murphpa

Being a male nurse myself, I never hear of another male pt. that doesn't want a male nurse taking care of him. I have however heard of and been associated with plenty of women that do not want a male nurse or a male nurses aide taking care of them. I would look at that before I criticize another nurse. This profession is hard and difficult enough without bickering in the ranks, if you know what I mean.

If you have been in a Supervisors position, or any position where you receive call offs, you know that there are people who routinely call off and leave the staff short. There are also people that call off right before they are supposed to be there. (ex. work 7-3 and call off at 6:30) You also stated that you were still on orientation and you stated she doesn't know you, well maybe she thinks you are one of thoses people who call off all the time. Its never a good idea to call off when your on orientation, doesn't give the greatest first impression. Its always a lot easier for me to look at someone elses faults then to possibly look at myself, or what part I played, try to put the shoe on the other foot. Do you know what her responsibilities are, maybe she is supposed to ask why? What would you have done if put in the same spot?

We lost a baby at 20 weeks, I am so sorry to hear of your loss

I was working 3-11, one other RN, on med surg. We were standing at the desk and my patients family came out to say that they didn't think Dad was breathing. The other nurse and I sent the visitors out and pulled the curtains. I stood on one side, she on the other. I was using my stethoscope listening for lung sounds and I assumed she was planning to feel for a carotid pulse. All of a sudden, she turned his head towards me ( I was bending over, inches from his face) and pulled down on his chin. In her best ventriloquist voice, she said, "hello". Unfortunately, it was my patient and I had to try to tell the loved ones that Dad had indeed ceased to breathe without losing my composure. When I got to the charting room I laughed till I PIMP! I don't think this was funny at all, what if you were a family member seeing this, or this was your father. Nurses get a bad enough rap without asking for it.