Preferential Treatment Towards Certain Patients

[SilverBells, BSN]

As a new nurse manager, I hate to admit this, but I have noticed that I have a tendency to gravitate towards certain patients and respond to their needs faster than others. In my position, I'm not necessarily expected to be answering a lot of the call lights, but I do like to help out occasionally as the floor can get very busy. However, I've noticed that I have a tendency to answer a call light faster if it is in the room of certain patients. In particular, there is a resident that I have worked with for nearly four years and, I hate to say it, I've developed a connection with her. Whenever her call light comes on, I'm one of the first to respond to it. She's a quirky little old lady and I enjoy her idiosyncrasies. I have no problems spending significant amounts of time in her room, taking me away from my other duties and other residents. I have a tendency to go check on her even when her call light isn't on and am not nearly so quick to respond to other call lights. Obviously, I know this is wrong and perhaps unprofessional on my part as there are 19 other people who need attention as well. I guess I'm mostly just curious if anyone else has had issues having 'favorite' patients and what you did about it?

[Just me.]

When I worked in ltc, there were definitely residents that I found more endearing than others.

I can only suggest making an effort to answer all call bells in a timely fashion, and in order. I would cut back on the personal visits while on the clock, as you know you are getting paid to work. If you are going to check on her, make an effort to check on all the residents briefly. That might make another resident's day!