Why do Nurses do this?

Nurses General Nursing

Published

Scenario: Two nurses talking. I'm doing vitals, have an abnormal which I am obligated to report to the nurse. Half of my shift, I can't find the nurses when they're needed for things like patients asking for pain meds, IV's running empty, etc.

I approach nurse in conversation with another nurse. I stand off to the side just in the field of vision so I'm not horning in or overhearing the conversation with the other nurse. Conversation continues... and I'm being ignored. Conversation ends, and both nurses walk away leaving me to chase down the one I had to report to. Why does this always happen? And it's not just one nurse in particular, it's every nurse on the unit. Obviously, I need to tell them something, but I'm repeatedly ignored. Does anyone have any way for me to handle this? This happened to me 3 times last night. :angryfire:angryfire:angryfire

Specializes in Med-Surg/Peds/O.R./Legal/cardiology.

How 'bout EXCUSE ME! YOUR EPIDERMIS IS SHOWING!!!! :lol2: That will probably startle them for a moment so at least you can get their attention! SPEAK UP!!!

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Specializes in Day Surgery, Agency, Cath Lab, LTC/Psych.

I would have walked right up and said, "So sorry to interrupt but I wanted to let you know that Mr. So-and-so has a BP of 204/120." It takes about 15 seconds and you can get on with continuing to take your vital signs.

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Specializes in Med/Surge, Psych, LTC, Home Health.

OR, you could say "Excuse me, just wanted to let you know that Mr. Jones' blood pressure is 230/120". Then after said nurse gets done having her little mini heart attack you then say "Just kidding, it's 160/80... still a little high, I just needed to get your attention."

Sorry, that's pretty mean. I'd probably need an oxygen tank if my CNA did that to me on an especially hectic night. :lol2:

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Specializes in ER, ICU, L&D, OR.
Scenario: Two nurses talking. I'm doing vitals, have an abnormal which I am obligated to report to the nurse. Half of my shift, I can't find the nurses when they're needed for things like patients asking for pain meds, IV's running empty, etc.

I approach nurse in conversation with another nurse. I stand off to the side just in the field of vision so I'm not horning in or overhearing the conversation with the other nurse. Conversation continues... and I'm being ignored. Conversation ends, and both nurses walk away leaving me to chase down the one I had to report to. Why does this always happen? And it's not just one nurse in particular, it's every nurse on the unit. Obviously, I need to tell them something, but I'm repeatedly ignored. Does anyone have any way for me to handle this? This happened to me 3 times last night. :angryfire:angryfire:angryfire

interrupt them, your there doing a job also

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Scenario: Two nurses talking. I'm doing vitals, have an abnormal which I am obligated to report to the nurse. Half of my shift, I can't find the nurses when they're needed for things like patients asking for pain meds, IV's running empty, etc.

I approach nurse in conversation with another nurse. I stand off to the side just in the field of vision so I'm not horning in or overhearing the conversation with the other nurse. Conversation continues... and I'm being ignored. Conversation ends, and both nurses walk away leaving me to chase down the one I had to report to. Why does this always happen? And it's not just one nurse in particular, it's every nurse on the unit. Obviously, I need to tell them something, but I'm repeatedly ignored. Does anyone have any way for me to handle this? This happened to me 3 times last night. :angryfire:angryfire:angryfire

There is a girl in our class who literally feels like vomiting when she has to approach people and speak up, to authority figures. So, one of our instructors told her to make a little sign that says excuse me, when she approaches a situation such as this she just holds her little sign up and trust me the other conversation stops....she can then interject her information and go about her duties...

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Specializes in Day Surgery, Agency, Cath Lab, LTC/Psych.
There is a girl in our class who literally feels like vomiting when she has to approach people and speak up, to authority figures. So, one of our instructors told her to make a little sign that says excuse me, when she approaches a situation such as this she just holds her little sign up and trust me the other conversation stops....she can then interject her information and go about her duties...

LOL. :lol2:

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You're trying to be polite, and they are being rude, or else dense.

My thoughts exactly!!

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Specializes in NICU.

I used to to the "hover in the field of vision" thing too, and it turned out that not only did I never get what I needed, but people on my unit thought I was sort of creepy. I still do it with the docs because I'm nervous (ditto to the student mentioned earlier who gets nauseated) but I'm getting better at it with other nurses.

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Specializes in Med-Surg/Peds/O.R./Legal/cardiology.

Dolce,

I don't have a crystal ball for Halloween but I can see her having an interesting time in the field of nursing! I hope she toughens up (and I'm sure she will) in the years ahead.:lol2::lol2:

ebear

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Specializes in Med-Surg, Trauma, Ortho, Neuro, Cardiac.

I would have chalked it up to to those two nurses, but if every single nurse does this to you, then part of the problem might be you. You've gotten some good advice. Be assertive and polite and understood. You have to do what you have to do to take care of the patients.

Good luck.

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Specializes in Med Surg, Hospice.

I guess I am being too nice... and not assertive enough. My 6 months probation is up in 30 days (started 5 months ago today), and I'm kind of worried that they won't keep me. Thank you for advice, everyone. Next time I'm going to interrupt...

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Specializes in Med-Surg/Peds/O.R./Legal/cardiology.

GOOD, Kylee! GO ON GIRL-- you'll be fine!!

ebear

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