Opinion on confrontation w/another nurse

[Ultra Violet]

Hi, just wanted a couple of opinions about this.

I started a new job about 2 months ago. I was the medication nurse last week. One night I brought a client out into the community area to take a med that the pt has to sit for 10 minutes in front of staff then show staff before they leave that the med is gone. So I explained this to the pt who was sitting right behind staff. My error was in assuming that the nurse very close to me and pt while I was explaining heard me. So I guess I started to walk away when she said (in front of pt and other staff members) -- did you just give pt such and such a med? I think I responded yes, and I explained to him that he needed to show you b/f he left. She said "You need to make sure that you let me know. All I heard was my name."

So anyway this was not a huge deal, but it has been bothering me that she didn't call me aside to correct me rather than say it in front of pts and other staff. I'm mad at myself that I didn't talk to her about it that night. It was suggested to me that I still should confront her about it in a nice way tonight. I welcome her and others feedback. I just feel bothered about how she did it (esp. in front of pts). What do you think?

[love-d-OR]

Honestly, I would'nt even sweat it! Does not sound like much to me, but it might have been the tone of her voice and not the content. If it really bothers you and you don't think you can let it go, I guess you could talk to her. But I would try to pick my battles wisely if I were you, especially in a new place of employment.

[algebra_demystified]

Let me give you another perspective. I have a little bit of a hearing loss, not much, but enough to make me ask people to repeat themselves from time to time. I had laser eye surgery a couple years ago and have dry eyes. I try to stay on top of my eyedrops, but there's fans EVERYWHERE on my floor and sometimes I go an hour or two without rewetting them.

As a result, I have to walk up to people and face them when I'm talking to them. Sometimes I can get the message from across the room and sometimes I can't. I always try to ask people to repeat themselves if I miss something, and sometimes I find myself staring at somebody's mouth to read lips a little.

If anybody's counting on me to overhear a conversation and pick up on something I'm afraid I'm going to disappoint them once in a while. I would much prefer that if I need to know something that the other party will make an effort to directly and clearly communicate with me or leave a note in a designated place that I check regularly.

There's a patient on the floor with me who has a massive speech impediment, but I always persist with him. I get my ear right next to his mouth, I repeat what I hear to him, etc. It takes a couple of tries but I focus on listening and watching and I always get the message. But picking up on a background conversation? Wow, I really wouldn't want to be held to that standard.

[traumaRUs, MSN, APRN]

Think its important to pick your battles. Not everything needs to be confronted.

[Ultra Violet]

Thanks for the feedback. The person wasn't in last night so it wasn't addressed. Like I said, I admit I made the error and apologized for it, but I believe it is unprofessional always to address an issue in front of patients and other staff members, and it did have to do with tone of voice and facial expression as well. I'm going to let it go, but I just didn't want to set up a situation whereby she continues to do this type of thing. I tend to not confront people on issues when I should. Thanks again.