I am not personally responsible for everything within my workplace!

[MzMouse]

My friend recently learned she is pregnant. She called her OB-GYN, who's office happens to be within the clinic where I work. The receptionist taking her information asked for the first day of her last menstrual period.

Friend: "They insisted on a day, I have no idea the exact day! But they insisted."

Me: "I am sure they are just doing what they are told."

This conversation went on with her raving about having no idea of the day of her LMP. I continued to support them as just doing their job and I am sure it's part of the process in that dept.

This was a silly thing to be upset about, in my opinion. It was also frustrating to feel responsible and made to explain each and every happening within my workplace. This is only one example of encounters with her and many family and friends.

Now, if I am made aware of something truly inappropriate, dangerous, a possible HIPAA violation...I would not hesitate to approach the necessary people within the clinic. But this has not been the case.

Anyone else feeling this and any good ways to deflect this in non-defensive ways?

[EmmaG, RN]

Don't feel like the Lone Ranger here.

As far as my father is concerned, I have to personally answer for every irritating encounter with any medical personnel. Somehow, what Dr. ___ says and does is my fault, even though I live hours away...

'Course, if Dad deems them to be smart and wonderful and attentive, then they get all the credit :stone

[Altra, BSN, RN]

I welcome opportunities to educate people on the "mysteries" of health care. If I find that the discussion pertains to something I have no knowledge of, have no opinion on, or may have possibly been inappropriate I simply change the topic of conversation with, "I really don't have anything to offer on that ..." I don't feel responsible, therefore I don't get defensive.

If I thought someone was getting a raw deal in some way at my own place of employment, I might provide a direction re: who to call or how to approach the problem, but I would not ever personally intervene unless I felt someone was truly in danger of possible harm.

I avoid at all costs any excuse that resembles "they're just doing their jobs" because if I were complaining I would not accept that excuse so I don't offer it to others, either. I either offer a possible reason/ explanation if I feel comfortable doing so, or suggest that the person ask the provider about the rationale about the care they are questioning.

In the case of your friend ... you might have taken the opportunity to point out that, short of a crystal ball or reading tea leaves, the only way to ascertain an approximate due date is to calculate from the date of the last menstrual period. I'm sure she'll be most interested to hear what her due date is. This is not rocket science -- there are multiple common-sense reasons to be aware of when your last period was.

I hope your friend has a happy & healthy pregnancy.

[oramar]

Young women who sexually active and who are not practicing contraception should mark the first day of their menstral cycle on the calender every month. I always did even before I was a nurse whether I was trying to get pregnant or not. I think she is angry because the person made her feel like a dope because she knows she is one. Wait till she finds out all the medical related stuff they baby's doctor is going to ask. She ain't seen nothing yet.

[MzMouse]

Young women who sexually active and who are not practicing contraception should mark the first day of their menstral cycle on the calender every month. I always did even before I was a nurse whether I was trying to get pregnant or not. I think she is angry because the person made her feel like a dope because she knows she is one. Wait till she finds out all the medical related stuff they baby's doctor is going to ask. She ain't seen nothing yet.

That's the funny (or not) part. This is not her first pregnancy and she is far from what I would refer to as a young woman. As a childless by choice person, you can be darn sure I have always known if I was a day late. Of course, I have always used birth control.

[birdgardner]

Young women who sexually active and who are not practicing contraception should mark the first day of their menstral cycle on the calender every month. ..I think she is angry because the person made her feel like a dope because she knows she is one. ..

Why are you calling that poor girl a dope just because she doesn't know the date of her LMP? I'm a control freak myself, but I don't go by dates; it's more like three Thursdays ago, and I ovulated last Wednesday, so I'm expecting NMP in a week. You can even do natural family planning that way, no surprises.

[Agnus]

Some times people just need to vent. They do not always need or even expect a response. Unless some one ask me a specific question in a situation like this I just listen.

[prmenrs, RN]

Why are you calling that poor girl a dope just because she doesn't know the date of her LMP? I'm a control freak myself, but I don't go by dates; it's more like three Thursdays ago, and I ovulated last Wednesday, so I'm expecting NMP in a week. You can even do natural family planning that way, no surprises.

If you know that much, you can look @ a calender and figure out the date to give them--they really do need to know. Also, some gals are NOT regular--they never know when Aunt Flo is coming!

I am sooo glad I don't have to deal w/that anymore!

[Ms Kylee]

That's the funny (or not) part. This is not her first pregnancy and she is far from what I would refer to as a young woman. As a childless by choice person, you can be darn sure I have always known if I was a day late. Of course, I have always used birth control.

Ditto! And I still do it now that the Doc has forced me off of The Pill... :o:o

[oramar]

That's the funny (or not) part. This is not her first pregnancy and she is far from what I would refer to as a young woman. As a childless by choice person, you can be darn sure I have always known if I was a day late. Of course, I have always used birth control.

It is 20 years since I had a period. At my age everyone that still is having periods seems young to me and quite a few young women seem dopey to me.