Sticks and stones...

[Brian, ASN, RN]

We all know this old childhood rhyme. And we also know that words and names CAN hurt us. What's your story? Have you been bullied or belittled? What did you do about it?

[RN403, BSN, RN]

I've learned to ignore "bad behavior." Not worth my time, energy, or job.

[BuckyBadgerRN, ASN, RN]

Yup, I don't engage them. It's only happened a couple of BRIEF times, the aggressor realized that they weren't getting the response they hoped for from me and moved on.

[kbrn2002, ADN, RN]

The difficult residents don't usually bother me, but the difficult family members annoy me greatly! I love the families that visit maybe once or twice a year, just stop in on a holiday for maybe 30 minutes and spend the whole time they are there finding things to complain about instead of visiting with mom.

[psychnursie]

or the ones that have no interest in the "loved one" until they become unable to care for themselves or make decisions anymore and are in need of someone to manage their money. then suddenly they are all involved.

[LadyJovial]

its true unfortunately, that you have to have thick skin. The nursing profession is unique I thinik in its culture to criticize and villify its own members. Someone rubs you the wrong way and a campaign starts to damage their character to everyone on the unit and beyond. Its an old drum to beat, but I think its unique to professions dominiateed by women.

[No Stars In My Eyes]

My mother was a great example of the ability to 'button your lip'; she was a nurse and also owned a business, so she had to deal with the public a lot.

Once, though, I had to say something in response to a person who was in my face on a real rant; the person informed me with great provocative attitude, baiting me, that she had already been called 'every name in the book'. I said, in a very mild tone, "And only you​ know which ones are true." .....and walked away.

[FranEMTnurse, CNA, LPN, EMT-I]

I used to get hurt or offended by some remarks aimed at me, but I soon learned that was only hurting me, so I began ignoring them or sometimes I would even joke about them, depending on what type of remark was coming from what person. So now, I let them slide off my back and go on my merry way.

[No Stars In My Eyes]

I have posted before this quote I read once: "What you think of me is none of my business."

I have to admit, though, I have let my feelings get hurt when I have heard some of the things people have said over the years, and even now, sometimes. But it just doesn't take me as long to get over it anymore. The above quote was helpful, and also that oldie-but-goodie: "Consider the source."

[RubyRabbit, BSN, RN]

Agree about the patients vs the family members. I find patients very tolerable, simply because they may be going through pain, needing attention, or struggling to accept their condition. I've heard ridiculous comments ranging from offensive to sexually inappropriate to downright shocking, but I've learned to lightly brush them off with a short, neutral phrase and a smile. It also helps to simply distract patients who are saying rude or mean things. Oftentimes they may just be bored.

[annie.rn]

Once, though, I had to say something in response to a person who was in my face on a real rant; the person informed me with great provocative attitude, baiting me, that she had already been called 'every name in the book'. I said, in a very mild tone, "And only you​ know which ones are true." .....and walked away.

I love it! Touché, my friend, touché!

[N.U.R.S.E.]

I usually tell them that is not acceptable behavior and redirect when possible would you do this behavior to your love one which they usually say no and they usually get better I leave if they don't and let them calm down I ask why they are having this behavior sometimes there is a need they have not being met I meet the needs I can and possibly negotiate when I can