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
However wrong dont mislead yourself into thinking that it is just a formality if you have to go see the DON. If the woman was in complaining the DON is going to have to at least show that she gave a verbal reprimand regarding how the patients family reported you "supposedly" spoke to her. It is a "formality" but one that may stick in your personel file, so dont let it get you upset.
I would be almost willing to bet money, that you will be found in the wrong. Although I feel 100% you were right, Press Ganey will act against you. It is all about surveys and the publics immpression of your hospital and as long as that family member is giving bas press you will prob be sacrificed, do not be surprised by this. Good luck, and you were right!
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.
Very well said. It sounds like she was being defensive also.
You have got to be kidding me...she is an RN and she really thinks that it is OK for you to allow her to even touch an IV in an institution where she is not employed?
Be careful, my friend, your DON had better be fair here. That woman has to be making up lies about you. Did you have anyone else around who witnessed the incident? Do you have Union representation at your facility? I would be prepared for the worst, just in case.
However gently this DON discusses this situation with you, she will look at this as a discipline incident and it will go into your file. I would copy the P&P of your facility to refer to during your meeting, write up a true and accurate account of what happened, ask the DON what your options are, and make sure you place your comments in your file . This woman is looking to paint you as a lazy, uncaring, rude nurse and you need to be ready to defend yourself.
Sue Damonas, BSN
229 Posts
Sorry you had to put up with someone like that!! Let us know how it goes!!