My patient called me a "flunkie" today..... -_-

funtimes · Nov 30, 2012

Ive worked full time on a med/surg/tele unit for a couple years. Ive found that often MOST of my patients seem to have some behavorial or cognitive issues, or for whatever reason dont always act appropriately. Im not sure why that is. Obviously with geriatrics a big part of it is dementia, but I think its simply that most disease processes affect the brain in some way, and add in the fact these people are stressed out, in pain, are often sleep deprived, are sleeping in a strange bed surrounded by strangers with little privacy, maybe for the first time in their lives, and are doped up on meds.

As a result unless its something medically relevant or related to making the patient more comfortable, I let most of what they say go in one ear and out the other, and usually dont get too chummy or informal with them. I try to make a good impression, but Im not really concerned with what the patient thinks of me. That way if or when they start acting pysychotic or just plain mean, im not bothered by it. I just assume every patient is going to be a little crazy. I wont even get into dealing with some of these family members. Hospitals make a big deal out of patient satisfaction surveys, but theres a limit to how much butt kissing ill do. The important thing is to not lose your temper, at least not in front of the patient, as that can have consequences.

So yeah Ive seen patients go off. On me, on RNs, Doctors, lab techs, RTs and their own family. Its just part of the job unfortunately, so just let it bounce off you and just do your job. If the patient says they dont want you in the room, I guess just notify the RN and try to work around it. Ive even had a patient tell me they dont want a certain RN or doctor to step foot in their room.

FaithGurl93 · Nov 30, 2012

I notify the RN and they're sick of him as well lol. He's kinda grouchy lol.

ThinkAgain · Nov 30, 2012

I was gonna go GHETTO on him lbvvvvs lol.
Has anyone else ever had this happen to them?

LOL you made me laugh, girl! :lol2:

Please, don't feel bad, it has happened to the most of us!!! I know this and much worse has happened to me. Many times.

Although I do not justify his behavior and absolutely do not think that you deserve to be treated that way, but in situations like these I try to remind myself that most of these people feel desperate, scared, sick, miserable, and alone.

It is difficult though, at times.

I wish you patience and strength.

LCinTraining · Nov 30, 2012

Just be polite, and if he keeps kicking people out then admin will have to deal with him.

nguyency77, CNA · Dec 1, 2012

How rude. I always try to remember that people are ill and not at their best... It's not always easy. Hugs!

FaithGurl93 · Dec 1, 2012

How rude. I always try to remember that people are ill and not at their best... It's not always easy. Hugs!

I was thinking this in the back of my mind but when he gets to talking all of that flies out the window lol. I'm praying for Jesus to heal him so when I get there Monday he won't be there anymore lbvs. #DoItLord.!!!!

LemonAide · Dec 1, 2012

I work as a CNA while in nursing school. I've been kicked out of rooms for all sorts of perceived inadequacies more times than I can count. Even by family members who tell me I don't know how to do my job and what horrible care their loved one is getting. Don't let it get to you and don't take it personal. Sometimes when a person is sick being a jerk is the only thing they have control of. You lose control of a lot of things when you get sick. I think the biggest thing is keep going and keep doing your best. What if it was you and what if you didn't understand the education or role a CNA or even a nurse has in a medical setting. The patient really could be scared you don't know what your doing. It's hard to deal with but just let it roll off your back. You can't please everyone, but you can set a good example for your co-workers by not playing in to the what a horrible patient gossip.

If the patient has asked you to never some back your problem is solved I don't know about policies where you work but usually patients have the right to refuse care. Move on to the next room and use your skills somewhere else.

nguyency77, CNA · Dec 2, 2012

I was thinking this in the back of my mind but when he gets to talking all of that flies out the window lol. I'm praying for Jesus to heal him so when I get there Monday he won't be there anymore lbvs. #DoItLord.!!!!

Haha, I know! It's hard to take crap from patients. I hope he gets better, so he'll stop being mean to you! :roflmao:

I had one lady in LTC who was foul-mouthed and wore a permanent stink-face. None of the CNAs liked going in there because she would call them a "dump" and other names. One day, she called me a dump and I laughed. I think that kind of threw her for a loop and from that day on, she never called me names again...

tayloramaRN2be · Dec 3, 2012

I work in a LTC and man I can tell you some stories. Last summer, I was very heavily pregnant, and my co-workers granddaughter was there, she was a few years younger than me, and quite skinnier than me, we were standing next to a table talking, and a resident with sundowners said to my friend "My you're such a pretty girl! And fit too!" then she looks at me, "Well, I cant say the same for you. You could lose a few pounds" I knew she was demented, but it still kind of hurt (prolly due to the raging pregnancy hormones).

Don't let it get to you! :up:

FaithGurl93 · Dec 4, 2012

I work in a LTC and man I can tell you some stories. Last summer, I was very heavily pregnant, and my co-workers granddaughter was there, she was a few years younger than me, and quite skinnier than me, we were standing next to a table talking, and a resident with sundowners said to my friend "My you're such a pretty girl! And fit too!" then she looks at me, "Well, I cant say the same for you. You could lose a few pounds" I knew she was demented, but it still kind of hurt (prolly due to the raging pregnancy hormones).
Don't let it get to you!

Oh wow! lol. Guess I had it easy then. And thank you. Every month we switch who takes what side of patients so I don't have to work with him anymore!!! #GLORY HALLELUJAH!!!

Esme12, ASN, BSN, RN · Dec 5, 2012

I'm a CNA just trying to do her job to the best of her abilities. This grumpy, overgrown, eating all the snacks on the unit PATIENT had the nerve to tell me "get the (blank) out of my room you flunkie, I want my nurse, don't come in here again!"
I was gonna go GHETTO on him lbvvvvs lol. I've never heard such rudeness in my first month of working lol. I'm not even a flunkie that's what is really upsetting me that because I'm not a nurse I'm inadequate or extra. I'm actually preparing to take my boards for my LPN and possibly go on to get my RN...not sure yet.
Just vent guys!!!!!
Has anyone else ever had this happen to them?

Honey.....I have been called plenty of things over the years not all of them complimentary and most of them quite colorful. Consider the source and move forward.

HUGS......