GRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR!!! Vent, vent, vent!!

english_nurse · Oct 19, 2006

you are not alone, especially these days, everyone seems to complain about something.

chin up you will soon be in the usa

claire xx

madwife2002, BSN, RN · Oct 19, 2006

Doesnt it make you cross how we get treated at times, I dont think it makes a difference if you are in the private sector or the NHS. Just one more nail in the coffin before you depart. I got a glass thrown at me and a pt tried to hit me just b4 I left, then complained that it was my fault!!! work that one out.

Silverdragon102, BSN · Oct 19, 2006

sorry to hear you are going through this, as if we don't have enough on our plate but have to deal with people like this :madface: Glad you have the support of everyone else

arys1075 · Oct 19, 2006

Today I got something I knew was coming. An official complaint from a patient - the first in my entire career.
Now, luckily I already know that everyone is backing me up from management to the Consultant because they know it's a pack of lies designed to try & get free treatment (I work in the private sector). however, that doesn't exactly make me feel any better because nobody likes to get **** like this written about them!
Apparently everyone says I've been really lucky not to get one before now - but again that doesn't make me feel any better!!
According to the patient complaining I'm rude, arrogant, uncaring etc etc etc & I didn't even speak a word to her all shift!! Well that last statement kinda got me off the hook because everyone knows it's actually hard to shut me up. It was the point at which my DON said she truly made her mind up that the plaintiff was not exactly being truthful!!" & I never thought my mouth would end up getting me out of trouble instead of into trouble!!! LOL!
Anyway I've had to spend the evening writing out my version of events & I just needed to get it off my chest really - so where better than among other nurses!
Luckily she made some accusations that are easy to prove wrong because she said I shouted at another member of staff - who has categorically denied I ever did such a thing. I have never, ever shouted at anyone at work & I never intend to do so either!! As I can so easily disprove this statement it makes the rest of her complaint easy to dismiss too - especially as it is just soooooooo not me!
However, all that said, I still feel totally sick inside that someone can find it so easy to write an EIGHT page letter mostly complaining about me. Others came under fire too but I bore the brunt.
Oh well, I guess that's the private sector for you & I know I ought to feel glad that I'm being backed up all the way - just goes to prove how far from my character it was but I still can't help feeling really fed-up & DH can't understand why, when I know, & everyone else knows, it didn't happen like the patient said it did, I still feel really upset.
Even my manager said, before she gave me letter, that I must not take it to heart because she knows I didn't behave like I was accused of & she knows I'm truly a good nurse, deep down it really, really hurts!
Rant over!!!!! Thanks for reading if you got to the end!!!

You are not alone in your hours of distress... Complaints always happen to every nurse. It is easier to wrongly judge than to give nice feedback. Prepare yourself in america, you will experience more than this, every nurse there has their own lawyer. It's a must!

letina · Oct 19, 2006

Prepare yourself in america, you will experience more than this

:yeahthat: .....and, I'm sorry to say, you may find you will not be as well supported by management here if/when a complaint is made against you (well, not you exclusively Rebecca, but I think you get the picture, I mean nurses in general)

muffie, RN · Oct 19, 2006

got my first complaint this year about a self-deprecating joke i said about myself at the station a pt heard????

oh well

RGN1 · Oct 20, 2006

Thanks guys!! I knew you'd understand!! I suppose you're right in some ways, at least I know what it feels like & I guess I'll get plenty more in the USA but 10 years & not a single problem, it sucks!!!

as I said before I was lucky because this person made the mistake of saying I'd shouted at another member of staff while attending to her & that person was able to categorically deny that I done any such thing. That brought the rest of her accusations into question & showed her up for what she was - basically a downright liar. However, it still means I had to spend my evening writing a detailed account of everything that happened from my point of view & wasted my time!

She had been nothing but rude & obnoxious to everyone during her stay, so she wasn't exactly going to find anyone to back up anything she said anyway.

Everyone is well aware that we get the odd patient like this who is trying to make a complaint in order to get the hospital to cut it's price or do the surgery for free. However, it still sucks that I had to be the chosen one!!

It did bring out a multitude of stories from my DON, ward sister & other nurses about things patients had accused them of over the years though so we did get a good laugh over it in the end!

I just wonder what might have happened if it had truly just been my word against hers though - she might have got away with it & I would have a mark against my name in the very year I want to get a glowing reference!! Although knowing the very top management they'll probably go with whatever she wants but not mark my file just to save the bother!

Anyway - thanks again for reading this & for all your messages, they really do mean a lot to me! xxx

RGN1 · Oct 20, 2006

got my first complaint this year about a self-deprecating joke i said about myself at the station a pt heard????
oh well

Truly ridiculous!!

Clarecartwright · Oct 20, 2006

So sorry to hear this has happened to you - even though it is all untrue and you have neen well supported it still really sucks - Chin up chuck just let it all wash over you :)

RGN1 · Oct 25, 2006

Well I handed in my side of the story today & all the DON said was - "Oh by the way, while you're here we're advertising for a senior nurse & we all think you shuld apply for the position!"

Guess their taking it that seriously! LOL:lol2:

However, it still makes me mad that she had the audacity to tell such dreadful lies & put words into my mouth that I didn't say!! It makes you wonder what on earth goes through people's heads when they write such rubbish?

Anyhow, I hope that's the last I'll hear about it - hope I don't see my name splashed all over the local press next!!:rotfl:

passionate · Jul 20, 2007

Of course it hurts--you are a member of the human race. I am so sorry you are going through this. Good luck and don't let it keep you from taking care of the majority of your patients.