New and not so new nurses..

netglow, ASN, RN · Dec 3, 2011

I would say that there is almost nothing that angers me more than someone doing what you describe, Up.

If I were to ever beat someone down in the parking lot, this would be a reason for it.

So, hey y'all, FYI.

Cuddleswithpuddles · Dec 3, 2011

New and not so nurses, DO NOT, drag me in a pts room to verbally and physically show me a minor error I have made regarding pt's care in front of 5 grieving family members and a critically ill pt. Privately confront me like a professional, and do not "SHOW me", while all eyes on board. If it is an all he## breaks loose night and we are short staffed while trying to console family members, it will not make anyone feel more comforted that this did not get hooked up to that, regardless if it affected pt's condition. I tell you I know right from wrong, but things get hairy, and it does not make YOU look like a savior. Never confront cooworkers in front of family members or patients! Hope this tip sticks.

I am so sorry this happened to you (if it did indeed happen).

Whoever that person is, that person shot him or herself in the foot.

Pointing out the mistakes of other nurses for self-serving purposes erodes the trust people have in the organization and in nurses as a whole.

If that family ever comes back to the hospital, I doubt that they'll think "Oh wow this is where that nurse rightfully exposed the evils of this world!" but rather "This is a place where someone I loved went through pain and chaos."

I would hope that whoever witnessed this situation is smart enough to see a backstabbing wannabe savior.

VICEDRN, BSN, RN · Dec 3, 2011

Must have happened in icu! Lol

swtpea48 · Dec 3, 2011

Must have happened in icu! Lol

I work on the floor and had something similar happen to me a few days ago.

DixieRedHead, ASN, RN · Dec 3, 2011

As a not so new nurse, allow me to tell you, that this is totally unacceptable. If I were you, I would tell that person very quietly in a soft tone of voice:

" Don't you ever talk to me that way in front of a patient or a family member again. It is not only rude, be advised I will not tolerate it."

**NickiLaughs, ADN, BSN, RN** · Dec 3, 2011

Drives me bonkers.

Hasn't really happened to me. Most are respectful enough to just mention it the next time and I always just do the same.

I saw a doctor berate a nurse once for HIS bad in front of the family. Guess what? Family became quickly aware of a boo boo he made, sued the hospital and him and got a small settlement.

That Guy, BSN, RN, EMT-B · Dec 3, 2011

It is NEVER acceptable. New or not new it doesnt matter. There is a time/place/manner in which to address an issue like that. The way it was handled was miserably wrong. The sad part is that person has now set themselves up for repercussions from the other staff because we all know nurses like to get even ha

brandy1017, ASN, RN · Dec 4, 2011

What was the mistake or lapse? It should be fixed promptly, but quietly without causing undue alarm to the patient or family. Regarding mistakes it is felt it is better to be honest with the patient and family as they will be less likely to sue the hospital. Of course it all comes down to how the mistake is explained to the family. You do not want to expose someone publicly or sensationalize a mistake as it will harm everybody concerned and for no worthwhile purpose.

imintrouble, BSN, RN · Dec 4, 2011

As bad as what happened between the nurses was, consider a grieving family who might believe their loved one might have survived/improved if only the meds had been given correctly. An extra layer of guilt and regret to an already grieving family.

carolmaccas66, BSN, RN · Dec 4, 2011

Next time someone starts to do this, calmly interrupt them and say something like: may I speak to you somewhere more private and BEFORE they carry on, simply walk out of the room. They will feel obliged to follow you, then go into the drug room or something.

Unless you say something to them and force them to follow you, they will keep doing it.

I remember when I was a 2nd or 3rd year student, a CN balled me out - practically yelled at me - for doing something that turned out not to be my fault, but because I was a student she assumed it was me. I turned bright red & told her this thing wasn't me but she ended up stalking off. I confronted her in the office later, and told her: (1) I wasn't some 16 year old who had just left high school, (2) I'd worked in the hosp we were in for many years in responsible positions, (3) if she ever yelled at me again in front of patients and their families, I would be making a formal complaint to the DON, (4) could she kindly take me somewhere more private next time, (5) the incident was not my fault, as she later discovered. She apologised but only later.

I think head on confrontation is the best thing. We all make mistakes but it shouldn't be pointed out in front of the patient or family/ies. That's just plain wrong.

SweetseRN · Dec 4, 2011

As a not so new nurse, allow me to tell you, that this is totally unacceptable. If I were you, I would tell that person very quietly in a soft tone of voice:
" Don't you ever talk to me that way in front of a patient or a family member again. It is not only rude, be advised I will not tolerate it."

Love it "Be advised I will not tolerate it." Perfectly stated and added to my personal defense orificenal. :redbeathe