The nice nurse

[night owl]

Has this happened to you?

The pt who wants only you to do things for them and no one else... It drives me nuts sometimes. I'm not talking just my assigned pts, I'm talking others too. I don't know whether to take it as a compliment or is this person just being a PITA. They'll call me on the call bell, they'll come up to me in their w/c's almost like I'm the only one working. I've said to them, "I'm busy right now, maybe so n so can help you." Their reply, "Well when you get a chance..." I've sent other people into their rooms to help them and they come out saying, "He only wants you with a big smile on their face." I know that to one person you can be their world, but honestly...It does get in the way with everything else that I have to do. I've been on vacation this week and go back Saturday night for Sunday and it's like I don't want anyone to know that I'm back...They'll find out soon enough. "Oh where have you been? I missed you!... I can hardly wait...

:rolleyes:

[mtgirl63]

This hasn't happened to me but I can see where it would get on your nerves at times. In some ways I would probably take it as a compliment though, but even then, I'm sure it would be a pain sometimes!! But if they're looking just for you --- you must be doing something right!!!!!

[Agnus]

This patient is manipulating you and and rest of the staff.

Despite protests, manipulative patients will feel more secure and less out of control when they have specific clear limits set on their behavior.

You must meet with the rest of the staff. Once you have identifed the problem behaviors it is essential to formulate a united, consistent care plan.

Explain rules and regulations and the reason for them. allowable limits MUST be clear . Include the patient in the decision about limits but don't allow her to dictate them. You will need back up of your manager and others. It is also important to avoid a power struggle. You might call in a psyc nurse to advise your staff on how to handle this. She will have specific actions you can take. Without a united front you could end up with staff splitting. It sound like you are very close to that now.

Good Luck

[nicola]

I don't know that all that is called for... the psych consult etc. I've had it happen that (with aides and RN's and their patients) sometimes two people just hit it off well. No splitting. No manipulation. If that's the case, just do some basic limit setting and let it go. I would solve the problem by letting my patients know that I was going on vacation (or whatever), when I expected to return and who would be covering for me (if I knew), and told them that I expected things to be just the same as when I left.

If you're on duty and they're insisting on you, just let them know that they aren't your only patient, that so-and-so can help you and you'll be in when you can.