How to handle nurses who make rude comments

Poi Dog · Oct 7, 2011

I would have probably asked, "Is that really necessary to say?"

I don't do tattletail. That's so third grade behavior.

linearthinker, DNP, RN · Oct 7, 2011

Well it depends. I'd need to know what s/he said and more context. If it was totally inappropriate, I'd probably say something to that effect to her in private. I may or may not say something to the patient, but that would depend entirely on circumstances. That is all I'd do. I certainly would never say anything to anyone else, of that is what you are getting at.

Krystal686 · Oct 7, 2011

I would have given a look. Hard to describe looks, but to imply that the man was there and it wasnt right to say. Then Maybe make a comment on how he is going to get healthy?

canesdukegirl, BSN, RN · Oct 7, 2011

Wow. This is quite the dilemma.

This poor pt doesn't need a newsflash that he is overweight. He already feels badly enough since he has limited independence.

I am not sure what I would have done in this situation. On the one hand, you don't want to alienate yourself from the staff on the floor, especially if you are returning for future clinicals. On the other hand, you don't want your pt feeling worse than he already does.

Perhaps you can talk about it with your nursing instructor, making it clear that you do not want them to address this particular nurse. Even better, you can go about it generically and say, "What would you do if a co-worker was making rude comments about a pt right in front of them?"

The best case scenario is that you now know what NOT to say in front of a patient. I am confident that you already know this, but now you have seen the dark ugly truth front and center.

I am willing to bet that you will be quite the pt advocate when you have your own patients!

kurtybaby27 · Oct 7, 2011

hello everyone! im not sure where to post if you want ask something but i have a quick question.

If you are a nurse what can you do to help elder patient prepare for admission to the rehabilation center following discharge? Patient had fall and broke her femur and humerus. the son of the patient does want her mom to go back her home because of what happen. and how can you help her explore her feelings regarding assisted living after rehabilitation and what suggestions would you make if she insists on returning to her home that would reduce the risk of injury and create a safer environment for her to live? can somebody give me idea for my hw? i would greatly appreciate your help! thanks alot! =)

thekidisback · Oct 7, 2011

For me, I would've waited till that nurse left the room and I would have apologized to the patient. "I apologize for that comment she made. Is there anything I can get you?".

Poi Dog · Oct 7, 2011

For me, I would've waited till that nurse left the room and I would have apologized to the patient. "I apologize for that comment she made. Is there anything I can get you?".

I like your response!

CapeCodMermaid, RN · Oct 7, 2011

hello everyone! im not sure where to post if you want ask something but i have a quick question.
If you are a nurse what can you do to help elder patient prepare for admission to the rehabilation center following discharge? Patient had fall and broke her femur and humerus. the son of the patient does want her mom to go back her home because of what happen. and how can you help her explore her feelings regarding assisted living after rehabilitation and what suggestions would you make if she insists on returning to her home that would reduce the risk of injury and create a safer environment for her to live? can somebody give me idea for my hw? i would greatly appreciate your help! thanks alot! =)

You should probably repost this in the LTC section.

canigraduate · Oct 7, 2011

This has happened to me a couple of times. I usually say something to the nurse right then, and then do something extra special for the patient.

A simple "That comment is hurtful and unnecessary" works well.

I don't understand why some people think it's OK to insult the overweight.

cometnurse · Oct 7, 2011

I would not say anything in front of the patient and go out of my way to make that patient feel better. Then I would talk to that nurse and tell her that her comment was inconsiderate, unprofessional and hurtful. I dont care who you are, you do not deserve to be treated that way. And our job entails being a patient advocate, whether it a nurse, MD, or family member that we are dealing with. That scenarios makes me sad. People need to be considerate of one anothers feelings

an2on, BSN, RN · Oct 8, 2011

Not only that, I've seen nurses who insult patients in a variety of way such as exaggerating a patient who had a BM. I mean, it's obvious that the smell of a BM is not pleasant so you should go around the unit spraying air freshener making rude comments as you leave the patients room with the air freshener...