First Time Parents Asked For A Different Nurse

Wuzzie · Jul 12, 2021

They sound like jerks. Let it go. This is not a reflection on your capabilities as a nurse.

Davey Do · Jul 12, 2021

Once we allow others to dictate our worth, we will forever be on a futile endeavor to please all of the people all of the time.

Once we realize that true happiness comes from being at peace with who we are, situations such as this are merely bumps in the road of life, pinkdoves.

chare · Jul 12, 2021

55 minutes ago, pinkdoves said:

There is a really difficult family on our unit right now. I've been their nurse 3 times (2 in a row) on the last of the third, the parents asked to speak to the charge RN. ...

[...]

You're not likely the first nurse that they've "fired," and I doubt you'll be the last.

As Wuzzie mentioned, some families are difficult to work with. Sometimes thus is because they're jerks, and sometimes it's a reaction to the stress of having a sick child. Either way, please don't stress yourself out over this.

Best wishes.

ETA: Technologicaly challenged question. How do you insert the blue @username links?

Jedrnurse, BSN, RN · Jul 12, 2021

In response to your emotional turmoil to this occurrence:

Don't waste the energy.

When you've been "fired" by one of these kind of families, it's a gift. Enjoy not being in their unrealistic and entitled presence.

NightNerd, MSN, RN · Jul 12, 2021

It can smart a little to be fired by a family that you clearly were attentive to. There are some people who can't be pleased no matter what you do, and that's not a reflection on you as a nurse.

It may not feel like it right away, but it is probably a blessing to be fired from this patient. Breathe easy and enjoy the (hopefully) nicer shift!

Emergent, RN · Jul 12, 2021

Good riddance to bad rubbish

RNNPICU, BSN, RN · Jul 12, 2021

Honestly while it does make you feel bad, be thankful. Why would you want to enter a room with a family that act like that. Some families want so much control in situations where they have little control. Families who are similar to the one you described know that this will hurt you and want control.

You were much better off with a better assignment. Let it g.. There will be others in the future. Although initially it stings, some of the families are just unhappy and will take it out on you.

Wuzzie · Jul 12, 2021

9 minutes ago, RNNPICU said:

Although initially it stings, some of the families are just unhappy and will take it out on you.

Also they won't think twice about going to your manager with made up things you did/did not do. It then becomes a he said/she said situation that you will most certainly come out on the losing end. They are also masters at playing the staff against each other. Not worth the trouble.

TriciaJ, RN · Jul 12, 2021

3 hours ago, pinkdoves said:

There is a really difficult family on our unit right now. I've been their nurse 3 times (2 in a row) on the last of the third, the parents asked to speak to the charge RN. Charge went in and basically told me later on that they asked for a different nurse because I didn't' answer the call bell fast enough. At that time I was giving meds to a different patient and had already been in their room twice before I entered the next patient's room. Another RN went in for me...

I just feel so bad about myself and my nursing ability. I've been working for 1 1/2 years and I still can't seem to get time management down. I feel like I'm always running in circles. I guess I'm not the only one bc a couple nurses told me they couldn't even eat lunch. I just am scared I never will get better at this bc I feel like a new grad still. Does this ever get better or am I just a bad nurse?

Anyway, charge told the family they will not get a new nurse for the day. But I was there the next day and they changed my entire assignment...

I've never had this happen to me and I feel so stupid. I feel like I'm always trying my best just to be told I'm not doing enough. I'm super burnout and I don't know where to take my career.

Seriously? Let's go over the evidence. They're a pain in the *** family that have caused problems for other nurses. They called when you were busy with someone else. Bummer you get assigned more than one patient and real bummer you can't be 2 places at once.

And that's all it takes to make you doubt yourself and your whole career? Did you expect everyone to shower you with appreciation? Very unrealistic, no matter how good a nurse you are.

Being fired by a PITA family is like winning the lottery. Let someone else bear the brunt, and you try to be extra supportive of that person.

JBMmom, MSN, NP · Jul 12, 2021

As everyone else has said, take it as the blessing that it is. There is no reflection on your competence or nursing practice here. There is confirmation that these people are trying to control an environment over which they feel no control and you were the one variable they could influence. Florence Nightingale herself would probably not make them happy.

Jedrnurse, BSN, RN · Jul 12, 2021

1 minute ago, JBMmom said:

Florence Nightingale herself would probably not make them happy.

I imagine Florence would have kicked butt.