JohnG77

This is a challenging subject. I agree for the most part. Patients off the unit place the organization at risk, especially if something happens like they fall or crash while off the unit. Patients who leave that are confused or not oriented is a whole different story! Patients who are a/o and competent must also be held accountable for their actions. So many hospitals are approaching this subject differently, some being 100% smoke free, some allowing certain patients identified with colored bands, and others just signing the waivers.

Nursing is one of the toughest, yet most rewarding professions in the country. I have been in nursing for 20 years and all I can say is that, you can not take this too personally. I teach my team, Q-TIP - Quit taking it personally. Many times we are on the receiving end of patients, residents, family, and co-workers with a lot in their bucket. Co-workers must learn to leave it at the door and learn how to communicate as a functional team. Identifying why the residents or family members are upset is far more valuable that letting it get to you and dwelling on it. After all, this is not about you, it is about what is bothering the patient. If you think you can do that then continue on, if you are going to react to every bit of anger and frustration you receive, you may want to find another career.