karenlm

This is not an April Fools. Hopefully, they were just testing my response (which makes me wish I had said something about how the patient can indeed hear). "They" were the manager of the floor, and the CS. I was rather disturbed by the question, but took them at their word at the time. It may have been a trick question. I wanted to be sure this was NOT the norm; I hope to move into an ICU environment because my desire is to be in a position where I can make a difference and be there both for the patient and their family.

I interviewed for a position on a cardiac intensive care unit today, and was presented with (what I though) was an unusual question. They asked me how I would fit in with a "crass culture;" and then when on to explain that the nurses on their floor are often crude and crass while in the patient's rooms as a way to cope (stating that the patient was not conscious and could not hear). They assured me (during the question and then later in the interview) that this was the typical culture of any ICU environment. I did not believe it was wise to argue with them about whether or not they knew for sure that the patient could hear, since hearing is typically the last thing to go, so, my honest response was that I had worked in environments where the workers adapted similar coping mechanisms, and that I seemed to have a non-judgmental way of encouraging others to make better choices. I have had others remark to me after having the opportunity to get of getting to know me that I seem to bring out the best in them. It just now occurred to me that they may have been testing my reaction (though I am not sure). My question is: do you work in an environment where making crude remarks about the patients in their rooms the norm? Thank you for your responses. :-)