Next time I will tell her to shut up

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Specializes in Med-Surg.

My last day at work, we didn't have a work clerk. She had to leave for a family emergency. Another lady was on the way in, so I agreed to sit at the desk (since I do have experience at that job) until she got there, and the other nurses agreed to listen for my patients.

During this time, a middle aged lady walks up and says she needs "one of those flush thingys and some good tape" She explains that her husbands IV needs "cleaning out" and retaping, because the tape looks "nasty". I told her I would get her nurse to come check it out. She replied that she would do it if I "wouldn't go do it". I explained the situation we were having, and that I was covering the desk at this time, but I would be happy to have her nurse come look, or I would look after my desk relief got there. She replies "Why can't you just give me what I am asking for". I proceed to explain we strongly prefer family members don't mess with IV's. She then screams at me "I guess 20 yrs as an RN doesn't qualify me to do an IV!". I calmly reminded her that I had never seen her before in my life, had no way of knowing that. Luckly by now, another nurse has come up, I explain what she wants, and she goes to take care of it.

Got a call today from a friend. I'll be meeting with the DON. The lady has spent two days telling everyone that will listen about the situation, with many faniciful facts added in. Telling everyone "Jessica is the sorriest, worst nurse I've ever seen". And I called her stupid too, and told her just to shut up and go back to her room.

Also, turns out she work 10 years in a local nursing home, and does not have IV's. They send patients to us if they need an IV. :icon_roll

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Specializes in Utilization Management.

As a fellow RN, she should've been aware that she wouldn't be allowed to do any procedures, as it's against hospital policy.

Keep your cool, stand firm, and repeat.

Hope your meeting goes well with your DON.

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Specializes in Jack of all trades, and still learning.

What you did was follow legal protocol, aimed at protecting your patient. Best of luck hey?

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Meeting with the DON, huh? I certainly hope she stands up for you against this witch.

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Specializes in Med-Surg.
Meeting with the DON, huh? I certainly hope she stands up for you against this witch.

Oh I am sure she will, if she even wants to meet with me, which I assume she will since the lady told her. Just formalities, and to get my side of the story.

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Specializes in Home Care, Hospice, OB.

:pumpiron:stay strong--you were totally 110% correct. don't back down from bullies (but no to being anything less than polite and professional to them) as it simple empowers them!!

sounds like she was either (a) embarassed because she knows she was acting like the north end of a southbound donkey or (b) is such an incompetent idiot that she really thinks she was right and you a meanie of a witch for not jumping up to bow to her expertise.

either way, do not take flack for this [unless you know in your heart of hearts that you were rude and nasty].

good luck!!

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:pumpiron:stay strong--you were totally 110% correct. don't back down from bullies (but no to being anything less than polite and professional to them) as it simple empowers them!!

sounds like she was either (a) embarassed because she knows she was acting like the north end of a southbound donkey or (b) is such an incompetent idiot that she really thinks she was right and you a meanie of a witch for not jumping up to bow to her expertise.

either way, do not take flack for this [unless you know in your heart of hearts that you were rude and nasty].

good luck!!

she truly was acting like the north end of a southbound donkey. (i love the way you put this.) i don't think i ever heard any nurse use the term "flush thingy"

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What a horrible women you did everything right good luck with the interview but it sounds as if you dont need it

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Specializes in ob/gyn med /surg.

here we going again.. people pullig out the RN card... what nerve she has..she is not employed there and should not be touching anything , she has no right to touch that iv, and it wasn't a life threatning problem so she could of wait.. some people have such gall... then she opens her big yap causing trouble over nothing.. what a creep she is.. you did nothing wrong and don't ya wish you could tell people to shut up and butt out... what a ignorant lady.. she does a diservie to RN and LPN's everywhere.. she should be ashamed of herself..

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I hate when people are so spolied and nasty that when things don't go their way they resort to lying and telling stories. She only did this because she's embarassed by her own behavior and now wants to take you down with her. She won't. You handled it properly.

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(a) embarassed because she knows she was acting like the north end of a southbound donkey

nicely phrased

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Specializes in LTC, office.

I hope the truth prevails. Good luck with the DON.

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