Not a waitress or barista

**NickiLaughs, ADN, BSN, RN** · Nov 22, 2011

In my personal nursing world (not necessarily reality, just my personal code) you can get anything you want if you are dying. All others are on their own. I like the idea of telling patients and families where THEY can get food and coffee. Maybe I'll even pitch the idea to management, as a part of the admission packet! They complain to me about the food already, like I can somehow fix that too.

The ones that are dying aren't typically concerned about eating. I'm lucky, most our patients are unable to eat unless it's going through some sort of tube. Our families for the most part are more concerned about their family members and become aware fairly quickly that we are a needed presence at their loved ones bedside. They often feel so helpless that they are happy to go to the cafeteria to get a snack and a much needed break.

allnurses Guide · Nov 22, 2011

When a lot of family descends, I'd introduce myself to them and also say something like, Oh, and if you find you are getting a little hungry/thirsty, don't forget to get something to eat for yourselves!!! We have a cafe downstairs and that's where the real coffee is, or if you just want a coke or chips there are a few machines down the hall and around the corner to the right. There is also a JimmyJohns out the main drive and 2 blocks to the left.

That's exactly the type of information I would appreciate as a family member, and be happy to provide if I were the nurse. I've been out of hospital nursing for a while so . . . when did it become OK for visiting family to expect the nurse to provide personal beverage service?

I would personally be happy to offer a beleaguered and tired family some coffee or a soft drink, but to someone who's kicked back watching the telly with their feet on the unoccupied bed? :mad: Guess I'm too old school. hrrrrummphh and p-shawww grumble grumble. :) I actually prefer to know where the coffee comes from so I can get more without having to wait for a very busy nurse to fetch it for me.

DizzyLizzyNurse · Nov 22, 2011

In the nursing home I used to work at and at my current subacute job, I always say, "Sure I'll get you that glass of water. Come with me and I'll show you where everything is so you don't have to wait for me to have a free moment next time!" I act like I'm doing them a favor by pointing where stuff is and how to get it themselves. Has worked every time. :idea:

cgwrn · Nov 22, 2011

I can honestly say this has never happened or been an issue for me. I am usually offering the family coffee or ice water while they sit next to their loved one. We also offer to get them blankets and pillows and make up the couch for them to sleep on. Most, not all, but most, always so "no, I can go get it myself." I'm sure I will have those that will take advantage of it. As for patients, they really never ask for much, but we keep soda and other things for them to eat on the floor and I don't usually mind getting them things, but I always say it may take me a few minutes.

When I worked in drug and alcohol rehab and treatment, they tried but like someone else said I would always point them down to the client kitchen.

DookieMeisterRN · Nov 22, 2011

Unfortunately our unit kitchens are for staff only, family members don't even have access to the ice/water machine. It would save so much time for us if they could get the pt's ice/drinks as they frequently ask where it is. If the pt and family is polite and I have time I will get them a cup of ice water or coffee but if they're a PITA I will direct them to the cafeteria.

JenniferSews · Nov 22, 2011

The ones that are dying aren't typically concerned about eating.

True, but when one decides they really want a frosty, I'm not above taking my yearly lunch break to go get it. They won't eat but a bite but it's worth the trip.

I'm jealous of those who haven't experienced the overbearing and demanding family and or patient. It would be so much easier to do my job if I didn't have to stop in the middle of passing meds to go fill up the coffee thermoses. And heaven forbid you ask someone to wait a minute while you assess a patient and call the docs and then call 911. The audacity of asking someone to wait for fresh coffee while you save someone elses family member! :lol2:

cgwrn · Nov 22, 2011

True, but when one decides they really want a frosty, I'm not above taking my yearly lunch break to go get it. They won't eat but a bite but it's worth the trip.

So very true! I agree!

carolmaccas66, BSN, RN · Nov 22, 2011

Yes I'm sick of it too! I had a person ask if he could get cappucinos up on the ward! Ahh, no I said you have to go down to the cafe for that - grumble, moan, moan. They should have one up here, he said, stalking away to get his cappucino.

I swear to God if we HAD a cappucino maker, they would be asking us to fluff all the milk for them and serve it with a little mint chocolate!! Some hospitals I work at do have the automatic cappucino/coffee ones, but people don't use them cos they don't like them.

I've done my years of making coffees and cappucinos thank you (actually, in a way, I miss it!!)

sunnycalifRN · Nov 22, 2011

Annoyed at the growing number of patients/patient family members who think nurses double as waitresses and/or baristas.
This week, I got asked:
"What's the soup of the day?"
"Can I have some tea? Two bags please and the hot water from the coffee maker is not hot enough so heat it up in the microwave for two minutes. The tea cannot seep in warm water it must be hot." Another family member shouts out, "while you're at it, can I have a glass of ice water? Extra ice please."
Anyone else getting these kinds of requests? I don't mind it occasionally but it seems like everyone wants something and the time I spend fulfilling these requests really adds up.
If they want to treat us like waitresses, we should AT LEAST get tips.

Yup, seen this from time to time. We've gotten our inappropriate ICU admissions who are putting in their coffee orders before they're transferred off the gurney!! We just ignore the coffee orders and tell them they're NPO!!

UpinawayRN · Nov 22, 2011

I have recently just learned( working ICU) that it is just easier to anticipate the family members wanting stuff, so I automatically bring in extra sprites, crackers and coffee and tell them I brought extra in case anyone was hungry or thirsty. It has saved me time and frustration, usually they are content with the fact I thought enough to consider their needs too, that they don't bother me for extras, and are truly grateful for the thought. And, bring the goods even if they initally decline.:)(Though I would never expect it.)

carolmaccas66, BSN, RN · Nov 22, 2011

What about the ones that decide to come to the ED for whatever, usually non-urgent reason at 9pm, when all the arvo staff are ready to knock off, then request a hot meal, coffe, a bun etc. We say we only have sandwiches, they stopped serving hot meals a looong time ago. Then they get mad at us!

Nurses can't win it seems.

Long Term Care Columnist / Guide · Nov 22, 2011

Yes I'm sick of it too! I had a person ask if he could get cappucinos up on the ward! Ahh, no I said you have to go down to the cafe for that - grumble, moan, moan. They should have one up here, he said, stalking away to get his cappucino.
I swear to God if we HAD a cappucino maker, they would be asking us to fluff all the milk for them and serve it with a little mint chocolate!! Some hospitals I work at do have the automatic cappucino/coffee ones, but people don't use them cos they don't like them.
I've done my years of making coffees and cappucinos thank you (actually, in a way, I miss it!!)

If patients are fussing over mochas and cappuchinos in the hospital, they aren't sick enough to be there. :mad: