Increase in abusive patients?

LisaRN2B · Jan 25, 2004

(((((ChicagolandRN)))))

There, that's for you!

I dunno what's going on, but I hope it all calms down for everyone...and on the BB, too!

mittels · Jan 25, 2004

I was thinking the exact same thing. Ive had one heck of a week!!!! What would these pts do if there were no nurses. What do you think life would be like if nurses didnt exist? Who do you think they would go to and who would help them??

connie

Loribabble · Jan 25, 2004

Oh my gosh - I was just thinking the same thing! There must be something in the air! While I work on a small obs unit- 7pts - EVERYONE of them this week was demanding, whiney, agressive, abusive - you name it! We had security/supervisors up more times in one week than I think all of last year. I ended last night with a pt telling me "F*** you - you piece of S***" - all for explaining to him that he needed to keep the HOB up per DR orders and the rationale.... go figure! Nurses were being "fired" left and right (we have a GREAT group - very compassionate and wonderful) -and I wrote up 3 incident reports in 2 nights just to cover my butt if someone DARED to complain...

I left in tears this morning - haven't done that in a LONG time!

Tweety, BSN, RN · Jan 25, 2004

ChicagolandRN here's hugs to you.

I've had a rough and stressful week. I'm getting more and more disappointed in management lately, been working overtime, working short staffed and at the same having "customers" act silly.

I try to look underneath people's stress and anger and why they are lashing out at me. Sometimes they have legitimate fears and concerns.

Someone like Doglover may be stressed, tired, and feeling powerless over a situation of his loved one, who was a wonderful man his entire life, who risked his life for his country, and now is in pain and a victum of modern healthcare's failures.

Anger is all around. It's easy to lash out at nurses.

But we have feelings too. We give, give, give and give some more. Only to be continually bombarded.

Sigh...maybe I need a hug too.

:)

allnurses Guide · Jan 25, 2004

Tweety . .consider yourself hugged.

I had a rough week too but for more than work reasons. I don't work until Friday and I'm NOT answering the dang phone.

steph

Tweety, BSN, RN · Jan 25, 2004

hugs to you to Steph....sorry about the stress in your life too.

I got two phone calls asking me to work, that went unanswered on the answering machine. I'm taking three days off to renew and refresh my spirit. I'm not good to anyone in this state of mind. I'll be fine by Tuesday night when I return. We've got two more nurses starting next week!!!

fergus51 · Jan 25, 2004

I am with all you guys! I find it a lot more stressful now that I am in the NICU, cause we are sometimes stuck with difficult or rude parents for MONTHS (not to mention some of the nurses;))!! I am seriously thinking about going back to L&D. It's just as stressful sometimes, but at least those people leave!!!

allnurses Guide · Jan 25, 2004

Fergus . . . . you are too funny.

And my hero . . . as are all NICU nurses.

:kiss steph

Tweety, BSN, RN · Jan 25, 2004

post script. Hope I wasn't sounding too whiney. I know we will get as much crap as we will take. But the crap that is being slung this way this week stinks. :)

Speculating · Jan 25, 2004

Hey Tweety were do work? I'm just curious since we work in the same large yet very small city you could PM me (which would be smarter choice) if you don't want to flash the world your job sight. And, of course you don't have to answer me by any means and I would completely understand and not think twice about it if you didn't answer me. If I remember correctly you work tele and I'm interviewing for a tele spot this week, from what the nurse manager has told me so far it's too good to be true. It's a 7a-7p tele with a 4:1 ratio max 5:1 ratio. That ratio seems too good to be true to me.

LisaRN2B · Jan 25, 2004

(((((Tweety)))))

One for you, too!

I hope you enjoy your time away from work. Spend some quality time with your SO and relax!