Don't talk bad about your patients

[BrendaH84]

this is my day to rant :)

When I get report it is great to know, the age gender, IV site, why they are here, when they might be leaving, & if the labs are ok, etc. ok, BYE BYE, on to the next room please...

I don't need to know the patient is getting a certain pill because you think they are mean and crazy and they asked so many times so had to call the Dr. and that's the reason they are getting pill X. That's your job, suck it up. you might say "hey I know it's PRN but plz give/ or ask if he wants that sleeping pill by 8PM, he has already stated he feels he will want it." (I don't care how many times he asked you about it or how crazy you think he or she is. just state the basic facts.)

REFRAIN from the gossipy comments & your imitation of them.

Try to be a nice person, & give the facts. leave out the extra 8 minutes of what you think that patient put your through & how awful they are.

Every single patient I receive report on, is not a pain and they are not crazy. They just are ill and need tending to.

When you DO talk bad about the patients, I just think you are a total jerk.

Yes I know SOMETIMES patients are truly odd and upsetting.

[OnlinePersona, LPN]

You can call me an oddball if you wish, but I like to know about patients with behavioral issues before I meet them. I also appreciate heads-up warnings regarding bizarre family dynamics or tendencies toward crazy-making.

Seriously.

The OP will be making another thread about how no one told her that patient A likes to throw poop.

[toomuchbaloney]

I haven't read all the responses.

I agree that random conversation or venting about "interesting" or "distressing" psycho/social elements of the patients life have no place in a nursing report. While that sort of gossip titilates some it is wholly unprofessional and is wasting your professional time and energy.

I took over management of a hospital nursing unit once many years ago that was plagued with pettiness and difficult personalities. One of the first things that I changed was the way they gave report. I became a terrorist about lengthy narratives that reported nothing critical to the next shifts delivery of care. We went to a strictly SBAR type of report. The team began to focus upon the professionalism in nursing in team and unit meetings.

The changes were quickly assimilated and it wasn't long before the Medical Director commented that "something is different" and shortly after that the unit became a hot spot for nursing...people WANTED to work in that unit.

As a group, we had terrific fun and often played together on Friday or Saturday evenings. On the clock, we were an efficient and skilled nursing team which provided outstanding care.

This is not to say that staff didn't sometimes have hysterical or agitating stories of patients or families...those stories just weren't shared in report.

[thenightnurse456]

I live this post. If report was just facts and you cut out the gossip I might actually get out on time.

[0.adamantite]

I need to know about patient behaviors because I need to know if there have been any changes. If I have a patient who is agitated and nobody told me in report, I'm going to wonder if there has been a change. I also like to know if patients or family members have been particularly demanding or mistreating nursing staff so I can mentally prepare myself for a long day and also know to treat them with "kid gloves". We also get violent patients and I need to know when to be cautious around a patient.

[NeoNatMom]

I am still a student about to start my last semester in the fall and I have heard this stuff at every clinical. I hate hearing in morning report or post conference with my class mates about personal opinions of their pt. It sets the next person up with preconceived notions about the pt. I would just rather not hear it. It's not helpful or professional to me. For that matter, I also don't like hearing how sweet or cute the pt. is. They aren't babies and don't won't to be treated as such.

I am new here, but I agree with you. If the patient has a preference of some kind or something pertaining to their culture or something of that nature that I should know so I can give them the best care holistically, then lay it on me. If it's just whining about you patients it's straight up unprofessional. Not gonna lie, I do it a lot in my current job (fast food) with customers who frustrate me a lot, but I need to change that and it's not done overnight but one day at a time. Let's all try to get through this if it's a struggle and be there to support each other through the stress. Thanks for all the insights you guys post. You guys are awesome! !

[needlesandstuff]

I think that there may be rare occasions where it is appropriate to comment on a patient's behavior, such as inappropriateness and exceptionally rude behavior. These are extreme circumstances but they do happen at times. I feel that it is beneficial to colleagues and helps them do their jobs better because they walk in prepared. However, nonsensical complaining/ranting is very annoying and unnecessary. Most of the time when a patient is frustrated it is because they are sick/in pain/need care... duh.

[Adele_Michal7, ASN, RN]

I think venting within reason can be therapeutic. Sometimes when someone vents, it enables them to hold it together longer on the floor in front of the actual patient. Like with everything, though... Moderation.

[applewhitern, BSN, RN]

Doesn't really bother me. I like to know the psycho-social stuff about my patients.

[SubSippi]

I hate when I get unimportant info about a patient. For example, Mr John Joe had 2u of coverage this am after his FS. (And the patient has pretty much had 2u every day for past 4 years) Would rather have "report by exception only."

"No changes, bye!"

Best report ever.

[Red Kryptonite]

"No changes, bye!"

Best report ever.

You reminded me of a narrative note I recently saw, into which the nurse typed, "nothing." Seriously, why even bother with the keystrokes to express that total non-effort?!

[Spidey's mom, ADN, BSN, RN]

I don't mind a heads up. I just don't like getting a ten minute report on each patient when I have six or seven patients. Ain't nobody got time for that!

I'm late to this game but yes, I truly hate a long-winded report that meanders all over the place. Short and sweet please!

And when you oh-so-mature moralizers explode from holding everything in, those of us who healthily vent will be busy laughing over margaritas about our latest crazy patient challenge, while you're recovering.

I know you already took this back so . . .why don't we meet up for some margaritas and get busy laughing!

I took over management of a hospital nursing unit once many years ago that was plagued with pettiness and difficult personalities. One of the first things that I changed was the way they gave report. I became a terrorist about lengthy narratives that reported nothing critical to the next shifts delivery of care. We went to a strictly SBAR type of report. The team began to focus upon the professionalism in nursing in team and unit meetings.

.

Excellent post! You are my kind of manager!

[Adele_Michal7, ASN, RN]

"No changes, bye!"

Best report ever.

Haha yes! As long as it's a truly no changes, and not a surprise once you hit the floor :)