Just wondering- Why are people so RUDE to nurses?!

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The demands and tones I have heard mainly from some patients' FAMILY MEMBERS are so unrealistic, out of touch with reality, and plain rude. Unlike any other field I have worked in. I have paid for my own education with great $$$, time, and effort, yet still get a decent amount of people who have basically zero common sense, let alone health-related training telling me HOW to do my job. Silly things that show the magnitude of their pure and utter ignorance, and yet, refuse to listen to simple 'patient/family education'.

Just the other day, I had one of these insufferable family members. I was trying my best to educate these people, appropriately care for my patients (which included their loved one), and support/supervise my staff. Had to send one staff member out who fell ill with almost all the classic signs of a stroke.

Got a replacement in asap, explained the SLIGHT delay due to handling the crisis and giving the staff taking over a bit of a report, and this family member shrugged like she couldn't care LESS, and walked away.

I am so upset --- feel like I did what I could to manage this difficult situation (was given -0- heads up on the situation from preceding nurse). Consulted with other nurses nearby, and even called the Unit Manager (she never answers, and this time was no exception). --- upset that this terrible situation stressed my aide out and pushed her over the edge. They were very demanding of me as well, but I don't get too stressed out very easily.

What makes people think that their smallest whim is more important than the LIFE of a health care worker?

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Specializes in Psych, Addictions, SOL (Student of Life).

Well in my experience people are just generally rude and obnoxious. The general public perception of what a nurses function is combined with the 21st century attitude of entitlement is the cause and crux of this problem. There are some wonderful people out there that show gratitude but so many especially in LTC will make statements like. "That's not how my mother should be cared for." Understand we have a great facility, very clean, appetizing food, no noxious odors etc......We are chronically understaffed but what LTC isn't. Some family members want 1:1 full time care. This of course being after they are completely exhausted and at wits end from trying to do it at home. I often have 20 plus patients with two CNAs so we obviously can't be in more than 1 place physically at a time. so it's a rock and a hard place when it comes to giving prompt efficient and compassionate care.

No solutions here just feeling your pain.

Hppy

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Specializes in Psych, Addictions, SOL (Student of Life).

Well in my experience people are just generally rude and obnoxious. The general public perception of what a nurses function is combined with the 21st century attitude of entitlement is the cause and crux of this problem. There are some wonderful people out there that show gratitude but so many especially in LTC will make statements like. "That's not how my mother should be cared for." Understand we have a great facility, very clean, appetizing food, no noxious odors etc...... but some family members want 1:1 full time care. This of course being after they are completely exhausted.

No answers here -just feeling your pain

Hppy

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Because some patients and families are fools. They always know everything and all what you do is wrong.

What a coincidence they never contradict the physician...

Be patient.

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