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.
There are always those pts out there that we don't click with. Possibly this man was upset about something else and unfortunately remembers you so lies his unfound complaints.
You did nothing wrong and you are being supported by your NM and coworkers. Your NM is just doing her job, and I think you realize that. Don't give up. Continue to do the wonderful job you are doing. Learn and let go.
When I was a very new aide, I was accused, along with a coworker, of walking a pt to the bathroom, letting her fall and break a hip... and then getting her back into bed without telling anyone! I was accused of being negligent.
I, of course, did no such thing... turned out the shift after mine did that dirty deed and were willing to keep mum about it and let me take the blame!
It IS a wickedly horrible feeling. I'm sorry you have to have your integrity questioned like that. It stings!
Only the outright honesty of me and my coworker (the fact that our stories jibed-- of course!) saved my rump.
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Beary-nice
514 Posts
Hugs to (((((you)))))).
There are always those pts out there that we don't click with. Possibly this man was upset about something else and unfortunately remembers you so lies his unfound complaints.
You did nothing wrong and you are being supported by your NM and coworkers. Your NM is just doing her job, and I think you realize that. Don't give up. Continue to do the wonderful job you are doing. Learn and let go.