Working with a nurse who nursed you

[imaginations]

This is a bit of an odd question... In fact, it was a very odd experience!

I work on the float pool at a large hospital. I generally float through med/surg wards. Yesterday I was due to start in the afternoon on a medical ward but got a phone call in the morning asking me to come in an hour earlier and work in the mental health unit. I hadn't worked there before and don't know too much about it. I do know of one nurse that works there. This nurse actually nursed me when I was an inpatient several times in psych a number of years ago at another hospital. We ran into each other in the float sign on office a few weeks ago by chance, recognised each other, had a short chat and moved on which is how I knew that this nurse works in the mental health unit at my hospital. I never expected to end up there/working with him though. & I did.

I imagine it must have been a really uncomfortable experience for him and I felt bad for putting him in that position.

Is there any advice or words of wisdom out there on this subject? I'm not sure what to do if it happens again in the future aside from ask not to be sent down there, which I don't want to do (because I don't want to explain to my bosses the reason and because I'd like the experience if I can get it.)

[talaxandra]

This isn't a situation I've come across before - my experience has been the other way around, caring for people I've worked with. Unless you were unhappy with the care you experienced from him, I don't think there's anything special you need to do.

I'm glad you're well - good luck :)

[tiroka03, LPN]

The longer you are a nurse, the more you understand that everyone has problems physicaly or emotionally. Sometimes they get worse,and sometimes they improve. I doubt he even gave it a second thought. Whatever caused your problems are under control or solved, and that should be the end of it. If he were to say anything to anyone - thats a hippa violation. I suggest you just be friendly. If he had wanted to say anything, he would have at the time you met, but he didn't.

[Flare, ASN, BSN]

If it were me running into a former patient - especially from a MH setting, i'd probably be happy to see that the person was doing well.

[merlee]

Don't be to worried about working with this nurse. If you received good care from him, consider it a blessing. And in the float pool, it will not likely be a frequent problem.

Best wishes!

[MrWarmHearted]

How about simply expressing your appreciation for his care (and let him know that you're better now)? otherwise, it will always be weird if both of you are quiet about it

[Florence NightinFAIL, BSN, RN]

Am I the only one who, for a second, got the wrong idea and then giggled at the topic? Now THAT, would be awkward.

I wouldn't bring it up. Remain friendly. Don't act weird - he might take cues from how you deal with the situation. Due to lovely HIPAA - he won't bring it up if you don't.

[itsmejuli]

I imagine it must have been a really uncomfortable experience for him and I felt bad for putting him in that position.

If it was me in his position I'd feel really good knowing that you were doing well in your life.

[alphabetsoup]

Honestly, I wouldn't even mention it. Because really, he might recognize you, but would he even remember the specifics of your case? Let's face it, we don't recall every single patient's specifics and sometimes we even forget, especially in a high volume environment. I couldn't tell you about all of the details of the patients I have cared for over the years. At this point, the number is probably in the thousands.