Do other RN's imply you give "too much" nursing care??? (long vent)

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Specializes in MICU.

Hey, all, I have a situation that's been driving me nuts, maybe y'all can help me with it!

I work in the MICU, and I've been there about 6 months. I really enjoy what I do, and I do enjoy the people I work with. There's the same frustrations as everywhere else (low staff, high acuity pts, etc), but I really enjoy the experience overall.

Anyway, every now and then, I feel like some other nurses (very few) kind of give me an attitude if they feel I'm doing "too much" for my pts. Last night is a good example- woman with ESLD and ESRD, on CVVHD, mostly A&O on room air/occ NC (not common for us, most pts vented). We mostly sit right outside the rooms. Anyway, occasionally when she's startles awake, she is confused and will call my name. She just forgets about the call bell (little hepatic encephalopathy);on day shift she uses the callbell. She doesn't scream or shout, just calls my name. One of the other nurses says, "You can't let her call you like that! Tell her she must use the call bell or you won't come!" Honestly, I prefer her to call my name then try to crawl out of bed!

Also, I helped her brush her teeth, and another nurse stared @ me like I was an alien!! :uhoh21: I mean, she has to drink Lactulose and Bicitra- this is the least I felt I could to to help her. This pt is alert, and tired, and asked to do her bath in the morning, which was fine with me. So I was helping another nurse, because I had the time, and when I told her about it in passing ("oh, I'm going to do my bath in the morning, she asked and needs some rest.") I got a lecture! "You need to tell your pt that if she doesn't take her bath when it's offered, you may be too busy later! That pt is so annoying, she demands too much! You need to set some limits." The only thing this pt ever asks me for is a bedpan w/powder on it to make it more comfortable & to mix her Lactulose real well. I don't find this overly demanding!

Plz keep in mind while I'm doing this "extra" (not in my opinion) stuff for her, I'm still answering other pts alarms when other nurses are tied up, intervening on a pt who desated and had to be re-intubated, taking over midnight care of the nurse's other pt so she could stablilize the decompensating pt, helping turn and bathe other pts (we do not employ NA's)... etc. I'm not in my room giving my lady a manicure while the unit falls apart and then claim "I was too busy to help."!

Finally, one nurse finally grumbles something like, "I hope if I ever have her, she doesn't expect all this stuff from me!" What, a bedpan? Sleep? A toothbrush? Are they just upset that I'm setting a good example?? I don't know! I feel I'm a compentent nurse, and I feel this woman is just sick as anything and feels like poo and doesn't want to crap all over herself!

Seriously, guys, I feel good about the care I gave her (and my other pts), but then I feel bad about how those few nurses react to the "over" care I give!

Blah. That was long. Thanks for listening!

Peace,

Sharon :D

PS I did have some Gardenia lotion in my bag, so I put a little bit into a medicine cup to share with my pt because she's been here so long and I know she's tired of the hospital stuff, and I wanted her to have a little pampering. One of the other nurses complimented me on how my pt looked/smelled after her bath, and I was afraid to tell her what I did because I thought I'd get another lecture! What am I doing wrong?!?!

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Specializes in ICU, Research, Corrections.

I don't see how it is possible to give too much nursing in the MICU :roll I am a new MICU nurse and intend to treat my patients in the manner you treat yours! I wouldn't listen to what the other nurses think......too bad, it is the right thing to do for your patient. Keep up the good work

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Specializes in L&D.

Very sad. They're just jealous. And they're afraid that all patients will expect the kind of loving care you gave to them from them also.

So I guess they're lazy maybe too......just sad tho.

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Well to start with, YOU ARE NOT DOING ANYTHING WRONG. Not sure what's up with the rest of the staff though. Perhaps they're afraid more will be expected of them.

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Specializes in Utilization Management.

Absolutely nothing wrong with that care!

OK, maybe one thing. Don't tell the others that you did "more." Just say "Bed 3 is already bathed" and leave it at that. ;)

That's what I do. Because, like you, when I have the time, I enjoy doing that stuff.

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Specializes in Case Mgmt; Mat/Child, Critical Care.

ICURN

It sounds like you're doing a great job and that you're very caring as well. IMO, "older" (as in more experienced/seasoned) nurses get very burnt and jaded, as well. I think it's wonderful to see the compassion of a new nurse. Don't let these "seasoned" nurses change your way of caring for a pt. You seem to have your priorities straight and help out others as well. A bit of jealousy in there as well, I'd bet. Keep up the good work, and always remember...you are there for the patients.....

Edited to add: I meant some nurses get jaded, etc.

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Specializes in ICU, CCU, Trauma, neuro, Geriatrics.

I hear some sizzling in there, burn out is probably the issue not you. Keep up the good nursing care.

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Specializes in Nephrology, Cardiology, ER, ICU.

Wow - you are wonderful! Don't change a thing! I would hope and pray that I have you take care of my family member or myself!

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Specializes in Vents, Telemetry, Home Care, Home infusion.

Been told repeatedly that I'm a hard act to follow.

No one ever wanted my homecare patients while on vacation etc.

I think of the old adage what goes around, comes around. Keep treating your patients as YOU want to be treated if hospitalized. Nothing wrong with high standards.

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Specializes in Corrections, Cardiac, Hospice.

Finally, one nurse finally grumbles something like, "I hope if I ever have her, she doesn't expect all this stuff from me!" What, a bedpan? Sleep? A toothbrush? Are they just upset that I'm setting a good example?? I don't know! I feel I'm a compentent nurse, and I feel this woman is just sick as anything and feels like poo and doesn't want to crap all over herself!

PS I did have some Gardenia lotion in my bag, so I put a little bit into a medicine cup to share with my pt because she's been here so long and I know she's tired of the hospital stuff, and I wanted her to have a little pampering. One of the other nurses complimented me on how my pt looked/smelled after her bath, and I was afraid to tell her what I did because I thought I'd get another lecture! What am I doing wrong?!?!

I would have replied, what if that were your mom in there? Would you give her some lotion and a toothbrush? I only give the care I would want for my loved ones. No, your NOT doing too much, your a great nurse, they are just adequate. Which would you rather be known as?

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Specializes in MICU.

:thankya: Thank you all so much! I do feel alot better- I guess I just needed the encouragement! I do feel great when I take care of my pts, it's just a couple of nurses' reactions that bothered me.

I'm going to keep trucking along, and "doing my thang!" Thanks to everyone again! :heartbeat

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Specializes in CCU,SICU,CVICU,Burn Unit.

I have been a nurse for twenty three years and to this day I treat my patients as you have. Do not let a few nurses change you. You sound like someone I would like to work with. Keep up the good work!:balloons:

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