StreetRN

I think this person's bad behavior reflects his lack of character. I would be interested in knowing why this person chose nursing as his profession. As nurses, we are held to a higher standard. The U.S. general public has voted us #1 trustworthy far ahead of physicians and other professionals. We are supposed to teach patients how to manage their life issues,chronic illnesses, addictions and stressors. How do we effectively teach what we do not practice? Don't get me wrong, I enjoy a cold beer, a fine wine and Jose Quervo, but all in moderation.

I used to work for a boss who always said "you can do anything once". Guess it's up to you to decide if you are willing to risk your job and credentials in order to partake.

People who are continually "out" for one reason or another are an employer's nightmare. Thanks to the federal government, it's next to impossible to get rid of someone who continually abuses the attendance policy. I work with people who actually know th exact date when they can safely be "out" another shift and as soon as that date passes, they call in sick. So, if you got fired for calling in, you earned it. Learn from this experience. Find a new job and don't call in sick.

You know, you don't have to sign the form. You don't have to work for that organization. Look elsewhere. With that said, past behavior predicts future behavior, so most of this info can be used to predict how someone will fit into an organization. Most employers are wary of potential employees who live beyond their means, live a reckless lifestyle, or have legal issues. These can all be costly behaviors and many employer doesn't want to assume the risk.

I really do agree no one should risk their life to get to work. But, playing the devil's advocate here....we each risk our life every time we ride a bicycle, drive a car, ride in a boat, take a bath, etc. I think management expects everyone to use good judgement and attempt to keep up your end of the work contract. Non clinical staff have called in to say they weren't going to be in because of the weather. I did drive 45+ miles in the same weather and did just fine. She stayed home and "slept in". It's that kind of attitude that makes it difficult for the rest of us. "Those of us who can endure must endure for those who won't".

I live in area that seldom has ice/snow. So it's particularly challenging when it does happen. I work for a hospital that is open 24/7. Patients don't need less care when it snows. With that sarcastic comment made....here's a couple of suggestions. Allow plenty of driving time. Going SLOW is the key. 4 wheel drive is helpful, maintain long distances between you and other cars. The hospital will also send drivers out for essential personnel. It's important you give adequate notice of the need so plans can be made early on. My SO is in law enforcement and drives a non 4 wheel drive car in all kinds of bad weather. He's never had an accident, so it can be done. Be careful out there.

Amen, brother. :-D Actually I fully agree. I would not want some pot head taking care of me or my family. It's easy enough to make a mistake sober, much less stoned. I've worked with nurses who had nasty habits and stole drugs from sick patients to meet their own sick needs. Drug testing is a must because you cannot depend on people to be honest and forthright. Most druggies will swear they perform "normally" and that their drug habit doesn't affect their ability to perform...just ask any drunk arrested for DUI....some of us need to take off those rose colored glasses and face the real world.

Pre-employment testing is mandatory at our hospital. Also, random tests are regularly performed. And anyone involved in a driving accident while on duty is automatically tested. It's just the way it is. My thought is....if you dont' do illegal substances, you don't have to worry...if you take legit prescription meds and advise of same, you still don't have anything to worry about.

Over the past 21 years, I have worked with many compassionate, educated physicians. I have also worked with many non compassionate, ego based physicians. From a nursing perspective, it is highly frustrating to see patient care decisions made for the wrong reasons. (i.e. insurance status/physician convenience/peer pressure) I have had patients die because they showed up in the ED when the physician was having a bad day. I have had patients die because the physician was afraid of being sued. I have had patients die because the physician just couldn't see the big picture. I have worked with impaired physicians. Quite possibly the bashing comes from instances like these. In each case, the physicians did not see anything wrong with the decisions; however, they did seem upset about the outcomes when the lawyers came calling. The face of medicine is changing. What was once a noble field, dedicated to easing pain and suffering has become a superficial job, dedicated to social status and oriented by greed. Even their wives talk of the bad attitude, the constant bashing, the ego trips, the pressure to be "rich and thin". It's a sad commentary on health care. .

After years in the ED, this type of family response doesn't surprise me. However, your supervisor's response did surprise me. That husband was WRONG. I don't care how you slice it, he was way out of the bounds of common decency. No one should have to be cursed at. I don't talk to patients and family that way and I will not tolerate them talking to me that way. I agree with the others. I would write down the incident verbatim (not e-mail)and take it up the chain of command. At minimum, you are owed an apology and hopefully a more supportive policy in the future.

too bad her mother didn't attempt to instill other bits of knowledge into this dimwit's head.

Never, never toss your lit cigarette into the commode after spraying your member and scrotum with a jock itch medicine. (he actually blew himself off the commode, suffering 2nd degree burns to member scrotum and singned his eyebrows) True Story:D

Absolutely. I was always the kid who wore the paper nurse's cap and tended to animals and dolls. Nursing has definitely experienced change over the past 20 years (some good/some bad), but has been extremely rewarding for me. I feel I have always been respected by those people who were important to me, have received many blessings from the patients I have met, and learned something new everyday. It's been an exciting and rewarding career. Go for it!

We'd all like to think that everyone has certain social graces and good taste. However, unfortunately, this is not the case. We've all witnessed this with too tight clothing, inappropriate or no underwear, unkempt appearance, etc. If there is not a specific dress code, enforcement is difficult if not impossible. It's not against the rules to be tacky, however, it could be against the dress code.

As for docs rounding in street clothes, I agree they should have a lab coat on over their office attire. All our docs wear photo id badges, too. But, I have to say (meow) that we as nurses shouldn't be using docs as our benchmark for behavior or dress.....:roll