", etc. If I am in uniform, I need to do whatever it is that they want me to do and I had better do it now. Sometimes it doesn't even matter if I am in uniform. If I step foot in my store and regular customers see me, some of them will expect me to get things for them, help them with whatever they want in the cooler that isn't on the shelf, hop behind the counter and start waiting on customers, etc.

I haven't had an honest to goodness lunch break in the four years that I have worked there. We are supposed to get 2 ten minute breaks to eat, smoke if necessary, and use the restroom during our shift. I am lucky if I get one. Guess I am just preparing myself for work after NS... :dzed:

Specializes in Emergency.

Oh my!!!

Is Press-Gainey everywhere???

This is why I took breaks where the general public, including patients couldn't bother me. My car was a great place to listen to the radio and eat without anyone bothering me.

One more reason to stay working in Canada.

?

they don't take lunch in Canada or they don't have Press-Ganey there?

I'm confused...:uhoh21:

Specializes in Public Health, DEI.
The general public does not feel we are entitled to a break. If they need something, well, then we should be there, reguardless.

The big problem is that so many people work for facilities that seem to think the same thing. I know plenty of places where responding to a patient with any of the suggested comments could trigger a write-up. It isn't right or fair, but I'd guess we all know places like that.

I don't wear a uniform any more and this isn't actually a problem for me, but it sure used to be. I think the best way to be left alone is to take a couple minutes out of your break to change your clothes. It is really ridiculous, because even if people are having an actual emergency, the appropriate place for them is not talking to you at the picnic table. It is inside waiting to be seen.

Not the same thing, but I've told people at my work that I don't want to be called on my day off for anything, even emergencies. If its truly an emergency, they should call the appropriate person on duty to handle it. What do they think I'm going to do from afar? (So far, it never has been truly an emergency, anyway).

Specializes in ortho/neuro/general surgery.
If I step foot in my store and regular customers see me, some of them will expect me to get things for them, help them with whatever they want in the cooler that isn't on the shelf, hop behind the counter and start waiting on customers, etc.

Get yer groceries somewhere else where noone knows you. :bugeyes::banghead:

I skip breaks and lunch alot, also. But that is by choice, sometimes. Other times it is too busy and there is no one to relieve me, and I am paid for "no lunch". If I was ever disciplined for not interrupting my lunch break for some useless matter...the case of the doctor charts (they can read):rolleyes:, water pitchers, anything short of a code blue....I would immediately call whoever in the government that handled such things where I was working and notify them that the facility was denying my "duty free" break periods. We can't be expected to be able to remain clear headed and able to perform our nursing duties with low blood sugars/high blood pressures/and stressed out minds! If we as a group don't stand up and speak for ourselves, and demand the respect we deserve....then we will continue to be treated like second (no, make that third) class citizens. So, I think that if being polite and telling the person you are on break, someone else needs to handle the situation, doesn't work...then at the risk of being rude...state I am on break, don't interrupt me again. I soooooooo hate how nurses are treated in this day and age!:angryfire The only way it will ever change is if we as an entire group demand it.

Specializes in Clinical Research, Outpt Women's Health.

"I soooooooo hate how nurses are treated in this day and age!:angryfire The only way it will ever change is if we as an entire group demand it."

Yes!

if you are on lunch and have someone covering for you, tell the aid and the ward clerk who to go to in an emergency

then leave the floor for a lunch break, even if you don't want to eat,

sitting down and letting your brain relax is your choice

there are time when you must take control of the situation

relax and enjoy your lunch

Specializes in ICU.

I have worked in several ICU's in my area over the last 30 years. What is a break? Lunch? haven't had that in 30 years! Leave the unit? Doesn't happen. Leave the building? Not allowed, we are essential personnel. A good day is eating at the desk between answering call bells and cleaning up poop. Going to the bathroom once or twice.....a great shift! Breaks and lunch only happen when you are pulled to another floor. Labor laws don't apply to us. 2-15 minute breaks and 30 minute lunches look good on paper, but never ever actually happen.

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