About those really "hateful, crotchety" patients...

Nurses General Nursing

Published

Specializes in Hemodialysis, Home Health.

Ever have any of these?

The kind who truly think their face will crumble if they crack a smile?

Well, we have one. Just ONE, mind you... the only one we've ever had, and she's relatively new.. about eight months or so. In her early seventies.

I'll tell you, this woman LIVES to be miserable.. it's her life's mission. It looks like her frown is literally CARVED into her face.

Sooooooooooo... I have made it MY mission and daily challenge to bring a smile to this little lady's face, no matter HOW much it hurts her !!!

Yep, I do my darndest to make her smile.. (and shhhhhhh... don't let this get out... but possibly even to make her LAUGH !) :uhoh21: ... once a day.

Yes.. in spite of herself, and out of pure spiteful enjoyment on my part. :chuckle

Heh... so today she comes in, all grumbly and frowning as usual.. it's raining, and she despises the rain.. (but then she seems to despise just about ANYthing)... so I promptly ask her (in my most stern voice and serious expression) just who gave her permission to order all this rain? And that we sure would like to see a speck of sun at least ONCE in a great while!!!

Well, she was taken aback by that, and really looked at me kinda funny.. then before she knew it, she laughed !!! :eek: Just as quickly, she realized she was laughing, and stopped. :rotfl:

Later , as she was waiting on the wheelchair van to pick her up, it really started coming down... and I mean in SHEETS ! I saw her angrily glance out the window at the pouring rain, and said... " * her name* , now aren't you glad you didn't come in here on your motorcycle today?" :lol2:

Well, she must have thought I had totally lost it... she was stunned, and once again, before she knew it, that sheepish grin crept across her face, threatening to steal her gloom... and then it happed.. AGAIN !!! For the second time in one day, this woman LAUGHED !!! Just as soon as she did, however, she caught herself, frowned, looked down and put on her grumpiest face and said in her TRULY thick, country accent " I ain't NEVER rode no motorcycle.. "

heh heh heh

Wow.. what a rewarding day it was, indeed ! My efforts paid off. That was a first.. two laughs in one day !

So, to reward HER for her generosity, I made a point to accompany her out to the WC Van, holding an umbrella over her head. Secretly, she was tickled by this.. you could just "sense" it. Then as she was being hydraulically lifted up into the van, she looked at me, and said "what about you? Now you're getting all wet." (this little woman has never showed an ounce of concern for ANYone's wellbeing other than her OWN, mind you.)

I patted her hand with a big smile and replied.. "not too worry... I won't melt.. I'm not sweet enough."

And that time, she smiled.. a genuine, warm smile... the first I've ever seen from her.. it was even in her eyes.

Life is good. :)

0 Votes

YOu did great Jeanette!!!!

0 Votes

Seems like I have not read a post from you in a while. Hope you are around when I need cheering up sometime.

0 Votes

Awwww, pumpkin,

That was so sweet of you!

You are the bestest nurse ever!!!!

:)

0 Votes
Specializes in Hemodialysis, Home Health.
Hope you are around when I need cheering up sometime.
:kiss My pleasure ! :D
0 Votes

You're funny ! I just wish she wasn't so unhappy ! :uhoh3:

0 Votes
Specializes in HIV/AIDS, Dementia, Psych.

jnette...you are just SO good... :)

0 Votes
Specializes in Hemodialysis, Home Health.
You're funny ! I just wish she wasn't so unhappy ! :uhoh3:

It's her basic personality... persona...ppl who have known her all her life say she's ALWAYS been that way... it tickles me to no end !

I just LOVE messing with her head.. never in an unkind manner.. just like to "shock" a smile into her. I don't think anyone's ever bothered before... probably just ignored her. I can tell she secretly enjoys the attention.

She's my daily challenge.. and I do LOVE a challenge !!! :D

Funny, how you can fall in love with the "unlovable".

0 Votes
Specializes in Geriatrics, LTC.

jnette, what a nice story thank you for letting us share in your good fortune for the day! :)

0 Votes
Specializes in Specializes in L/D, newborn, GYN, LTC, Dialysis.

jnette, you rock. like you, i love a challenge, and when patients are termed as "difficult" i love to try and crack em........it is so great when you get thru isn't it? thank you for sharing that w/us!

0 Votes

the cranky types are my favorites. it just kills them to laugh; they automatically cup their mouths after they laugh, like "oops what did i just do?" again and as usual jnette, you work your magic. xoxo

leslie

0 Votes

Wow. That's beautiful. Really touched me. :) I would have been inclined to leave a grouchy patient alone in their misery. Not anymore. You've inspired me! When I'm a nurse I'm going to strive to cheer up my patients just like you do.

0 Votes
+ Add a Comment