It happened. I left the ER showered, braless, but in a fresh pair of scrubs thanks to an overdose patient who threw a cup of charcoal directly on me. A seemingly, "cooperative" patient who appeared to be willing to drink her charcoal rather than getting the "tube". She took the entire cup, held it like she was going to drink it, than proceeded to splash the whole cup in my face and throw the cup across the room. I was covered from the top of my head to the top of my scrub with black charcoal. I was furious. I did manage to walk out of the room without a word, taking my glasses off so I could see.......charcoal was everywhere....great to absorb drugs, not so fashionable as an ensemble.
I make jokes, but I am furious. I feel .....disrespected and her without repercussions. She was restrained, but the physician in the end decided to not give her the charcoal so she didn't have to have an ngt. I am furious about that.....She laid on the bed, not caring about the restraints even, which got to me. At least she could have been was upset or coming down or something!
Mind you, I have been cursed at spit on (attempted), and all sorts of things, but for some reason this particular incident is poking at my last nerve, most likely bc she knew what she was doing., and while she was under the influence of something, she was calm otherwise and following commands. Meanwhile, I had a heck of a time getting the stuff off me, my glasses, and likely lost my favorite pair of scrubs bc of it.
It was a direct attack on my person. Grrrr.
I do pride myself on being calm, respectful and kind, but omg. I wanted to punch that girl in the face lol.
Thank you guys for your support. Ya'll made me feel much better! I had felt violated that the pt was aware of what she was doing- that it was done maliciously and with intent. I really appreciate this place as a sounding board and appreciate most of you, my coworkers, in this
profession we are in. Cheers to those of us who choose the frontlines!
blueinplaid
48 Posts
Thank you guys for your support. Ya'll made me feel much better! I had felt violated that the pt was aware of what she was doing- that it was done maliciously and with intent. I really appreciate this place as a sounding board and appreciate most of you, my coworkers, in this
profession we are in. Cheers to those of us who choose the frontlines!
:w00t: