Where did the respect go for nurses and doctors? My nurse friend whom is in her silver years was a nurse many many decades ago and recently has retired.
I was telling her a story of a patient whom I received from the cath lab. The patient arrived as usual from most operational/procedural suites, a hot mess. Lines and tubing everywhere. Bloody sheets and so forth.
Well soemhow the family snuck in with her and it was such a busy night with no tech or secretary so instead of the family being told to wait in the waiting area (while I settled her in) they chose to barge in with the patient and began ordering me on what needed to be done!
I nicely and kindly explained to the daughter what the priorities at the moment were and why, despite my explanations she said
"well the priority right now is getting her (the pt) water and ice".
EYEROLL
Excuse me but that's not the priority and I told her so. I told her that with all due respect I've been doing this for a while and although I understood her mom was thirsty, I had to assess her mom and wait for the fellow to give further instructions.
She finally settled down and stopped talking.
I find this behavior annoying, and families are equally entitled acting and rude to physicians. They do not care that you are an expert and there to care for them. We are not the enemies. We went to school and have experience, and before we can accommodate to your every wish we must ensure your safety.
Anyway, my nurse friend commented how in her early years as a nurse DECADES ago... people respected nurses and doctors more than they do now.
Guess this is just a rant vent. One more reason I want to leave ICU.
Also, I'm so done with the elimination of visitor restricted hours and this new fad in "open visitation".
Funny, Farwyn. I don't feeeeel "off" or 'incorrect' in Triage.
My message was direct if that's what you're referring to, and probably nicer than what I really wanted to say which was why are you whining about such trivial complaints, CardiacDork? Then on top of that you're actually kind of disrespectful sounding yourself, telling them how many hands you have, now whining about the position of the bs commode and making negative comments about this patient. You're a nurse and an important part of that is anticipating outcomes and planning accordingly.
Was that nice enough? I hope so. It's not my intent to hurt feelings. He did not sound hurt at all to me, just angry/ticked off at patients about trivial stuff that is to be expected as part of his job as a nurse.
Also now this business about too many 'floor' patients in 'his ICU'! Be happy about the fact already! Were you hoping for another 'hot mess' instead? Heck, how many times has it been the ICU 'hot mess' out on the floor I wonder??? I can't stand a bunch of belly achin' about patients and their families and it just reverberates to all when you admittedly don't want to be there in the first place. It's not like the patients want to be there.
He did say he was on a RANT and this is a message board so RANT away, CardiacDork. Just give me the same freedom and respect to rant right along with him/you then. Everything reverberates including respect.
What I don't get is why you're trolling on me and being flat out rude, when I haven't told you one thing about your posts. It's not like a sent a legion of nurses to tell you about your sarcasm or posts.
But based off your post and the way you lashed out at me I see you have some issues. I hope you feel better now.
Yes. Sadly. I believe you are right on the money there. Let me tell you something, before nursing I was a very patient and optimistic human.
After nursing I've become pessimistic about humanity and a slight misanthrope. My tolerance for disrespect or rude people is low. I also despise driving and have grown to dislike crowds or masses of people, not because I'm shy but because after becoming a nurse ... it just feels like the LAST thing I want to do is deal with more rudeness.
Yes, I have said that many times too, I used to be a nice person before I became a nurse. I think that society in general has gone downhill in terms of politeness/manners etc., and has at the same time become "entitled" to whatever a person thinks he/she should have or want and throws a tantrum when cant get it. I have had patients coming to the unit from ER, or other units, still on the gurney demanding this/that, with family also demanding this/that. I just tell them the same thing, I have a job to do and that's that!! Too bad if they don't like it.
Honestly, I feel that the patients in wards were more satisfied. They could see that you were working, and I've even had a patient tell me "no, I'm fine, go help that guy". He was referring to a guy across the room who was in respiratory distress and the other nurses were managing it. The patients in a ward, in my experience, were more concerned about each other, and because they could see the nurses at all times, they were more confident of the nurses.
Honestly, I feel that the patients in wards were more satisfied. They could see that you were working, and I've even had a patient tell me "no, I'm fine, go help that guy". He was referring to a guy across the room who was in respiratory distress and the other nurses were managing it. The patients in a ward, in my experience, were more concerned about each other, and because they could see the nurses at all times, they were more confident of the nurses.
They notice that we are busy because they can see us be busy in a ward type setting. When all they can see is their room and you coming in every hour, they just assume that we sit on our butts for the other 55 minutes, because they can't see otherwise.
Yeah, anyone in a uniform is subject to scorn today. I go into Publix after work to pick up a few groceries, and have noticed ppl reaching in front of me grabbing items without ever saying "excuse me". Lately I've noticed ppl seeing my scrubs and looking @me like "who do you think you are?"
Specializes in Psychiatry, Community, Nurse Manager, hospice.
Like giving a person water?!
Funny, Farwyn. I don't feeeeel "off" or 'incorrect' in Triage.
My message was direct if that's what you're referring to, and probably nicer than what I really wanted to say which was why are you whining about such trivial complaints, CardiacDork? Then on top of that you're actually kind of disrespectful sounding yourself, telling them how many hands you have, now whining about the position of the bs commode and making negative comments about this patient. You're a nurse and an important part of that is anticipating outcomes and planning accordingly.
Was that nice enough? I hope so. It's not my intent to hurt feelings. He did not sound hurt at all to me, just angry/ticked off at patients about trivial stuff that is to be expected as part of his job as a nurse.
Also now this business about too many 'floor' patients in 'his ICU'! Be happy about the fact already! Were you hoping for another 'hot mess' instead? Heck, how many times has it been the ICU 'hot mess' out on the floor I wonder??? I can't stand a bunch of belly achin' about patients and their families and it just reverberates to all when you admittedly don't want to be there in the first place. It's not like the patients want to be there.
He did say he was on a RANT and this is a message board so RANT away, CardiacDork. Just give me the same freedom and respect to rant right along with him/you then. Everything reverberates including respect.
Read above. Does this have a compassionate tone? Quite the opposite.
There has been nothing compassionate about what you've posted anywhere on this thread.
Specializes in CCU, SICU, CVSICU, Precepting & Teaching.
Honestly, I feel that the patients in wards were more satisfied. They could see that you were working, and I've even had a patient tell me "no, I'm fine, go help that guy". He was referring to a guy across the room who was in respiratory distress and the other nurses were managing it. The patients in a ward, in my experience, were more concerned about each other, and because they could see the nurses at all times, they were more confident of the nurses.
That's true. Also the families would reach that kleenex or remote control or blanket or whatever and hand it to the patient instead of putting on the call light and asking the nurse to do it for them.
Cardiac dork, I have seen your posts and I personally don't see you as someone who is unhappy but rather, venting about things about your job that frustrate you. It's an unfortunate reality that we see humanity at its worst and at times, it's mentally taxing. I hope you feel peace soon.
THAT is the BEST response to this "no respect" post which seems to have gotten out of control. The patients safety and stability MUST be managed first post cath and an extra 20 minutes will not cause the patient dry up and blow away. One ice chip will not do it and if you chose to walk away for an ice chip then bring it back in a cup full of water . You can never go wrong by telling the family that you must take care of their loved one first and you will be happy to get that water in 15 min. (or whatever time frame). What ICU director can argue with that? I have recovered open heart surgery patients (and post cath) for 20 years and that should be the least of your problems in this client oriented atmosphere. That's why they call it critical care, Right?
Absolutely. Just please do not remove the Life Vest because family "wanted" the patient to have bed bath right away.
Okay. Thanks for your astute analysis. Yes, it's clear I am not happy with the ICU. I know this. I recognize this. Nursing is vast and the opportunities are many. Right now I have about 4 years of experience and my ADN. By the time I finish my BSN I'll have 5-6 years of experience and enrolled in NP school (I'm in a dual degree program).
But this post wasn't really about my personal unhappiness with the ICU and where I need to take my career path.
It's about the lack of respect and rudeness that is for some reason especially present when dealing with these chronic illnesses at their worst. Work a few years in the ICU as a full fledged RN and you'll see what I mean. The frequent flyer and their families have a way of chipping away at your morale.
This isn't the nightingale nursing you learn about in school :)
Although you didn't want an "astute analysis" of your "happiness in the ICU" it turned out to be the glaring issue as we've read your responses. It's either that or you could really take a look at your reactivity, in general. Sometimes it takes others' objectivity to identify a problem. For example, I'm not what you would consider an experienced RN. However, I have put in my time in the ED and seen the cast of characters you are referring to 100 times over. I've been in several different departments and know that sometimes it's as simple as deciding to reserve judgement AGAINST ANYTHING OR ANYONE while at work. If I don't it could it could drive me nuts. I do it for myself. Does that make sense? Having said that, you can always say something like, "m'am, what did you say your name is? Sally. Hi Sally, I'm Jason. So Sally, I understand you're concerned about your mom. So am I. As soon as I do the things I need to do to make sure she's safe I can get to your concerns, ok?" Let her know you're on the same team. Her mom's. Some solid people skills go a long way. Meth heads care about their moms too.
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CardiacDork, MSN, RN
577 Posts
What I don't get is why you're trolling on me and being flat out rude, when I haven't told you one thing about your posts. It's not like a sent a legion of nurses to tell you about your sarcasm or posts.
But based off your post and the way you lashed out at me I see you have some issues. I hope you feel better now.