Helping others outside of the hospital

Nurses General Nursing

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So I went to a going away party for one of my finaces best friends (she was going to India) her parents were there and alochol was involved (probibly a glass of wine and social anxiety). Well it happened she passed out (I had my back turned but she didn't look like she had distress (people asked her where she was and to move everything and didn't look to have any stroke symptoms and people were crowding her. She also appeard very stable (a clear airway and just a little pale) So they called paramedics and they came really quickly

So I thought she had some social anxiety and let her be because the poor lady was embarassed so much and had her family next to her.

The situation is she called my fiance and told me she was upset that I didn't intervine since I am neuro ICU / trauma nurse that has a years experence. What do you guys think? I thought the situation was handled and I wouldn't/ couldn't have done anything except take her pulse and talk to her. Give her some water possibly breathe into a paper bag

What do you guys think??? Was I wrong for watching her from the distance?? Or should I have stepped in can you tell me why you feel the way you do?

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If she was in obvious distress, It would have been irresponsible for you not to help her. However, if she was OK then I see nothing wrong with letting the paramedics do what they are trained to do. You are a nurse, but that doesn't mean you have to be "the nurse" in all situations...

I might call her and apologize and tell her that if you knew she wanted your help, you would have stepped in, but you can also explain that she seemed stable. It seems like even with your presence, they would have called the paramedics anyway, so all you would have done would have drawn more attention to the situation.

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Thanks very much. If **** would have hit the fan I would have been there but she was stable. Was tachycardic and hypotensive (but as a nurse what could I have done). Thank so much

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Specializes in Legal, Ortho, Rehab.

You did what I would have done....nothing. If she was stable and help was on the way it's taken care of. Honestly, no equipment, no crash cart...what could have possibly been done? Sure, you could have been emotional support, but she needed to be checked out. Lay people tend to to think that we are super nurse both on and off the clock.

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Specializes in Peds/Neo CCT,Flight, ER, Hem/Onc.

Well geez what kind of nurse are you? Didn't you bring your portable EKG machine with you? I mean she could have "DIED!" Oh wait, I forgot. We have magic hands that can diagnose and heal with a single touch or did you miss that day in nursing school when they were handing them out? Seriously, I hope your fiance had your back. You did the absolutely correct thing. :D

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:up:My fiance did have my back. He totally understood and said hey I can understand your frusteration but I couldn't have done anything. Thanks for the input I felt bad and just wanted to put this through to other nurses to get your opinion.

Thanks so much everyone you eased my mind

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Specializes in home health, dialysis, others.

AAARRRGGGHHH! This is a classic scenario of between a rock and a hard place. If you had intervened, I can almost guarantee that whatever you did or suggested would have been wrong in their eyes.

You saw that the situation was under control. She was breathing, had a pulse, and 911 was called. What else did they want???

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Specializes in Family Practice.

Sorry, but she kind of sounds like a drama queen. What could you have possibly done? I wouldn't even worry about it.

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Specializes in Med/Surg, ICU, educator.

Also, to help in a situation that is non-emergency conveys an implicit caregiver role that is legally binding....if something would have went wrong after the fact, you could be sued. Best to just let someone be if they are not in an emergency situation

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Specializes in M/S, MICU, CVICU, SICU, ER, Trauma, NICU.

OP, I hate that people assume that just because you are a HCP, that you can save someone like you're a Super Hero.

It's not fair to put that kind of pressure on you.

See, you can't even enjoy a party without having to go to "work."

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Specializes in Peds/outpatient FP,derm,allergy/private duty.

So you didn't actually see her fall, when you did, she was alert and oriented? My guess is she's a drama queen and she was angry at you because you refused to take your assigned part. OK, yeah. I'm cynical. She had A, she had B, and she had C. So honestly, what did she expect you to do? Other than fuss over her and make a big deal out of it. The phone call is kind of a tip-off on that one.

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You did the right thing!

No obvious injuries. Breathing? Check. Circulation? Check.

EMT and paramedic trump RN in this case.

People are hilarious. Because you are a nurse you are supposed to act like McGyver and save everyone a trip to the ER.

BTW, does the good samaritin law cover you in your state if you take care of someone who is injured? My state doesn't cover you if you have a license. Stop at an accident scene and you better be McGyver or you can get sued. Scary!

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