Lame Nurse Practitioner

Published

Specializes in Cardiology, Oncology, Medsurge.

I was hit by an automobile from behind while riding my bicycle and had a laceration to my left knee. Yesterday I went in to get my sutures removed from my knee. So the nurse practitioner removes one suture to my wound and states she can't see the other. I have to point it out to her. She goes about cutting deep into my flesh removing the thread that I pointed to. I arrive home thinking that the job is done and I'm ok. Well on further examination of my knee. I rub my hand over the wound and to my chagrin I spot a suture she had not removed! I drove for 20 minutes to get to her office!!! I'm not returning. I pull up the suture and cut and remove it myself.

So my question is, why did the nurse not wear magnifying lenses to spot the suture and not rely on the patient? I am embarrassed for my profession!

I also don't like it when the nurse in emergency states "you know what to do!" when going over my care instructions prior to discharge. Do your job, explain all care that is required. Treat every patient equally, who cares if they say they're a nurse.

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Specializes in Psychiatry, ICU, ER.

Neither I nor anybody I know in ER uses magnifying lenses to remove sutures and staples. Why didn't you check the wound prior to leaving the office? And what does this thread contribute to the board, exactly?

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REALLY Apo?

Hey, I would have taken the stitches out myself, but, if I am going in to have it done, I would expect even the guy who mops floors to be able to figure out when he needs a pair of reading glasses.

FYI they are under 10 bucks ANYWHERE.

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Specializes in Cardiology, Oncology, Medsurge.
Neither I nor anybody I know in ER uses magnifying lenses to remove sutures and staples. Why didn't you check the wound prior to leaving the office? And what does this thread contribute to the board, exactly?

The wound has necrotic black tissue and hard for me to see from my perspective, not good flexibility following the accident. If you're having trouble seeing the work at hand, using a magnifier is appropriate! Fool me, thought a professional could handle the job, not leave a knotted suture in the wound. I would have thought she could see better and note that the second suture removed didn't have a knot!

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I pull up the suture and cut and remove it myself.

So my question is, why did the nurse not wear magnifying lenses to spot the suture and not rely on the patient? I am embarrassed for my profession!

I also don't like it when the nurse in emergency states "you know what to do!" when going over my care instructions prior to discharge. Do your job, explain all care that is required. Treat every patient equally, who cares if they say they're a nurse.

A gentle reminder to the nurse to please explain to you, should have taken care of that.

If missing one suture makes a lame NP, forgetting an instrument in a patient makes for a ......doctor?:D. LOL just had tears in my eyes, I need to take a break from this website. LOL

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Specializes in Emergency & Trauma/Adult ICU.

OMG!

Complain!

Maybe consider suing!

Contact the local media!

Maybe even ... call a code!

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LMAO!!!! that was awesome!

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Specializes in LTC, Memory loss, PDN.

I'd be more concerned about the "cutting deep into my flesh" , the necrosis and the limited ROM. Honestly, I think you're upset about the whole situation, the accident and the injury, not so much that one missed suture. It sucks being hit like that, but one missed suture isn't going to make it better or worse. At any rate, best wishes for a speedy recovery.

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I wonder how that would have went to a patient that wasn't a nurse: "Well why didn't you check the wound before leaving?"

That question only works for someone that is upset that fast food workers forgot pickles on a burger. Not so much for sutures.

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We are not all perfect all the time. Sometimes we make mistakes. Good grief. Even Mother Theresa had her off days.

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Specializes in Maternal - Child Health.

Did you call the clinic and ask to speak to a supervisor to register your complaint?

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Specializes in CTICU.

wow.... you are embarrassed of your profession! well, i'm embarrassed of you making such a statement. you have all the right to be upset but none to classified our profession of embarrassing. get over it........

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