Family Members/Patients Who Write Down Your Name

[abbaking]

Do you ever have those patients or family members who write down everything? Your Name, Your title, your care provided, etc.

I get annoyed sometimes but If its a once in a while thing, I am okay. If its a repetitive everytime I go in the room thing, I get a little defensive.

[rattlernurse]

I have had a similar experience. She was a sickle cell pt. she wrote down name, credentials, the task you were completing, and the 5 rights of drug administration. I HAD to ask her one day why. She said its because she comes in the hospital a lot and if anything happens it is documented the who when and where. I had respect for the reason but it did put me in defense mode. I feel as if those are the PTA that are looking for wrong (and lawsuits!).......to each its own...

[S.G.]

I do get a bit defensive when my patients do this but, as an advocate for my patients, I have actually encouraged them to do this. We write down all care providers names on a white board in it rooms so they know who is coming in and what their role is. Patients have so many people coming in and out that it's helpful for them to keep a list of who is doing what. I've gotten recognized on surveys by patients who have written down my name. It can make me edgy but I really do think it's a good thing. Patients need to be their own advocate too

[Poochiewoochie]

Patients need to be their own advocate too

Yep, we do. Especially when they are not getting the treatment they need.

[Kooky Korky, BSN, RN]

I understand where the pt is coming from and gladly tell them my name, rank, and serial number. Most of them are nice, a few are rude and suspicious, all are afraid. I would be terrified being a patient, so I understand. I work hard to give the best possible care and to be someone they trust. Some are in so briefly that we can't develop a real trusting relationship, so I just try to treat folks the way I want to be treated. And inject a little humor into the mix if it seems appropriate. And I do advocate for them, calling docs about things like rashes or coughs that other shifts haven't tended to. I get them pillows, blankets, chairs for visitors, and so on - the "royalest" treatment I can, the treatment I would appreciate if the tables were turned. I let them know that I'm on their side. They almost always relax and we can begin a true therapeutic relationship.

[jadelpn, LPN, EMT-B]

Most white boards do have the care nurse's name, rank and in some, your various credentials. Some unit managers ask that a nurse put down their credentials. Perhaps to let the patient know your level of education and certifications. Story for another thread, however, I tend to think that patients can feel comforted by the fact that their nurse has a zillion certs that are listed.

But what is most important, I believe, is that a nurse is clear in the plan of care for the day, discuss with the patient, make sure that the patient verbalizes understanding of same, and document this.

It is different with pediatric patients, however, most A&Ox3 adult patients can choose whether the visitor/relative in the room should be tuned in on care or not. I know I sound like a broken record, however, from my own experiences, patients do want privacy. And sometimes that means from a well meaning spouse, mother, father (on our 18+ patients) or other well meaning relative/friend. My name and credentials are on the white board, the details can be discussed with the patient (should they want to discuss them), and otherwise, I am not at liberty to discuss specifics. Not a huge fan of the white board, however, just a look on it will tell most people in the room the plan for the day. And everyone is so in tune with hand washing, 5 rights, etc. that most will be surverying that whether they tell you or not. Just be careful what you share and in front of whom. I got called into the managers office, as i discussed showering with a patient in front of the spouse.....and the spouse thought in inappropriate I shower her husband. in their culture, disrespectful. I was told by the patient not to have those discussions in front of his spouse.

[Esme12, ASN, BSN, RN]

Let them write. I would let your supervisor/manager/risk management that they appear to be dissatisfied so they may decide to talk to the family and have an intervention if necessary.

If I had a dime for every time someone wanted my name, title and wrote while I was in a room....I'd be on some remote tropical island all by myself....that I owned.

Smile answer them calmly and confidently. Make eye contact and ask if there is anything you can do for them as they seem upset/concerned/have needs....would they like a supervisor/manager/director........ smile sweetly and tell them to call if they need anything else.

Never let them see you sweat...most do it as an intimidation factor that you will take better care of their loved one if you are "watched"...let them write.

[Susie2310]

Just continue to provide good care and don't be defensive. Often, especially in the case of close family members, the family is just trying to understand the care the patient is receiving and take care of their loved one as well as they can (they're often either not given very much information or receive complex medical information that's not properly explained, particularly from the doctors) and making notes is helpful, particularly if they may be involved in decisions related to the care the patient receives i.e. POA, spouse. I am an RN and I make notes when my family members are hospitalized. As far as the family taking the name of the nurse; why be defensive? Patients/family have the right to know the name of the nurse who is caring for them. If there are any problems/issues that arise it is very helpful as a patient/family member to be able to refer to the nurse by name.

[NotMyProblem MSN, ASN, BSN, MSN, LPN, RN]

I point out that I spell my name with a Y, not an I.

[brai9284rn]

On my unit we had an issue with this. The patient in question was incarcerated, due to be released in about 2 months. He took a liking to one of the nurses. He stated that when he got out of prison he was going to look her up. I'd be concerned because he had her full name, and a google search can bring up anything now. Also concerning because he was in prison for beating his pregnant girlfriend. I believe we should be able to protect ourselves in those instances. If it feels strange to me using that lovely nursing 6th sense, I may hide my nametag.

[shortlilgirl02]

On my unit we had an issue with this. The patient in question was incarcerated, due to be released in about 2 months. He took a liking to one of the nurses. He stated that when he got out of prison he was going to look her up. I'd be concerned because he had her full name, and a google search can bring up anything now. Also concerning because he was in prison for beating his pregnant girlfriend. I believe we should be able to protect ourselves in those instances. If it feels strange to me using that lovely nursing 6th sense, I may hide my nametag.

I absolutely agree. My place of employment puts first and last names on badges. I covered up my last name with labels and I never give out any other identifier. I usually turn my tag around too because I don't use the legal name on my badge and it gets old having patients read it and want to discuss how unique it is. I'm easy to find because there are under 90 people nationwide with my full legal name and the fact that it would be so easy now makes me uncomfortable. I've had stalkers before and some patients definitely strike me as the type!

[Glycerine82, LPN]

I had a patients daughter write down even the dialogue being exchanged in the room. It was really nerve-wracking. What would get me was all of the information she would write down like Labs and things she didn't know anything about. She kept calling BUN "bun". Like, the roll. I know she was just concerned for her Mom but it makes me feel like they are looking for us to mess up and are watching our every move when pts or family members write everything down. For me, i do the very best that I can and always try to make my patients happy. When I know I am being scrutinized I am much more likely to make mistakes and I dreaded going into that room and when I was in there I tried to do what I had to do and get out as fast as I could.