Vent: Embarrassed during change of shift.

[Spritenurse1210]

During change of shift, Per our policy myself and the oncoming day shift nurse were checking duragesic patch placement on our residents. we entered resident A's room and she proceeded to look for resident a's patch. I had just seen it earlier on in the shift when i counted off with the 3-11 shift nurse. I reached down to help her look for the patch, and her face got red and she grabbed my arm really hard, dug her nails in and pushed my arm away from the resident, and stated "why do you always have to be so uptight?!?!" I almost started to cry, and was really embarrassed by the whole incident. Do you think that I'm reading too much into this?

[FireStarterRN, BSN, RN]

Good advise llg!

[lindarn]

If she dug her nails into your arm, and it broke the skin, I would file an incident report to protect yourself iin case it becomes infected. And I agree that she should be reported. This is battery. JMHO and my NY $0.02.

Lindarn, RN, BSN, CCRN

Spokane, Washington

[Whispera, MSN, RN]

Hmmm....besides the fact that she had no right to dig her nails into your arm or make such a comment in front of the patient...

Did you find the patch? I'm very suspicious here.....was she trying to hide something?

Warm hugs to you...I'm so sorry you had to go through that.

[lady00t]

I agree with the "talk to her first" route. If you cant do it face to face write a note and give it to her. Don't threaten her in the note but do tell her about the unprofessional behavior. But please address it. You could also tell your supervisor if you don't feel comfortable with either method.

[redshiloh]

OK I'm glad someone else mentioned this staff members reaction and thought it suspicious. Based on what you wrote, I am thinking there's more to her story. Did you verify the patch?

[Christina Wright]

Wow...all I can say to that is that she was way out of line. Not only did she handle it very inappropriately but she did it in front of the patient. If I read this correctly you were just trying to be helpful in her patch scavenger hunt. Geez. She needs to get over herself. If I was you, once we left the patient, I would have politely asked her to not touch you again and reported it. Whatever happened to personal space anyway????

[RN1982]

I'm sorry but to me that would be assault.

[pagandeva2000, LPN]

I agree with llg's suggestion on how to handle it, at least initially. But my first mind says that this woman may have something to hide.

A question I do have for the OP is if she is familiar with this nurse, what is her 'normal' behavior, and if anyone else has made comments about her.

[gigi919]

Wow! How inappropriate and unprofessional of her. I commend you for not reacting like we would in the streets. (smile) I agree that her behavior is suspicious, and I would bet you are not the first to have experience her irrational behavior.

You have nothing to be embarrassed about, but this does need to be addressed with your supervisor. Good luck!

[pageygirl]

that was horrible that she did this to you

shes the one thats uptight

[iteachob, MSN, RN]

I agree with the "talk to her first" route. If you cant do it face to face write a note and give it to her. Don't threaten her in the note but do tell her about the unprofessional behavior. But please address it. You could also tell your supervisor if you don't feel comfortable with either method.

There is no need to confront this person. This should be reported to your immediate supervisor.

[MaverickyMaverick]

Maybe she was wearing one too many of the patches herself.... she sounds scary and I would definitely confront her inappropriate behavior. Stand up for yourself even if you have to do it behind her back (report her).