Pet Peeve

[Leelee2]

Went to doctor today, got to the registration desk (not at all private, one long desk with multiple staff sitting behind it, and other patients also standing there) Then she says "Are you still at *gives my address*, your phone number is *states my phone number", etc. Annoying. I would really like to have my right to privacy begin at the registration desk! Seriously, can't they just say "Has your address or phone number changed since your last visit?" My husband works a profession where it is necessary for us to keep our phone number/address, etc private. Then we are walking down the hallway "What are we seeing you for today?" Not exactly appropriate conversation in the Hall...I am irritated.

What is your Pet Peeve, as a Patient?

[Nascar nurse, ASN, RN]

I know the last time I was at my OB's office, they have mammogram scheduling at a desk right next to where you check out. The person working there asked a woman "do you have breast implants?" and I was standing behind her in line. I thought that was so inappropriate. What if she did have them and didn't want the whole world knowing? Just my

Makes you want to ask the clerk (in a loud voice) "So when's the last time you had a BM"?

[AprilRNurse]

Since we're on the topic..I've never understood the concept of patient privacy when it comes to shared patient rooms.. I realize its impossible for every patient to have their own room. But I don't understand how we can talk HIPAA all day long and then have MD's..RN's..every other professional in and out of rooms all day with one patient's private info within earshot of their roommate..I've never been comfortable with it as a nurse.. I can't imagine how it must feel to be the one in the bed

Our hospital has no shared rooms.

[Flo., BSN, RN]

I hate the paper gowns! They feel so cheap and degrading.

[Rexie68]

our hospital has no shared rooms.

same here......all private rooms at my hospital.

[Zookeeper3]

I will never wait more than one hour for my doc. At the end of one hour I leave, go to the "check out" and tell them why and reschedule.

My doc office had the nerve to try to bill me for a copay for my first walk out... I sent every single regulatory agency on their orifice, and called my private insurance and announced the fraud.

I called the office manager back, after she refused to waive my copay, and let her know what I've done. I no longer wait more than 15 minutes.

[Rexie68]

i will never wait more than one hour for my doc. at the end of one hour i leave, go to the "check out" and tell them why and reschedule.

eh, i'll wait for my doc as long as i need to, because i know that when it's my turn, he'll sit down and listen to me. sometimes that means i read a few chapters of a book before i see him, but he'll spend 45 minutes with me if needed. i find that kind of compassion worth the wait.

[mamamerlee, LPN]

Although long gone are the multi-bed wards, there are still some hospitals with 'semi-private' rooms. I was in one last week. My roommate kept leaving her 'hat' in the toilet, and not calling her nurse for it to be dumped. Needless to say, I had to remove it so I could use the toilet. What fun...

And the ER there was ancient, just curtains between the beds. No privacy for assessments and conversation. Sometiems HIPAA is just a dream.

[scoochy]

"How are WE feeling today? And what are WE seeing the doctor for today?" I have corrected the receptionist or staff member who greets me in such a fashion. There is no WE. Please do not speak to me in a patronizing manner, thank you.

[Poi Dog]

Makes you want to ask the clerk (in a loud voice) "So when's the last time you had a BM"?

Omg, I laughed so hard and almost feel out of my chair.

Good one!

[RNforLongTime]

I hate when a CNA/MA tries to pass him or herself off as a nurse. No you are NOT "one of the nurses" you are a CNA! My NA told a pt this a few weeks ago and had the audacity to get mad at ME when I called her on it!! Umm, when YOU go to nursing school for 2+yrs AND pass the NCLEX exam, only THEN may you call yourself a nurse!!

I don't mind waiting for my Primary Care Doctor either because I really like her and she'll sit and talk with me for a good 45 minutes so I always try to book her 1st appt of the day.

Patients who think that they own me because they "pay my salary". Um..no you don't because you are on Medicaid so therefore I am actually paying for your hospital care, not you.

[diane227, LPN, RN]

If I were you I would write a letter to the practice manager and ask them to try to fix the situation. And remind them of the privacy issues.

And next time they ask you for information, tell them that you don't want the information discussed at the desk or just tell them that nothing has changed since your last visit, before they even ask the question.

And if they ask you what is wrong with you and your in the middle of a group of people where everyone can hear, make up something gross to tell them, out loud... like "I have these little worm things growing on my skin.. I think they are maggots" or "I am about to have major diarrhea all over your floor". See how quick your reply will clear the area out.

[AOx1]

I solve the privacy issue by first politely Asking that they not do this and reminding them why. If it recurs, you will then find me asking for a microphone "because I wouldn't want anyone waiting to miss my answer." I also let the physician know what has happened. As for MAs saying they are nurses, that title is protected by law in my state, so I let them know it is illegal and reportable to the BON.