I'm a patient. Sorry to intrude.

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I'm a dialysis patient. I see a nurse three time a week. I insulted her by accident with a stupid joke (told her she was interrupting my conversation with another patient). She seemed slightly miffed.

What is a concise apology that isn't self-serving?

I was thinking: I don't talk to you much, but I admire your kindness. And the other day, I was joking when I said you were interrupting me. It wasn't funny, and I did not mean to be abusive or mean-spirited.

Is that reasonable? Or am I making thinks worse by bringing it up again?

Any advice is appreciated. This will be my only post. I'm not trolling. And I'm asking you folks because (having been in healthcare) I know nurses get the brunt of irritable patients whereas the doctors get off without the confrontation.

Thanks.

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I think if it's bothering you, then you should say something. IMO, the apology you proposed would be appropriate for the situation as you perceive it. Please don't dwell on this. If you feel like you made a misstep, forgive yourself and let it go. Best wishes.

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Thanks vanilla bean. Hope all's well.

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Specializes in PICU.

I agree, if it is bothering you, the way you proposed the apology sounds really nice.

Best of luck

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I was an ass the other day trying to be funny and I'm sorry for it.

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Specializes in Family Nurse Practitioner.
I was an ass the other day trying to be funny and I'm sorry for it.

I could use this line several times a week, thanks Libby1987. :D

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I've had a lot of practice. I have chronic best of intentioned foot in mouth disease.

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If it is really bothering you say something about it. I doubt that nurse even remembers the comment at this point. Believe me there are things that are MUCH worse said to us often.

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I've had a lot of practice. I have chronic best of intentioned foot in mouth disease.

Jeez, tell me about it. Every time I do something nice I manage to ruin it just a little. I was even thinking of writing it in a note because I don't trust my mouth.

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If it is really bothering you say something about it. I doubt that nurse even remembers the comment at this point. Believe me there are things that are MUCH worse said to us often.

Right. It always bothers me when I do this sort of thing. Thing is, I don't want to apologize because I'm bothered (I am) but because she might be bothered (and probably isn't). But best to err on the side of caution. Good advice all.

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Specializes in Oncology.

I'm guessing you're a pleasure to have as a patient if this is bothering you! I must admit, your thread title concerned me. Best of luck!

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I agree, if it is bothering you, the way you proposed the apology sounds really nice.

Best of luck

If you're curious, here are other suggestions I received from reddit.

1) "Oh, by the way, I feel kinda bad because last time I was trying to make a joke but I think I hurt your feelings. Sorry if I made it awkward."

2) Give her a cookie, a ginger snap to be specific... because I snapped at her. [Cute, but too elaborate for my mostly nonverbal style.]

3) Write her a good review. [i like this. Never thought of it.]

4) Nominate her for a DAISY Award. [i read about it. It's for extraordinary care. Now that I know about it, there are some nurses from my past who've given extraordinary care. I might revisit this idea.]

So, I don't feel at a loss for options. I think I'll keep it simple and write a good evaluation.

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