RockNess

Nursing Superstitions 101 Never say.... The Q,S,E or B word (Quiet, Slow, Bored) The A word (Admission) The Full first or last name of a Frequent Flyer's name ......................You will regret it. Place a Foley kit out of sight outside the door of a retaining patient's room. They will pee. Never read obituaries at work...... within 24 hours you will be providing the papers with another obituary subject. FULL MOONS SUCK!!!!! Ditto for the day after holidays.......request them off if you can. The 3 theory was just renamed the 3 LAW!!!! Never tell a confused, combative or vindictive pt to stay out of trouble or be good. Its just laughable. If a doctor or nursing supervisor happens to cruise by you unit.......LOOK BUSY!!! Or you WILL regret it. Patient observed talking to people that aren't visible to the rest of us should be watched closely. They are either severely disoriented or getting ready to discharge themselves to the great retirement community in the sky. If the previous shift says that they had a wonderful/easy/mellow day or group, prepare yourself. Put on you running shoes, athletic support garment, and possibly some water wings.......you are in for a rough shift.

I had a pt with dementia. She has visited our unit before and has always been a handful. Her family is aware of this and because they got rid of the one on one program, they try to have a family member at the bed side as much as possible. While the family members are there she is a joy to take care of, no hassle, no mess.These family members are very attentive, supportive and helpful....but they left in the middle of my shift. I had thought that people had been exaggerating about how she acts when family is not present, BUT NO MORE. After several inconveniencing little bothers like her throwing her food at the aide and calling the police to tell them to change her TV channel it was time to take bed time meds. She gets meds ground in applesauce from home, voluntarily took all the applesauce and waited until I leaned over to untangle her call bell and spit the medicated applesauce in my face. My mouth was open. I WAS REALLY ANGRY. I yelled at her telling her that her behavior was disgusting and unnecessary and left the room as fast as humanly possible. Looking back I realize it was wrong to yell at her because of her altered mental status but I couldn't keep it inside. I know that I did not handle that professionally and feel very horribly guilty about yelling at her. Has this ever happened to you? Have any tips on how to keep your cool while dealing with difficult people? Any advice for the future?