Patient called me Chubby... LOL

Nurses General Nursing

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Specializes in LTC.

Okay so I know all of you experience nurses are like " welcome to the club", but this was my first time being called a name by a pt. Granted she was disoriented but she oriented enough to see that I was chubby. So I have to admit I am chubby, I'm 5'5 and weigh about 169lbs exaxt. My question is how do you deal with name calling. For me I laughed it off and I recognize that in nursing you definitely can't wear your heart on your sleeves and you must have thick skin. So how do you all deal with name calling ? :bugeyes:

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Specializes in Pediatric/Adolescent, Med-Surg.

If you patient was disorientated, it's doubtful they would have listened to anything you would have said to correct them. I work with teens, however, and do not take any crap from them. Bottom line is if a patient is orietated enough to know where he is/who you are, he is orientated enough to behave himself and show a little respect!

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Specializes in Pulmonary, MICU.

I usually take the high road and say something very "professional" like "Mrs. X, we are a group of healthcare professionals and don't deserve to be called names while we are trying to help you. That language is uncalled for in this setting." If the patient is male, I usually say something like "Come on Mr. So-n-So, there are ladies present!" And then when I leave the room I call them a ******* ***** when they're out of earshot. ;)

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Specializes in SICU, Peds CVICU.

*snicker* most of our patients don't have any room to talk anyhow...

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Specializes in Pulmonary, MICU.
*snicker* most of our patients don't have any room to talk anyhow...

Because they did something stupid to end up in the SI, or because it's hard to talk around an 8.0? lulz

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What do you do when a patient asked you when your due date, when your not pregnant. I had one elderly women get upset with me for lifting her. She stated " You should not be liifting in your condition, dear, you don't want to hurt the baby".

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Specializes in SICU, Peds CVICU.
Because they did something stupid to end up in the SI, or because it's hard to talk around an 8.0? lulz

Most of them are obese. :p

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My response depends on the client. I don't take offense if the person is very elderly, disoriented, or psychotic. I am also patient with very young children. I have a zero tolerance policy for people who are in their right mind and I will tell them in a heart beat to save their comments.

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That's rude and unkind. There is no problem with you politely and firmly telling them they are not allowed to call you names. It's mean and unacceptable.

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Specializes in DOU.

I think you are going to have to grow a thicker skin. The sad truth is that you will be seeing people at their worst. I think the most I might say is something like "didn't your mom ever teach you it is rude to make comments like that?"

One of my patients (detoxing drug abuser) called my charge nurse a "black-a**ed b*tch". :eek: She responded by saying "I sure would have liked to have met you when you were feeling more like yourself". I think my charge nurse is a class act.

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I just give them " the look". LOL

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Specializes in Emergency & Trauma/Adult ICU.

It can help to remember that those individuals who are jackasses outside of the hospital will most likely continue to be jackasses while in the hospital.

Like every other area of life, you have to pick your battles. But if the patient is alert & oriented, there is absolutely nothing wrong with some redirection.

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