Really need some support from fellow Nurses!

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Hi Everyone,

I'm new to this site and a new nurse as well. I have been an RN for about 5 months now and feel that I have been doing a good job. Everyone I work with has said that it seems like I've been there forever. I work really hard at trying to learn new things and am always willing to learn from anyone no matter what their job title may be.

Anyways the other day my NM came to me and said a pt had entered a complaint about me. Needless to say I was shocked but even more so when I learned exactly what the complaints had been. He had said that I had made his roomate clean up his own feces off the floor, had a bad attitude, and dropped pills on the floor and then given them to him to take. I actually did drop pills on the floor but luckily had a blister pack of tylenol in my pocket and replaced the ones I had dropped (this happened at 4am in a dark room). I immediately started to well up with tears because never in a million years would I treat ANYONE so poorly. I have worked so hard to be a nurse and it just breaks my heart that people can say these things.

My nurse mamger said she just had to follow though with it because this man was realted to one of the heads of the department and that this is probably one of many times this will happen in my career, it happens to everyone.

My coworkers were so supportive and great but I haven't been able to sleep or eat since this has happened. I even called in sick because I was so upset with the whole situation. I really feel alone right now and I know I worry too much but I just keep having nightmares that I'm going to end up losing my job over something I didn't do. I know I need to grow "thicker" skin, but I'm green as grass and was just dumbfounded by the whole situation. Any adivce or stories about anyone having similar things happen to them would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you for reading my extremely long post!:nurse:

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Specializes in Advanced Practice, surgery.

You poor thing, I'm glad that your co-workers are being supportive and I am sure that your complaints procedures are much the same as our which means your nurse manager has to investigate.

Criticism of our nursing is such a personal thing, I remember when I was newly qualified I had a patient complain about me I was mortified and really distressed.

Big hugs

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Specializes in Med Surg, Ortho.

Soory about what you're going through. Just hang in there and be a good nurse, that's all you can do right now. Keep your chin up. This too shall pass.

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Specializes in ER.

Did you mash the pills in the poop before you gave them too? I bet you did! :lol2:

Your NM knows the score, and so do your coworkers, and so do we. No worries, that dude was a turd, forget about him. :nurse:

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Specializes in Hospice, ALF, Prison.

Congratulations on beginning to grow thick skin. With time it will become, shiny, thick, and be able to take all wacks while keeping on tickin.

The only important thing is YOU know you did nothing wrong, and that this will not be the last incident where you will be 'thrown under the bus' or 'eaten alive'.

Although you are in a work environment, remember the song that goes (I think) '...only the strong survive.' The first time you stand up for yourself and speak up you will have made the corner and be proud you did.

They don't make all those SSRI's because everyone finds work such a joy :rolleyes::rolleyes:.

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Specializes in ED, ICU, PSYCH, PP, CEN.

Unfortunately problems like this are not uncommon from patients seeking attention.

Not too long ago one of my patients complained to hospital CEO that I had not checked on him (ER) in 4 hours. Unfortunately my documentation, that was lacking, supported his claim. I am charting ---checked on patient-- every hour now.

Everyone who knows me knows that I am constantly in my patients rooms. But of course the CEO doesn't know me.

If you are expected to continue to take care of this patient you must never go in his room alone again. Always take someone with you or send someone else in.

It is always very hurtful when patients make these claims against us. I have been a nurse for 5 years and still felt very bad when this most recent event was brought to my attention.

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Specializes in Trauma, Teaching.

:icon_hug::icon_hug:

It always feels like someone just slugged you in the gut, out of the blue.

You know you did a good job, so does your nurse manager; she already told you the only reason she even brought it up is because of who he knows.

Get past the hurt reaction, get mad, then move on. We've all been there with you.

:icon_hug:

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Thank you everyone who has replied. It really makes me feel better that I am not alone, but it also makes me sad that so many wonderful nurses have had false claims made against them. We give so much and yet seem to get s** on (literally and fugiratively sp?) Anyways Thanks to all for taking the time to support me! It means a lot!:heartbeat

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Specializes in ER/Trauma.

The only mark that counts is the one in your heart.

If you're conscience is ok with the fact that you did a good job, then nothing else really matters.

cheers,

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Specializes in From cradle to death bed.

Hi, this is devastating feeling but at the end of the day you know your not guilty of any of these accusations and you shouldn't beat yourself up about it. Whether its a pt. or co-worker that has made false statements, they know the truth and if this person is just being a trouble maker, you are probably not the first nurse thats been accused of something negative. Unfortunately, sometimes things like this happen to the best of us, its a very difficult situation in life. Reputations are put to the test and sadly people seemed to be drawn to gossip or untruths. But YOU KNOW the truth, be at peace with that. Go back to work, hold your head up high and just do your job. Again, you can't live by what other people think, just do your best despite of this, peace and blessings, :wink2:

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Specializes in Infusion Nursing, Home Health Infusion.

She is right it does.!!!!I can see some things never change. Some 24 years ago I was accused of smoking pot outside my patients room,while apparently having a lively conversation with my boyfriend. yeah right!!!!!!! They of course realized the lady was a wack!!!!!! You will get tougher skin....though mine was pretty tough from the get go b/c I almost bursted out laughing when I was asked about this. hang in there you will be OK

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we all had this prob...nice to know that we are not alone

and that we all are just trying to survive after all

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