Strange encounter at flu shot clinic

emsguy, MSN, APRN, NP · Oct 22, 2011

I would never let another RN care for my patients medical needs even if they were the mother. Those patients are my responsibility. Yes this is a hard line I take, but there care no matter how trivial is my responsibility. If anything happened who's fault would it be and where is the liability? No, No, No.

Why would she want to give the vaccine herself anyways? If her kids do not cooperate than I would rather have the mother hold and distract the child instead of giving the shot. Would you ever ask another medical provider to take over their job? "Here let me insert my fathers Foley, I am an RN. Here let me start my grandmothers IV line I am a para-medic. Can I take out my fathers chest tubes, I am a PA. Let me intubate my mother I am a respiratory therapist.

I know a flu shot is "minor", preventative, but you never know.

caliotter3 · Oct 22, 2011

I had to get revaccinated one time because the RN who supposedly gave me my pneumonia vaccine might not have given me the vaccine at all. At a clinic I paid for the vaccine and she "gave" it but I didn't think to watch and only found out when all was said and done at the end of the clinic that it seemed she had "given" injections without vaccine. I asked for a refund of my fee or to be revaccinated, but the clinic sponsors, my employer, blew me off. Never again will I get anything at a public clinic.

xtxrn, ASN, RN · Oct 22, 2011

Call me cynical.... not waiting until the OP was done with the guy she was attending to when Shooting Susie shows up... repetitive questions.... asking to give the shots herself. :confused:

If she really wanted to give the shots to her kids, she could go to her pediatrician, and let them draw the stuff up and she could shoot them there if allowed.

NO WAY would I allow a member of the public, who was not employed by the same organization- with an unverified license, to handle any of the syringes, vaccine vials, sharps containers, or a cup of coffee on the table. She could touch the Kleenex

I see needle seeker..... like I said- call me cynical (and experienced w/drug & alcohol rehab).

Mommy&RN, BSN, RN · Oct 22, 2011

NOWAY NO HOW!!!

The corporate office would NOT have liked that at ALL!

nola1202 · Oct 22, 2011

Hello all. I'm currently doing flu shot clinics and really like being out there with the public. But today I had an uncomfortable exchange with a woman who came to my table with her two children. I had a gentleman sitting in the chair next to me as I was drawing up his vaccine. She asked me twice "how much is the flu shot, how much is the flu shot" to which I replied " I'll be with you in just a moment." I don't know about you, but I don't take my eyes off of a vial and syringe when I am drawing it up. I then told her the price of the vaccine and proceeded to take care of my customer. She then said "so if I pay for both my kids shots, can I give it to them... I'm an RN." She lingered waiting for an answer from me. This gentleman paid for his vaccine and even though I am amongst the public I think he deserved my professional time and attention before, during and after his vaccine as I always give some patient teaching and close out with the record and reciept. My customer was appalled. What did I tell her? I said I'd have to call my corporate office to find out if she could administer from my flu vaccine vial from MY supply which was me being snarky and would never happen. Who was she?

an idiot.

JeneraterRN · Oct 22, 2011

Who knows if she was a real RN or LPN? It wouldn't be the first time. I wonder if she thought that she could get a discount for giving it herself. I'd have refused her, too.

GimiRN · Oct 22, 2011

I would never let another RN care for my patients medical needs even if they were the mother. Those patients are my responsibility. Yes this is a hard line I take, but there care no matter how trivial is my responsibility. If anything happened who's fault would it be and where is the liability? No, No, No.
Why would she want to give the vaccine herself anyways? If her kids do not cooperate than I would rather have the mother hold and distract the child instead of giving the shot. Would you ever ask another medical provider to take over their job? "Here let me insert my fathers Foley, I am an RN. Here let me start my grandmothers IV line I am a para-medic. Can I take out my fathers chest tubes, I am a PA. Let me intubate my mother I am a respiratory therapist.
I know a flu shot is "minor", preventative, but you never know.

The bolded part is exactly why I wouldn't allow it. She might not have even been a nurse. And if anything happened at all...a bad reaction, mom used the needles for drugs and OD'd, whatever...it could come back to haunt you and the company.

pamelalayn · Oct 22, 2011

You shouldn't even entertain her nonsense. The only thing you need to say is no.

jessica.lanelle · Oct 22, 2011

I would not have even thought that that would be an option for her to give the shots herself. I would have just said "absolutely not". That is nonsense.

Callisonanne · Oct 22, 2011

What if she just started stabbing her children or something? I mean I know it sounds crazy but still. No way would I let her near it. My response (or what i'd LIKE to say) - "if you want to vaccinate your children...i'll give you the link for a job application" :)

emmanewgrad · Oct 22, 2011

Just say no next time.