Probably gonna get fired my first week...

Nurses General Nursing

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And all because I'm too darn careful.

No, I haven't been scolded, counseled, or even looked at cross-eyed, but after the day I've had, it would not surprise me. Tell me, y'all, if this was you, what would you have done differently?

Case 1) Grandma brings in kiddo, around age 5, multiple c/o: cough, runny nose, sore throat, thinks she has a UTI, vomiting, etc. Typical viral picture. Drainage is clear, vomiting not excessive, 2-3 times over the last few days. Kiddo looked a tad puny, but was responsive and giggling when I examined her. All tests negative. Explained to GM about viral syndromes, symptomatic tx, etc. Did not want to jump straight to an antibiotic, as no real s/s to warrant such. Told GM that I typicall do not do Phenergan for a kiddo that young (and skinny as a rail), and that Emetrol was what we had had success with with this bug. She agreed to the treatment, and left.

Fast forward a few hours, GM is steaming mad, wanting to knwo why all I did was send a med that she already had at home to the pharmacy that she had to drive 30 miles to get. I was stunned. Explained again about viral syndrome, the treatment she agreed to, etc. She was having none of it, said that WHEN she brought the girl back, she'd make sure I didn't see her. Fine and dandy by me. Thank God I always do a note on my charts.

Case 2) Woman seen for an URI 3 days ago, represents and requests cough meds with narcotic, specifically. Was told by the other provider that saw her 3 days ago that she would not be prescribed this, as she was on a narcotic regimen already. I told her that I would not deviate form the treatment already prescribed (no cough heard the whole time she was here, chest clear, already on an antibiotic, etc.) She became irate and tried to say that she was no longer on her narcotic regimen, but as we had no way of knowing this for certain, I declined. She called the lot of us "worthless" and stomped out.

This is an urgent care setting. Both of these patients have PMDs, and no, they had not contacted them prior to coming in. The GM even said she brought the kiddo because the mom did not think she needed to be taken to the doc. Just wondering if I should throw in the towel. Yes, I'm thin-skinned today.

Specializes in med-surg, psych, ER, school nurse-CRNP.
I am confused. Are you a nurse? If so why would the course of treatment be up to you?

Nope, NP. As was said, lol, not a newbie to the career, just to this clinic. And I know it's gonna happen. I'm just a worrier by nature.

I could have posted on the NP forum, I guess, but knowing most of my buds and a LOT of parents read the General forum, I wanted advice from them as to whether they would have reacted this way if I had prescribed the same treatment for their kiddos.

Sounds like it was "buy one female dog, get one free day"

It wasn't you - they sound nuts.

Get a pint of your fav ice cream, kick your legs up and laugh :D

Fruit Loops come in all shapes/sizes- not just the little bananas... :lol2:

And be glad you're not related to them :up:

Specializes in med-surg, psych, ER, school nurse-CRNP.

Sus, no offense taken, I know I need thicker skin, and normally this would not turn my head. I think the pregnancy hormones are taking a toll, lol. I am leery of kiddos, they're not my area of expertise, per se, but I'm taking the steps to get to where I'm comfortable...I know how to treat them, but for some reason, this population scares me worse than my cardiac patients ever did.

Specializes in ER.

Sounds like everyday occurrences in our fast track! It is run by PA's and FNP's and we average 80-100 patients per 16 hour shifts that we are open. We get an angry group of drug seekers everyday who threaten us with lawsuits, bodily harm and nasty letters to administration.

We recently had a mother of a 16 yr old who had a minor injury (negative x-ray) to a finger during ball practice complain to administration. He was seen, x-rayed, treated and ready for discharge in less than 90 minutes. Her complaint??? They were there during dinner time and we did not offer the entire family dinner!!

We had a guy last week who had injured his foot while slipping in the kitchen and sliding the foot under the refrigerator. He had what looked like old abrasions. I asked him when it happened and he said less than 24 hours prior. We got an x-ray and of course it was negative. But we checked our data link that tells us what other recent visits to area hospitals and meds were given. He had been seen at another hospital the day before and got an x-ray and meds, and had been to an urgent care the day before with the same complaint. When the NP confronted him with it, he miraculous arose from his wheelchair and stormed out of the department cursing nurses and doctors everywhere!

What can you do???

Specializes in med-surg, psych, ER, school nurse-CRNP.

Shake your head and go on? I love the 'previous visit' tab on our charts. Makes the 'new face' tryers-out much easier to deal with.

Wow, you made the right decision! Don't be worried about getting fired. Consider the alternative: Case 2 yells at you so you cave and give the narcotics?? I don't think so.

I know how you feel, I hate getting yelled at. I think you are totally fine though :D

I don't understand why they came to urgent care if they already had themselves diagnosed and knew what they needed before they got there. They could have better spent their time online at a Canadian Pharmacy getting the meds they felt they needed.

I think you did an excellent job, and your decisions and rationale are right on.

People drive me batty with their Google MDs.

Specializes in med-surg, psych, ER, school nurse-CRNP.

Thank you.

Specializes in Critical Care, ED, Cath lab, CTPAC,Trauma.
Nope, NP. As was said, lol, not a newbie to the career, just to this clinic. And I know it's gonna happen. I'm just a worrier by nature.

I could have posted on the NP forum, I guess, but knowing most of my buds and a LOT of parents read the General forum, I wanted advice from them as to whether they would have reacted this way if I had prescribed the same treatment for their kiddos.

Naw....typical ER crap. Sounds like GM wanted the child not to bother her and use the phenergan tp make the child sleep and have peace and obviously the other wanted narcs. By the way I wouldn't have taken my kiddo to the ED for some vomiting unles they weren't peeing or tearing and lethargic. Some popsicles would have been just as effective with a little ginger ale....antibiotics? NO WAY...If the kiddoes worry you...I know you are a NP but may I recommend taking ENPC......a great, crash, USEFUL course for the care of the little ones with lots of info on when to worry (http://www.ena.org/coursesandeducation/catnii-enpc-tncc/enpc/Pages/Default.aspx) and what to do. I've been an ER nurse a LONG time and this is more that worth your time!!! It'll give a new found knowledge base and confidence in caring for the kiddos.:D

As far as the complaining patients :uhoh3: I only get concerned if they say theiyre bringing a gun...:lol2:.

YOu're good!!!!;)

Specializes in Critical Care, ED, Cath lab, CTPAC,Trauma.

congrats on the comming baby!!!!!!

Specializes in med-surg, psych, ER, school nurse-CRNP.

Thank you!

Specializes in Critical Care, ED, Cath lab, CTPAC,Trauma.
Thank you!

You're welcome.......I have found with my own kids a battle between there's nothing wrong with them and they're dying of a rare horrible disease..:lol2:, and how would I react if I saw a kid like this in triage.

Jeeze had I really realized how hard it was to be a MOM I might has reconsidered...:uhoh3:...not really. I wish you the best.:heartbeat

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