Several years ago, long before I was in nursing school, I was a mental health inpatient at a local hospital. Fast forward into nursing school, and there’s a new nursing instructor at my school who I immediately recognized as one of the nurses I had while I was an inpatient. During one of our classes recently, this instructor shared a story of a patient she had several years ago, and I immediately knew that patient was me (the details were spot on). The instructor did not reveal any identifying characteristics that would alert my classmates to knowing that story was about me, however, it made me extremely uncomfortable. I don’t know if that instructor even realizes that the patient was me, and I’m not sure if I should say something. I don’t really want to disclose this to this instructor, but I also can’t stand to hear someone speak poorly of me during a time when I was unwell. That experience several years ago was also very traumatic for me and is something that I have been trying to move past. Anyway, this has been such a weird situation, and certainly one I never thought I would have to deal with. Thoughts or advice would be appreciated.
Specializes in Med surgery, Rehabilitation, psych,corrections,.
It's words not great words but they're generic ones. No one knows, you're OK let it go. Just be the nurse when you graduate that she was not. And to be honest you're a better person today so you go out there and be a better nurse than her. Nurses are human too.
I personally would sit on it for now because, as you said, no one in the class knows it's you. Therefore, your past is still your personal past. You don't know what may happen if you open that box of worms, so to speak. Also, you can't be 100% certain she was speaking of you. I've had many patients over the years with similar issues. I'm not here to dispute if it was unprofessional, hurtful, or whatever you felt at that moment. What I'm suggesting is, making a mental note of it, but moving along as you were without rocking the boat and causing more conflict than you desire. Maybe she doesn't remember you were the patient. It's easy to remember scenarios but not necessarily the specific patient's name/face, etc.
Specializes in ICU/ER/Med-Surg/Case Management/Manageme.
I haven't read all the replies so perhaps my comment is redundant. However, my suggestion would be to talk with this instructor - now. Why wait and let your hurt, fears - feelings in general - fester?
I would write a bullet-pointed letter to her outlining my concerns/feelings/thoughts - not in an accusatory manner but in a personal and professional manner - and then schedule a meeting with her. I would give her a copy of the letter so she knows you are serious in your reasons for being concerned. The last paragraph of my letter would be something along the line of "I hope you understand my reasons for discussing these highly personal concerns with you is to allow you to understand and perhaps refresh your memory on the importance of limiting any discussion of patient issues and especially mental health issues. We never know who we might be talking to". Or something to that effect. You might also address with her how this has been a "valuable learning experience" for you.
Very frankly, I can imagine any of us doing something similar but know I would be horrified if I had done to someone what she unknowingly did to you. Learning experience for all of us.
the importance of limiting any discussion of patient issues and especially mental health issues. We never know who we might be talking to".
This is not appropriate. People need to learn about the specifics of various conditions; these are people becoming educationally prepared to provide care to those suffering with mental illness.
Discussions should be of a professional nature and it does sound like that may not have been the case in this scenario, which is the part that is wrong. But limiting discussion of patient dynamics including those found in mental illness is not at all appropriate.
Specializes in ICU/ER/Med-Surg/Case Management/Manageme.
2 minutes ago, JKL33 said:
This is not appropriate. People need to learn how about the specifics of various conditions; these are people becoming educationally prepared to provide care to those suffering with mental illness.
Discussions should be of a professional nature and it does sound like that may not have been the case in this scenario, which is the part that is wrong. But limiting discussion of patient dynamics including those found in mental illness is not at all appropriate.
I fully disagree with your comments in response to mine. Certainly, your opinion can be considered as can mine but your opinion does not make mine inappropriate. There are ways of conveying the specifics of various conditions to people becoming educationally prepared...but there are also ways of conveying that information that can prevent the former recipient of that care from being able to ID herself. And yes, it may not have been discussed in a professional nature but maybe it was. We don't know. We only have the OP and her sensitivities to rely on. Personally, I believe we all need to be even more cognizant of issues related to mental health...moreso than issues that might relate to blood pressure, appendectomy.
I stand by my comments as I'm sure you stand by yours. Makes for an interesting world, don't you think? Have a great day!
There are ways of conveying the specifics of various conditions to people becoming educationally prepared...but there are also ways of conveying that information that can prevent the former recipient of that care from being able to ID herself.
Your first statement was a blanket statement about "limiting any discussion of patient issues and especially mental health issues." That exceedingly broad statement is the one to which I responded.
Secondly, in regard to the above quote, you may think that is true, but what prevents the person sitting next to her (or anyone else in the room) from then thinking they recognize themselves in the case presentation?
Specializes in ICU/ER/Med-Surg/Case Management/Manageme.
44 minutes ago, Davey Do said:
... just walk into the middle of a movie and know the whole scenario.
Some movies you can walk into and know the whole scenario. Beyond that, tho', those are my thoughts and comments regardless of others. I answered the OP with my opinions and thoughts that have nothing to do with others. Just as I would hope you do.
As an aside:
I don't attempt to call others on this site out for what they think (with one recent exception) so I don't understand the need of others to do so. This site, unfortunately, is turning into a facebook/Twitter type of environment. Sad.
I don't attempt to call others on this site out for what they think (with one recent exception) so I don't understand the need of others to do so. This site, unfortunately, is turning into a facebook/Twitter type of environment. Sad.
Specializes in Psych (25 years), Medical (15 years).
On 4/29/2021 at 11:03 AM, DallasRN said:
Some movies you can walk into and know the whole scenario...
This site, unfortunately, is turning into a facebook/Twitter type of environment. Sad.
Touche, DallaRN, and thank you very much for your perspective! Your perspective has allowed me an illuminating revelation of sorts.
I have shunned getting into other forms of social medial, like facebook, because it's like a bunch of untethered kids. Socially speaking, I prefer to have one on ones with thoughtful adults and not complicate things with a crowd of kids.
Many allnurses members, from my perspective which coincides with yours, are like untethered kids who have a sense of entitlement. And the parents give inconsistent and sporadic guidance and sanctions.
Nurselady87
3 Posts
It's words not great words but they're generic ones. No one knows, you're OK let it go. Just be the nurse when you graduate that she was not. And to be honest you're a better person today so you go out there and be a better nurse than her. Nurses are human too.