Flonightingal

What if your patient cannot tell you they are in pain. As NP Laura points out, they may be deaf, or have Alzheimer's/Dementia, maybe even intubated/trached...how then can you assess their pain and adequately control it? There are so many things to consider when fulfilling your role as a nursing professional. This discussion might prove to be very useful to nursing students and veteran practitioners, alike. Let me know your thoughts...

After 15 years as a nurse, it still shocks me to meet physicians who actually think it is okay to yell, scream, or talk down to nurses. Worse still, there are nurses who actually think this is okay. It reminds me of battered womens' syndrome. How have we let this go on for so long? To illustrate my point, check out this link I found

Hi Wow! I can imagine what a shock it must have been to you when the floor nurse did not jump up and immediately provide the patient with pain med. I also think your instructor should have elaborated a little more about "politics" of the floor; I'm assuming she didn't do that to your satisfaction because of your post. As a nursing student and one learning the ropes, as mentioned by thecommuter, I would limit my concerns to the patient's primary nurse and my instructor. It is then up to your instructor to address it further. It does not bode well for you to challenge the patient's nurse, and that is exactly how she will see it. Now, when you become a Registered Nurse, and you will, your passion will serve you well. I encourage my nurses to advocate for patients as you do. Moreover, I expect them to go up the chain of command if the patient's situation warrants it. First thing we learn in nursing school is that pain is subjective. You can never prove that the patient is not in pain, even if you suspect otherwise. Getting pain management involved is a great idea; next time get approval from your instructor first. It is true that after years of practice, experienced nurses can sometimes come across as jaded. Unfortunately, it is a "side effect" of long time nursing. It is something we all guard against and also something that a newbie will have a hard time understanding. It does not mean she cares any less. I hope you are feeling better by now. Despite the hurdles you may face, overall, nursing is a very rewarding and noble profession.

Trump1, I understand your indignation. Personally, I also feel we do not encourage professionalism and decorum in nursing, which affects our image. I am always insupport of things that improve the nurses' image. Like AllNurses.com for one; and oh I found a lifestyle magazine that aims to do just that. Can't think of the name right now. Fabulous, ok that's it Fabulous Nurse but I digress. As I was saying we do need more of the positive and I think that will drown out the negative image. It is very okay for you to feel offended and do feel free to express that. I don't think people should attack you for expressing yourself, but that's my opinion. My suggestion to you is that you should advocate the positive things in nursing, contribute in your own way but do accept that some people will do things that offend you. I don't think it is right to try to shut down the site. If you feel that strongly about it, tell the site owner and let them know they lost a potential consumer. Hang tough. Vent. Take a deep breath. Move on to another website. It is a pity you experienced that.