Pets

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Specializes in LTC.

How do you deal with aggressive pets? I filled in for a case this past sunday and they have a "harmless" cat. I swear the cat was about to attack me. I literally feared that I was going to get bitten. I learned my lesson, not to accept cases with cats! Plus I have allergic reactions to cats and dogs at times due to my asthma, so I mind as well be safe than sorry.

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One agency I worked for had us fill out a questionnaire every year that indicated our preferences and limitations and we signed it. It stated very clearly that our assignments would be affected by how open we were to the various detrimental possible situations. The agency had a formal preferential assignment system in place that was based on our answers to these questions. Of course, if you were not open to all possibilities, including geographical travel, you were not subject to getting assignment preference. I never could figure out why someone's asthma should keep them from assignment preference if they had 18 years seniority with the organization. I figure that there was plenty of fudging with assignments that most were not aware of.

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Specializes in Psych, Geriatrics.

whoa, you are allowed to choose? My agency doesn't care, they will send anyone anywhere.

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Specializes in Home Health.

I was attacked by a patient's cat, I leaned over to adjust her shoe and the cat jumped on my back and bit me. LOL, attack cat. I think the cat was really being protective of its owner.

The agency would tell us to get another job if we have a problem with any visits.

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Specializes in LTC.

Wow, sorry to hear that isabelle. I hope you were ok.

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Specializes in Functional Medicine, Holistic Nutrition.

When admitting a patient, the agency's patient rights and responsibilities *should* describe the patient's responsiblity in providing a safe environment for staff. I always explained to patients, if applicable, that this included their responsibility in securing pets while staff are in the home, if requested by staff or if the patient knows that their pet is aggressive or doesn't take well to strangers. Your agency should support you in this.

I would deal with this situation by revisiting the patient's responsibilities with the patient. Explain your fear of the cat and request the cat be placed in a secure room while you are making a visit. If the patient refuses, talk to your manager and ask to be reassigned.

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