Realistically

[cmonkey]

How assertive can you be with pts/coworkers/docs when they're either abusive or pushing too much on you, without catching flack for it? I see a lot of posts about walking away from abusive pts, but how does that come back around to you? I don't think I'd have a problem pressing charges if someone warranted it, but I imagine that could lead to job problems down the line.

I have come to realize, since I started reading these boards, that I'll probably have to have a spinal transplant before I can work bedside. :chuckle I'm willing to undergo it if it means I can stop people from abusing me for doing my job, but not to the extent that it might *cost* me one, kwim? I'm already gearing myself up to not give a rat's if people think I'm too assertive when it comes to personal or patient safety. I just don't want that to mean I'm unemployable. But I should be able to say what I think and stand up for myself, already, and I think it's past time I started.

I think my long-term goal is hospice, so I may be able to have my old spine reinserted.

...all of this assuming I get in and graduate, of course.

[yellow finch, BSN, RN]

Do you mean to say you haven't entered nursing school yet? If so, I wouldn't even begin to worry about this! What's the point. It won't help you get through the program any faster or easier. :flamesonb

If you're already a nurse, just know that you shouldn't take any abuse from anybody. Address this issue with your manager to see where he/she stands on this issue. That's where you will get your best perspective on handling this situation if it comes up.

The only suggestion I have is to simply not take it. There are certain physicians at our hospital who are notoriously known as jerks (and more). I am very up-front with them, look them directly in the eye when speaking with them, and never show them any weakness, even when I don't know the answer to something. It has worked so far. One jerk Dr. even thanked me the other day. And if I ever get scorned at I don't take it personally.

Best of luck!

:paw:

[cmonkey]

Well, the point would be that I'd like to get a handle on my responses *before* I need to put them into effect, which includes school. I start clinicals for my CNA certificate on Monday and it's entirely possible I'll need to be firm with someone over something then.

But mostly, I like to think ahead.