I guess I'm a florist now too....

Marie_LPN, RN, LPN, RN · Oct 21, 2005

Sometimes i think the word "nurse" is a shortened word for "jack of all trades."

jkaee · Oct 21, 2005

Hey all,
The other morning, I was in the hallway at work when I noticed a family member coming down the hall looking puzzled. I right away asked her if I could help her with something and she said "yeah, where's room 210"...I politely told her where the room was and she said "oh, by the way, cut off the ends of these flower stems and then find a vase for the flowers and put them in it and bring it down to 210". She then proceeded to practically hit me with the bundle of flowers. I was actually speechless.... Some people are so rude...I'm so sick of being treated like a servant...geesh. Anywho..just had to vent that...thanks
luv,
snoop'

When I saw the title of your post, I had to stop for a minute and try to remember if I wrote it. The EXACT same thing happened to me this weekend at work, except I had to do it for the family members mother AND the roommate, since she brought flowers in for both of them. Oh, and don't forget to add the little packet of flower food. Then she was upset because I cut the one bouquet too short. Well, that might be because I'm a NURSE, not a florist. I don't mind doing little things like that for family members, but it was a 12 hour shift that I never got a break for.....didn't eat the whole time.....plus an emergency transfer to the ER, admissions, etc etc.

So, I know how you feel, my dear......makes you shake your head sometimes what people think of us.

allnurses Guide · Oct 21, 2005

I had that happen too - I found a vase and handed it to them and left.

I know - big meanie nurse. :nurse:

There have been times when I have arranged flowers though - our Hospice patients for one. And someone who simply asks me nicely rather than expects it.

I try to give people in pain, either emotional or physical, the benefit of the doubt but sometimes . . . . .there is no doubt. :rolleyes:

steph

heartICU · Oct 21, 2005

Why did you do it? If you were busy enough that you did not get a break, etc then you would certainly be within your right to let them know that they are welcome to do it, but that you have to check on all of your patients. If you let patients and their families treat you as if you have nothing better to do than cut flowers, they will. I know the big push is for customer service nowadays, but come on. People need to understand that hospital is not code for Hilton, and nurse does not equal concierge.

L&Dnurse2Be · Oct 21, 2005

I have never had that happen to me...yet, somehow I always find myself with patients who have a ton of flowers. I will spend some time in the flower room, then go to the next patients room and they ask "Ow, what is all over your scrubs!?" Then I realize its flower pollun (sp). It really looks gross on scrubs, kind of like poop! So then I'm off to the surgery floor to get a new set of scrubs for the rest of the day!:chuckle

meownsmile, BSN, RN · Oct 21, 2005

That wouldnt fly where i work. We dont keep vases on the unit, I guess i could have sent her down to cafeteria for a paper cup. But i sure wouldnt have done it for her.

sharann, BSN, RN · Oct 21, 2005

Give them a urinal for a vase.

No really, its the way you were asked that bugs you more than anything am I right? Oh waitress!!!

nursey_girl · Oct 21, 2005

I work in a busy L and D unit. I remember one time we had this gal... (who felt like she needed to be a pampered princess) ask that we shave her legs. She actually expected us to do it, and was quite miffed when we did not ( as if we had time) Her comment to us was, "humph! the service her is lousy!

Hellllllo Nurse, BSN, RN · Oct 21, 2005

So why did you do it?

I wouldn't have.

prmenrs, RN · Oct 21, 2005

not to mention that flowers come from very wet, germy environments. so nice of her to give you a big load of bacteria to get rid of!

DusktilDawn · Oct 21, 2005

not to mention that flowers come from very wet, germy environments. so nice of her to give you a big load of bacteria to get rid of!

which is why i'm surprised flowers are still allowed, not to mention the numerous people who have pollen allergies, or have a low tolerance to perfumy smells.

i'm not knocking flowers folks, but sometimes when i step into a room it feels like i've walked into a tropical jungle.