So, do you answer to this?

Nurses General Nursing

Published

Specializes in Cardiac ICU.

Would you answer to a patient's family member that calls you by using a "come here" hand or finger gesture?

How about whistling to you to get your attention?

I think it's rude--and I don't answer to this. I'm neither a child or a dog.

I guess it could be cultural sometimes--I don't know. I just don't like it.

Thanks for the short rant.

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Specializes in Med/Surg, Ortho, ASC.

I guess it depends on whether I'm sure they know my name....a hand gesture doesn't offend me but whistling certainly would.

I find a discrete hand/finger gesture preferable to shouting "Nurse! Nurse!" over a distance.

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Specializes in Hospital Education Coordinator.

the first time it happened I would let it go, and just say " My name is---". After that, I would be tempted to ask "Did you forget my name?" But if you get in the trap of letting this type behavior get under your skin you will be irritated a lot. Just chalk it up to ignorance - which means they are not teachable anyway.

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Specializes in Home Care.

Guess you've never waited tables. Some people are just rude.

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Specializes in Pediatrics.

Ignorance is defined as a lack of knowledge (being uninformed). The people who did this are ignorant to the fact that it bothers you; it's nothing personal. Further, they may choose this route to get your attention because the DID forget your name or perhaps, especially if they are in a crowded/busy unit, think that you somehow forgot about them. Maybe they don't want to burden you or overwhelm you, so in contrast to putting on the call light they gesture quietly hoping you will see them and come to them when you have a second. Most people who are hospitalized already feel like their being there is an imposition; they certainly don't want to irritate you any further. Or, maybe they don't know it's a rude way to get someone's attention, they may have had this behavior all their lives and have never been corrected... or they know and simply don't care. At the end of the day, however, it's up to you do decide how you're going to react to that type of behavior. Myself, personally, I chalk it up to ignorance and that helps me tolerate it all the more.

As for whistling, that should be nipped in the bud with a very polite "Please don't do that. It upsets the other patients. My name is Kiyasmom and if you need anything please simply use your call light," and put it within reach or point it out as you would normally do. :twocents::)

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I knew someone who was actually honked at on her way to get coffee a few store fronts over on break (office practice). This was an affluent area, and this mom didn't feel like waking up her child to bring him into the office for his check-up. The mom actually wanted to have her child looked at in the car!!! This mom was a late 20 something, who didn't work but had a busy social schedule to keep :rolleyes: and was rarely seen with her children for checkups, usually a nanny brought them in. Story goes she was completely uncomfortable around her kids, and hadn't a clue how to take them to the bathroom -- would look to staff to "take care of it". :eek:

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ignorance doesnt equal unteachable, stupidity does......the hand signals wouldnt bother me so much, especially since i am HOH. the whistle, hmmm totally different scenario......

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Shrug. There are far more effective ways to upset me, so I ignore minor stuff unless some very obvious disrespect is present.

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Specializes in Geriatrics/Retirement Residence.

why can't they just scream exuse me or nurse if they forgot your name... the finger jesture and whistling is so much more degrading. :mad:

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Specializes in Emergency, Nursing Management, Auditing.

I too am bothered by this, for some reason... I know there are far worse things people can do (and worse gestures! lol) but this and the "finger snap" just **** me off to no end!

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I am not an RN, I'm a pre nursing student... However I do work in hospitals. I agree with most of you here... However, either way a family member can get my attention is ok with me. I feel I'm there to be of service and will respond to finger gestures, whistles, head nods, or otherwise. I think if it really bothers you, you should go up to the board where your name is and point it out to the family. I think we as a society are tought that hospitals are quiet zones and some families feel uncomfortable disturbing a room mate or a neighbor. Don't take things so personally and your life will be much easier to deal with.

Just my opinion and my M. O.

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Guess you've never waited tables. Some people are just rude.

I hear you there. I was in the restaurant business for years. You just sort of get used to it.

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