Interesting question...

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I had a thought pop into my head (scary these days, lol :D ) and wondered how I might react, once I become a nurse, if I should be in a position to care for, say, an ex-husband, "arch enemy" from the past and the like. I am sure professionally I would do my job. Emotionally it might be a strain, but I would deal with it.

My question is for you experienced nurses:

Have you ever been in a situation, such as mentioned above, and if so, what was it like for you?

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Good question...I've wondered the same thing. I look forward to any responses!

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I would think that you would ask to be excused from accepting the person as a patient. Would be tempting though, wouldn't it? :)

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I was in such a situation. I asked to be exscused from this person on my assignment. I was told that the charge had too many admissions and I would have to take the assignment.

The worst part was not the patient but the other family members who showed up. The patient I could actually feel sympothy for and proffesional concern. The other family members actually were actively attempting to pick fights with me at work. But itwas only for about 4 hours and the following day I was able to have my assignment changed.

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Specializes in Med-Surg, Long Term Care.

Good question!

I don't think I have any "arch-enemies" in my life (that I'm aware of anyway), but the hospital where I work is in the town in which I've lived the majority of my life, so I know a lot of people. A few relationships soured over the years, and if I was in the grocery store and saw the ex-friend, I might be uncomfortable enough to duck down another aisle. :D

As far as caring for them as a patient, depending on who it was and if I was uncomfortable enough, I would just ask a co-worker to take the patient and I would swap and take one of her patients.

When I've been assigned someone I know as a patient, I ask them if they're comfortable having me as a nurse, and they never have said "no". I just keep a somewhat "professional distance" to try to make them even more comfortable if I sense that's necessary.

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Originally posted by Shamrock

I would think that you would ask to be excused from accepting the person as a patient. Would be tempting though, wouldn't it? :)

Yes, lol, I could think of a couple situations where it might be! ;)

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Originally posted by fcallicoat

I was in such a situation. I asked to be exscused from this person on my assignment. I was told that the charge had too many admissions and I would have to take the assignment.

The worst part was not the patient but the other family members who showed up. The patient I could actually feel sympothy for and proffesional concern. The other family members actually were actively attempting to pick fights with me at work. But itwas only for about 4 hours and the following day I was able to have my assignment changed.

I was wondering what might happen in a situation where you were told you couldn't defer the patient to another nurse...just suck it up and do it then.

I never even considered the FAMILY MEMBERS in these cases, OMG! Oh, yeah, that might be a bad scene. :imbar

I appreciate you sharing your experience, fcallicoat!

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Originally posted by RN-PA

Good question!

I don't think I have any "arch-enemies" in my life (that I'm aware of anyway),

Oh, I probably do, lol....

Originally posted by RN-PA

but the hospital where I work is in the town in which I've lived the majority of my life, so I know a lot of people. A few relationships soured over the years, and if I was in the grocery store and saw the ex-friend, I might be uncomfortable enough to duck down another aisle. :D

As far as caring for them as a patient, depending on who it was and if I was uncomfortable enough, I would just ask a co-worker to take the patient and I would swap and take one of her patients.

When I've been assigned someone I know as a patient, I ask them if they're comfortable having me as a nurse, and they never have said "no". I just keep a somewhat "professional distance" to try to make them even more comfortable if I sense that's necessary.

That is a VERY good way of handling it (I am definitely taking notes!)

Thank you so much for responding!

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You must report a conflict of interest as soon as possible in this type of situation. If the CN will not allow a change in assignment, or another nurse will not switch with you, then notify the supervisor, also file an occurance. You must protect your license. It is not ethical to treat an ex hubby and/or ex in-laws if there is any type of anger on your part or their's. I have been in this position and I was always glad I followed my instincts and traded patients.

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I know that is a legal term and maybe from some of my legal classes but I would think it would still apply. I dont think a surgeon can operate on family. I would definately report the possible conflict all the way up the ladder and document document document.

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Specializes in Med/Surg, ER, L&D, ICU, OR, Educator.
Originally posted by RN-PA

When I've been assigned someone I know as a patient, I ask them if they're comfortable having me as a nurse; just keep a somewhat "professional distance" to try to make them even more comfortable if I sense that's necessary. [/b]

This is often what we have to do too. In small towns, it's inevitable that you will have to deal professionally with people you know.

If it is an "arch enemy", I would speak to the charge nurse about assignment swapping. I don't think it's fair to the patient to add to/cause any discomfort, and they are vulnerable enough just being a patient. (Now, in the ER, just deal with the emergency with a minimum of small talk, and out they go.)

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Thank you all for your replies. I learn so much from you all here on a daily basis. :)

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