Glen Beck's hospital experience

VinoLover2030 · Jan 12, 2008

Well I dont know why he went home on his own. My thing is this....as someone stated earlier that nurses are human and errors can happen. It is possible that because he had numerous things going on(pain med s plus pain) . The blame has to be dished all around ....not just a nurse having to re -earn to Liscense.Yes the surgery may have been painful but what patient would be on ALL of those pain meds at once. It is highly unlikely(PCP, morphine by P.O, patches) If the pain meds are not working it is up to the the doctor to try to figure out what else is going on. HE DEFINATELY NEEDED SOME EDUCATION HERE. I see how he praises the docs and it makes me sick , how uneducated he sounds about the entire experience. I work on ICU and when he said , " I was not breathing"....im sitting here like no you kept hearing the bell alarm because your sats were low and the nurse was telling you to breath deep to oxygenate......I mean come on with pain meds your respers are bound to decrease especially when you sleep.I do find some validity in pieces of his story, but you know I think that people who speak ill of nurses should have to spend the day with us to see how it all plays out . It sounds like hey , some of the nurses were just not perceptive or just not having a great day, but to blame the whole hospital.......that is just childish.

Would we be so quick to jump to his side if he had said " I went to the grocery and everyone was just mean and unattentive, so I blame the entire store + staff".Well if you have a problem then talk to the hospital.His story is just one of millions who may not know that healthcare is in a state of crisis at the moment

banditrn · Jan 12, 2008

From god's mouth to our ear

GOOD one, ingelein!!:rotfl::rotfl::rotfl:

truern · Jan 12, 2008

I, ummmm, had a really, ummmmm, hard time following, ummmmm, his tirade.

allnurses Guide · Jan 12, 2008

I, ummmm, had a really, ummmmm, hard time following, ummmmm, his tirade.

That is why I didn't watch it.

So, yesterday for the first time I watched his show . . . . he is kind of an odd ball. (I say this as a conservative too).

But that doesn't make his complaints less valid. At least some of them.

As I said, he really does need some education.

steph

allnurses Guide · Jan 12, 2008

Step back and look at this in a more objective way...
The end of life patch is what got me. Someone probably frightened the bejesus out of him with this explanation of what may have been a fentanyl patch..I heard this drug mentioned twice when this case was covered on television. My sister-in-law lives on fentanyl patches since her battle with cancer ( eight years) and complications of radiation injury to her small intestine,sepsis, chemotherapy, heart attack (per oncologist). She works full time with FLKs (my turn to be nasty) Funny looking kids or use the F with a U anyway you want..I first heard this from pediatric nurses and I was shocked!! She is not a burden to society and is a productive individual which would not have been possible without this pain management system.
Cut the guy some slack. The reason he was bitchin' about the surgery is that he stated that he woke up from the anesthesia before the proceedure was completed. This would be a big OUCH and traumatic experience for everyone. This is of course is unacceptable regardless of who the patient was.
As for the drama...I have first hand witnessed patients' returning to our unit after being overdosed on post of pca medication, intubated and requiring additional hospitalization with an ICU stay. Glenn also stated he was taking p.o medications like percocet or what ever. He also stated he was wearing the "end of life patch" God forgive the person who told him this. Who the hell gave him these drugs? If in fact he woke up before the proceedure was completed, he was frightened out of his mind (as I would be!) and further pain management and reassurance would be his primary goal. I would like to know what type of nurse or physician would order and/or administer these drugs without performing a complete assessment. Were his vital signs including respiratory rate assessed and documented, what was the patient's level of awareness, was he able to communicate in a clear voice to describe level of pain on the 0-10 pain scale and speak in a rational manner. Was follow up done to see if medication was effective and was the patient still able to communicate and breathe without difficulty? We have to document all of these things and add anything out the ordinary on our flowsheets and of course bring concerns to the team covering the patient. Then we document what actions were taken and the effectiveness jof our interventions.
We also must take the time to interact with the patient using our skills to reduce patient's fears, address the family, etc...we have to be available and to keep patient's like this informed of our commings and goings this also helps to reduce stress.
Our pca patients' are monitored not just in our icu, but on the floor with pulse oximentry while on pca. We keep them on 2 liters per minute NC.
We also teach family and friends not to push the button on the delivery system because of the risk of causing respiratory supression. We tell them that if the patient does not administer his own dose, no one else should. Despite the fact that maximum drug dose is set it is not unexpected for a patient to have respiratory distress when someone else decides to give the maximum allowed per hour by pushing the button allegedly trying to "help" the patient.
We don't know what really happened but we can, based on his own statements and the wild video he made (this video was made at home by his family and was never intended for general public consumption..only insiders were supposed to see this if they wanted to from what I understand).
He was probably right that he would have died and despite his "celebrity" status and his controversial status as a conservative talk show host, this would have been a tragedy.
I hesitate to bring this up...but I will simply because it is a valid concern. Do you think his professional life affected how some persons in the medical, nursing practice in this hospital had anything to do with the near death by drug overdose???? Two things..maybe staff didn't want to deal with this patient, easier to oversedate/medicate than communicate. Some people are overwhelmed by "celebrities" and just do what a frightened patient thinks he needs (bad management!!!). I'm sure in this particular facility they get lots of "important" patients and can't possibly be influenced by this type of patient. Imagine the headlines. Already people are making fun of the surgery he had..like everyone is perfect? I have read other articles where the person/s writting stated they wished he had died and laughed at the video showing a frightened, traumatized man. "There but for the grace of G-d" as the saying goes..or my favorite "do unto others as you would have them do unto you"
There is a hell of a lot more to this story than we will ever know. If a patient feels he wasn't "cared" for this is his impression and it is up to us, the caregiver, to find out what is going on. At least this is something we do at our facility. This experience was Glenn Beck's experience and his truth lets not mock it, overthink it or take it personal.
I certainly have no ill will towards any patient, certainly not this guy.
Whatever happened in the ER is also his and his wife's experience. I can believe him when he saw uncaring persons just looking at him, watching as his wife tries to help him out of the wheelchair when it was obvious that he was overmedicated and potentially a SENTINEL event waiting to happen. Its so much easier to be warm and understanding then standing in judgement of someone you may dislike. Takes to much energy to be nasty to anyone. What about nursing care? it was also his reality, his truth that the nursing care did not meet his needs. Who ever heard of a bath down the hallway? bandages on the floor? that I can believe. Was he in the hallway in the ER or was he in a patient room..again, the bathroom??
Way to much here to ignore.
Take care.
End Game RN
Minor Deity

I really appreciate your post. Especially the part about Glen waking up prior to the procedure being completed. That is scary.

And whoever educated him on the end of life patch needs to be reprimanded.

Thank you!

steph

SharonH, RN · Jan 12, 2008

It appears that most of us agree on the following:

1. Patient was improperly educated on both his meds and what to expect postoperatively.

2. Patient was discharged to home improperly following difficulty with pain control although sources indicate that he left AMA.

3. Fentanyl was improperly prescribed.

klmRN234 · Jan 12, 2008

Instead of being insulted by Glen Beck's tirade, why not take a step back and see what he is really trying to get across to our profession. Be Compassionate! Our patients are sick, they are in pain, and they are foremost scared. How much of an effort does it really take to acknowledge the patient and his pain? Even though it's hard at times (!), I try to treat each patient (VIP or not) as I would want me or my family members cared for.

nurse.pammy · Jan 12, 2008

I don't work in the ER, but if a post-op patient came into the dept c/o SEVERE pain and difficulty breathing, anxious, unable to sit in a chair--shouldn't he be assessed right away?

emmycRN · Jan 12, 2008

Instead of being insulted by Glen Beck's tirade, why not take a step back and see what he is really trying to get across to our profession. Be Compassionate! Our patients are sick, they are in pain, and they are foremost scared. How much of an effort does it really take to acknowledge the patient and his pain? Even though it's hard at times (!), I try to treat each patient (VIP or not) as I would want me or my family members cared for.

The most compassionate people I know are nurses. I think that the vast majority of us respond appopriately and with great love and compassion to our patients who are sick and in pain. This guy, IMO, has not presented his experience truthfully. Now, this may be due to excessive pain meds or lack of knowledge but the fact remains that nursing has been unfairly given a "black eye" by this guy. Just my opinion.

emmycRN · Jan 12, 2008

I don't work in the ER, but if a post-op patient came into the dept c/o SEVERE pain and difficulty breathing, anxious, unable to sit in a chair--shouldn't he be assessed right away?

I think he was assessed by the triage nurse and it was determined that he could wait. Post-op pain is not really an emergency, although it is something that should be dealt with urgently. Also, as another poster mentioned, we don't know what was happening in that ER that night (trauma, code, ect).

Overland1, RN · Jan 12, 2008

Whether or not Glenn Beck is arrogant, drank during his 20's, said that wanted to be President back when he was in kindergarten, etc., there is likely more to all of this than what we have seen, heard, and/or read. Some of the previous posts have hit the nail on the head. Consider the following:

People come to the ER for chief complaints that should be seen in the urgent care or doc's office.

Many who come to the ER think they should be placed ahead of everybody else, regardless of their chief complaint.

Some of those expect preferential treatment because they claim to know one of the administrators (or work for GE).

Many problems people have with their care can be traced to their lack of knowledge and/or our lack of communication with them. While many in the health professions are good listeners and teachers, many are not. Heck, many among us do not even listen to each other.... do we really listen to patients and their families?

Many patients and families expect the unrealistic (i.e., instant and permanent relief from long term chronic pain).

Much of the above boils down to communication, and the opinions (good or bad) of us that are spread around out there are often the result of our ability (good or bad) to communicate. We need to be totally up front with our patients and families, and do so in plain language. How many times have any of us used the "jargon" when talking with a patient? I recall a patient of a few years ago who is an electrical engineer (a very bright guy in his first hospitalization) whose IV had infiltrated. The primary nurse informed him that she was going to "DC" the IV. His response was, "you are going to apply voltage to that IV???" Sounds strange, but he honestly did not know what the term meant. He refused until he could discuss it with somebody else (he was a fussy sort of guy, but generally OK). I arrived soon afterward and introduced my self, and he recounted the incident. I explained that the nurse is very skilled and qualified, and that she had just used "a medical term that means to remove or discontinue a particular treatment or device." He was OK with that, and the nurse "DC'd" the failed IV. Think about it.... if this patient had used a term such as "Smith chart" (EE's know what this is ) with the nurse, she would not have understood his context and probably would have thought he was referring to the patient chart of somebody named Smith. So it goes both ways.

Beck's account of his hospital experience appeared to me as though he was still under the influence of medication, but I am not certain of that. Granted, he may not have been provided complete and understandable information about his care processes. He may not have been totally alert and oriented when it was (properly) explained to him. All of the above may be what caused the result - a bad review of health care by an uninformed patient.

I wonder if he received and returned a Press Ganey survey a week or so later........

End Game RN, RN · Jan 13, 2008

Where are the traditional, professional nurses? Many of these postings are disheartening to me as someone who loves and lives this profession 24/7.

Sigh.............................

Before I forget, anyone can post anything on the world wide web anytime they want. People also have the right (in this country anyway) to free speech. You can argue he has unfair advantage because of who he is..but so do others with different opinions and they don't hesitate to express them.

I am so impressed with the compassion, caring and non-judgemental commentarys I have read. I am especially impressed with Marvie and emmycRN whose postings are nearly identical.( I'm sure there are others that I didn't bother reading). Where is the kindness and understanding for this man who was clearly frightened and angered by his experience. I am gratified that these and other individuals repeatedly pointed out that he is an alcoholic,:cheers: a drama queen, a wuss, a whinner and that his radio and television programs are crap. Thanks for the update.

Thank G-d for their insight, clearly they somehow have personal knowledge of this man, his life, his failures as a person.. strike that..personal failures as a human being. Oooh all of us out here are so perfect!!!

Despite Hippa..it seems some of the people posting their opinions have accurate and inside information about Glenn Beck's medical & surgical care as well as personal knowledge of his personal medical history, hospitalizations, his signing out AMA (allegedly but somehow comes across as confirmed)

I was especially impressed with the commentary that he was fortunate to have health insurance and could get health care when other people can't. Oh My....thats a crime having health insurance.

Apples and Oranges, one thing has nothing to do with the other.

I have health insurance..I suffer no guilt over having it. I also have an investment porfolio..again, no guilt, just planning. worse yet, I invest in vice:w00t: since no one is allowed to dictate personal behaviors.

Now about the comments how the medication for pain was not dangerous..Uh..go back to school. In a recovery room setting problems may get picked up, yes, I said maybe. This man was over medicated and abused by the health care system for what ever reason.

Frankly I would report this entire incident to hospital and professional regulatory agencies for an independent investigation regarding the type of care Mr. Beck received. I would focus on the medication he was administered and prescribed and the people who prescribed and administered it. He was ignored and dissed when he went to the ER stating he couldn't breathe...this is abuse. He told people he could not breathe, these "professionals" knew that this patient was taking prescribed pain medication/s and they blew him off...I know there are some individuals, groups and a Nation or two that would celebrate his death but nursing is outside the realm of personal politics. At least I thought so.:innerconf

O.K., lets discuss someone who has had free health care for himself and his family since his early adulthood, is a known alcoholic:cheers: and is still known to consume "moonshine". Some how he managed to run himself off a bridge some years ago, forgetting someone else was in the car. He got off for that small incident and excuses were made for him. He still gets elected over and over again and no one questions his right to health care and shouldn't he be grateful that he has it? If anyone gets special treatment anywhere it is this man along with his "people" and members of our government. Many with drug and alcohol offenses, many with adultery and rape, prostitution, soliciting sex..illegal land deals, stock market crimes..just name it. How about nepotism? How about powerful people who are video taped using crack cocaine or discussing cocaine transactions with federal agents on video??? What about the Congressman who had a male prostitution ring in his basement with his significant other but denied he knew anything about it. Why is it that these individuals are treated with more compassion than some man who had a bad hospital & surgical experience.

So, just chill out, Glenn Beck isn't Satan, nor his mentally challenged little brother :devil: (as Stephen King calls him). He is only a man, and like the rest of us he is imperfect, but he comes across as a decent person.

For the record I have provided care to individuals who have commited child rape and murder, a rapist with both male and female victims Men who have shot people in the face after robbing them and no longer had any understandable reason for terminating their "client",as a defense attorney might say. I have taken care of a police officer who was shot in the head and was what is called a "dirty cop" I have taken care of drug dealers (higher end) who were shot up, I have had the rich and the famous (in their own mind)as my patients. The list is endless....And their is no difference between them and us.

I take care of them as if they were my own family and I do this naturally.

I often joke with new nurses that I could take care of Hitler, Stalin, Vlad the Impaler, Klingons, Romulans or whoever I'm assigned to the same as I would any other person. I stress to new staff that their personal feelings about a patient's profession, politics, criminal/antisocial behaviors, social and/or economic status are irrelevant when providing professional nursing care to that patient. I advise them to deal with a patient the same way they would a family member they liked (key word, LIKED)

Oh..to any "insider" who may read this..I wasn't implying that Glenn Beck fit into any of the above categories.

Lets just drop this entire discussion unless there are still some who want to continue to crucify Glenn Beck in this venue.

Who was it who said "Those of you who are without sin, cast the first stone" O.K something like that.

See ya

EekaEndGameRN

Minor Deity