Published
O.K. so maybe we are in a moral decline in America when crack addict unemployed scuzzbags cuss me out becuase I can't get an IV in his track marked arm and the other arm is broken up because he walked in front of a moving vehicle while high on coke.
Sorry, just venting here. But whatsupwiththat? Is the opinion of nurses so low that we can be treated with disrespect like that.
Of course, I immediately left the room.
Thanks for letting me rant. :)
3rd shift guy....
How dare you call this guy a scuzzbag...you have no idea what he has been through...yes I think you are being judgemental...you are a nurse...it is your JOB to let him cuss at you and even punch you if he feels it is necessary...what ever happened to customer service with a smile....geez....and WHY were you not able to hit that vien?
PS I'm so kidding....sorry about that and i can totally relate It's just amazing how rude people can be....I thought rude people were a rarity until i got into nursing...
It wasn't me that was hit. I was merely cussed out. This patient is getting care free of charge because of being unemployed, and rather than be greatful and respectful of those trying to help, he cussed me out. That's what's frustrating to me. You don't have to bow down and kiss my butt because I'm there for you, but don't cuss me out either. LOLThanks for the support guys. I'm not going to let it bother me a another minute, just needed to vent.
I personally always get very loud and clear, that language is not necessary and will not be tolerated. I am trying to help you out here if my help is unappreciated then I will go and take care of one of the several other things I need to attend to. You are allowed to refuse care and treatment and you may even leave AMA(against medical advice) if you would like but if you want me to provide care for you, I will require you to refrain from using such language.
I don't accept poor treatment, and with these type patients they are like children and ned to have their limits clearly defined.
What do you tell some jughead who is cursing and swinging at you? I wouldn't think simply telling him you won't put up with it would work. I want to get tough and mean, yell it out that he needs to back off or there will be hell to pay (though I can't imagine I would be too threatening at 5'2" tall).
I really dislike working with people like this. When it feels that all of what you do is for nothing (especially since many of these people are just going to go back out and do the same thing). I enjoy teaching, working with others...and all that any of us really ask for is a little respect...it drives me nuts when people do not even give that...Thankfully one of our nursing supervisors looks like the stereotypical harley guy, big, low deep voice, tattoos (which he always keep covered)...but if there is a patient that is acting out, watch out. Off comes the coat and he is there to back up the staff...verbally (and nicely, of course) if it it came down to it he would physically get involved too, helping hold down the patient or whatever is need until police arrive--especially if a nurse was being assulted). Really. I just love this particular supervisor...he is good with anything, talking with families about the death of a loved one, talking with irate family members, talking with rude docs, etc. He is all about the staff and what is best for the patient. And he is a great nurse too.
What do you tell some jughead who is cursing and swinging at you? I wouldn't think simply telling him you won't put up with it would work. I want to get tough and mean, yell it out that he needs to back off or there will be hell to pay (though I can't imagine I would be too threatening at 5'2" tall).
Yes delivery is important I am 6'6" and very large >300lbs lets call it. So when I do get loud and make a point it tends to stick. But ya know dynomite comes in small pkgs so just let them know in no uncertain terms that you won't stand for it.
We call security and let them explain it to the pt. Im not being paid to battle confrontations.
One of our favorite phrases in the ER is "we're here to save your butt, not kiss it!"
FYI: Most druggies overlook the vein running on the posterior aspect of the forearm - and its usually a very strong vein.
It kills me when they come to the ER looking for drugs. Ive told them before, "you can get way better stuff on the street than you get here" but truth is, they probably ran out of money to get it on the street. So, they come to the ER and let taxpayers buy it for them. God love Democracy!
Awww, Tweets........don't ya just love those druggies?
For the first few years I was a nurse, I just let that stuff run off my back......then, for some reason, I decided I wasn't going to put up with it any more. Now, if a patient or family gets verbally abusive toward me, I'll tell them "Look, I'm sorry you feel that way, but I will not be spoken to in that manner. If you like, I will call my supervisor for you and you may complain to her" and then walk away. It gives me time to cool off, and it usually defuses the situation. Of course, all bets are off when the patient is drunk, high, demented, or just plain out of his mind....that's when the Code 5 (violent patient/visitor) team gets a call. :)
Tweety, BSN, RN
36,319 Posts
It wasn't me that was hit. I was merely cussed out. This patient is getting care free of charge because of being unemployed, and rather than be greatful and respectful of those trying to help, he cussed me out. That's what's frustrating to me. You don't have to bow down and kiss my butt because I'm there for you, but don't cuss me out either. LOL
Thanks for the support guys. I'm not going to let it bother me a another minute, just needed to vent.