Rough night at work...

Published

I did everything I could to help this man to not feel lonely. Everything was going fine until the patient found out we were out of Oreo cookies and regular sprite I even let him keep his gigantic suitcase laid out on the floor, a SECOND 32 inch TV and TV stand in the middle of the floor, and made sure I did not step on his "expensive laptop" that was on the floor as well!! I did acrobatic moves to draw blood from his arm because I was not "allowed" to touch anything. Next, he got mad because I did not wrap his arm correctly. After 15 minutes of trying to figure out what he was talking about, I figured out he was referring to a band-aid because it fell off after he came back from the restroom. Then he got mad because I would not stop drawing blood from another patient to assist him "RIGHT NOW". I kept asking what was wrong, is it hurt, is he bleeding, what can I do to make him more comfortable...NOTHING! He told me he wanted to get in bed on 3 different occasions. As soon as I say ok, he'll change his mind. It just went on and on and on and on and on. I had 8 other patients to take care of, one who was going downhill fast. He was THE most stable one...A&O, walkie-talkie, etc. Ugh! I guess with the time change and all,I just needed to vent...:uhoh3:

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in ICU.

Fire code regulations mandate clear paths in the halls and in the room. You most certainly are allowed to touch his property if it is interfering with your work. Put his crap in the corner. Why should you care if he's lonely? It's because he acts like a dick and that would fall under not your problem. You should not reward innapprpriate behavior. Time to educate. Have security or a witness present. Let him know this is my work area and your belongings stay over there, in the closet or just in a chair or on his table. Tell him if I need to get to you in a hurry I am not going to be tripping over your cords and suitcase. Oreos and sprite? We ran out. I will check on you once an hour but I am not at your beck and call. Also - this guy needs some serious medication.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Corrections, Cardiac, Hospice.

Sorry you had such a rough night. I will say this, with patients like this I gently, but firmly set limits. For example, I tell them I will be drawing blood on my other patients for the next hour. Do you need anything now, because I won't be able to leave what I am doing, as I am sure you understand. I will check on you as soon as I am done. Or when he starts yelling, I would tell him, I understand that being in the hospital is frustrating, however this behavior is not acceptable. I am going to step out of the room until you can get control of yourself. We will talk in a few minutes, ok? With normal people, this works. Otherwise, you aren't going to fix a lifetime of crazy.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Critical Care, ED, Cath lab, CTPAC,Trauma.

He sounds lonley and afraid.......I'm sorry you had a bad night. Firm limits are best and letting them know when you will return to them helps.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in ICU.

It's the same of the hospital to allow this kind of "hotel" mentality. It is a hospital.

Is this an acute care hospital? Quite frankly, this guy doesn't sound like he needs an in-patient acute care stay.

What was he in for?

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in LTC Rehab Med/Surg.

Major control issues.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in LTC.

I like the acrobatic moves, that was hilarious. It is amazing what we nurses can do!

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Sounds like a great candidate for EPT- Emergency Pillow Therapy!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Telemetry, OB, NICU.

He may have some psych issues. Hospital stay sure can be frightening and frustrating. But this behavior is too abnormal for someone in their right mind.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Sorry you had a rough night! Needing to vent does not make you a bad nurse, it makes you human!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in ED/ICU/TELEMETRY/LTC.

Yes, why WAS he there? If he can complaint that much he's not very sick. Must have some majorly good insurance.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in I.C.U,PERIOPERATIVE NURSING,BSN.

too bad you had a rough nite, cometimes this kind of incidents are xppected, considering the fact that all patient t are not the same and are unique in their own needs.

but patients like this sometimes deserve th most gentle care , but in a very firm manner also note that patient personal property musnt stand in the way of care.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion