RhythmicRN

Thanks for the input, Sour Lemon, I have wondered if she has filed other complaints in the past.

I am a Registered Nurse case manager for community mental health. I was called into the med clinic last week to help out as they were short a nurse. I was performing an assessment on a patient after her appointment with Psychiatrist. This consumer is a middle aged woman with Borderline Personality Disorder with past SA history. When assessment was finished, I handed my consumer the Doctor's order for drug screen to be performed at lab across the street. This is a new policy and must be completed before hard copy script for benzo's can be given. I explained this to consumer very thoroughly and she became upset. She states, "I have never had to do this before," and her tone of voice became hard and loud with the use of many expletives. I remained professional and continued to explain the policy. Another RN who is a clinic veteran came into room and helped to explain the new policy, and was very sweet and sincere in her explanation. Consumer refused to do labs stating she "Has a volunteer driver who will leave me, I have my granddaughter with me," and, "I have people waiting for me at home." She also stated she will have this performed at her PCP's office. We continued to explain this will only take five minutes of her time and she can leave with scripts. Consumer left AMA without lab slip or her scripts. Consumer was observed in the lobby 30 minutes later filing a Recipient's Rights violation on me stating "I touched her and I was very unprofessional toward her." She called her caseworker and left a message stating I touched her and tried to spread her legs. During assessment, I did ask consumer to uncross her legs and place feet flat on floor shoulder width apart. I asked that she not speak, close eyes and think pleasant thoughts while BP is being performed. I did touch her shoe when I asked her to place feet shoulder width apart. The only other touching was placing sphygmonameter and stethoscope on arm. I am very upset about this and my boss is aware of these allegations. I am reaching out for consultation from others who may have had similar incidents. Should I retain legal representation for protection and/or libel?

Never give a patient personal information about yourself. It will eventually come back to bite you, even after years. Let the personal opinions and/or insults go. This is a move to fulfill an unsatisfied ego or personality disorder and an attempt to gain control. Remember the saying, 'Water on a duck's back.' Learn from this and move on.

I once worked in LTC where there was an unfriendly Dalmatian that was supposed to befriend the residents. In an attempt to get the dog to come to residents, dog treats were placed in containers at the nursing stations marked "Treats for Dottie." I placed a label over the container marked "Slim Jims, help yourself." The DON was making rounds and caught two nurses leaning on the counter eating the dog treats. She enacted a facility wide investigation to find the perpetrator. I still laugh about this one.

You do not have to tolerate this treatment. I would make a point to talk to someone in HR immediately. I once worked with an RN from northern Europe with an accent that took some time to understand. She spoke in a very direct manner in which was her culture. She was a great colleague and a good nurse. Some co-workers made fun of her accent and communication skills. She moved on and I miss her greatly. Could be not everyone feels this way also. Talk to HR. I feel for you.

"I warned you that skyping a psych eval with sextuplet schizophrenics was a big mistake!"

One of my favorites in the psych clinic: "Masticate Nitrogenous waste and go Asystole!" In the ED: "Clearly this patient suffers from Hypodilaudism!" Another from LTC: "No, I wont let you die today, there is way too much paperwork involved!"

One of my favorites in the psych clinic: "Masticate Nitrogenous waste and go Asystole!" In the ED: "Clearly this patient suffers from Hypodilaudism!"

I once helped a school nurse do a morning assessment on an eight year old with stomach pain. We eventually learned the pain was caused from hunger. Yes, the parents were notified. I agree that you are not raising other's children, but you are making a standard in which others must observe. Some people do not deserve pets, let alone children. I am glad that you are working for our schools. You are fighting the front lines of our checks and balances in good/bad parenting. Thank you for your service!

Please don't beat yourself up over this. Use this as a teaching experience. I have dealt with many cutters in the past. This doesn't mean the patient is necessarily suicidal. Cutting is usually a release for anxiety or a cry for attention. Most cutters are borderline personality disorder, and there is no med for this, only counseling. Most likely the best outcome would have been active listening and validation of feelings. Then schedule a session with a therapist. Don't beat yourself up, it happens.

You did the right thing. I absolutely would not take a verbal order from another nurse. I was once asked to give an IM psychotropic med that another nurse drew up in a syringe. I did not give it because I did not draw it up. You should contact your manager about this. Good call!

Student must have high respect for you. You are the 'Goat too' nurse!

I am so sorry to learn of your loss. My thoughts and prayers are for you and your family.

This is a very clear example of an administration that has more dollars than sense. Unsafe client care, pharmaceutical errors, unethical practices, unsupportive administration, etc. I think the previous posts give a clear messages as to what you should do. You should leave this place before you become known as "The nurse who worked for the place that the state shut down." Don't be the last rat on the ship. Find a job where you will be appreciated. The fact that you recognize the shortfalls shows that you are better than this.

Wow. My heart goes out to you. This sounds incredibly close to a job I once was working. The DON had it out for me and watched me like a helicopter mom. I later learned from the medical director that the DON "Is not your friend." I loved this job but she made it too difficult to enjoy it any longer. I put the word out I was looking for new work in the local medical network and found another career in little time. Although I enjoyed my old job, I absolutely love my new career. I suggest you do the same. If you are not happy with where you are it is called work. If you enjoy what you are doing it is called a career. You are a nurse and you are smart. Take the clinical skills you have learned and use them to help others in an environment where you are appreciated. I made the change and it was hard to do. I am glad I did this as I now have better benefits and make more money. The change involved a completely different field on nursing, one that I never considered in the past. My employer and my coworkers appreciate me and support me. Continue to pursue getting this write up dropped. You might want to consider speaking to someone on the board of directors about this as they could be an ally in this. Remember that they are covering their anatomy and want all the I's dotted and T's crossed. They have selected you to be the remedy for this. Someone on the board may recognize this as their reputation is on the line also when it comes to state inspections. It is not healthy for you to break down into tears at your employment. This will eventually alter your mental and physical status and you may become compromised. If your employment becomes as stressful as nursing school it is time to move on. You are a nurse and you are strong. Use your skills where they are appreciated. My heart goes out to you.