Strange encounter at flu shot clinic

[newtress]

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?

[MomRN0913]

No way! Go with your gut. When something doesn't seem right, it probably isn't.

I am an ICU nurse who has been in some bloody situations, started lots of IV's drawn lots of blood, given lots of shots.

I almost went down cold when my DD had blood drawn at 1 year. When they vaccinate her in the office I get woozy.

I could never give my baby needles:(

However, when I was going through IVF, I should have been worried about how easily and joyfully my exH used to harpoon me in the a$$ with the progesterone shots....

[Ginger's Mom, MSN, RN]

I would say, to have access to the vaccines at this company you must be a credentialed professional, sorry either I can administer the vaccine or you can go some where else.

[MrChicagoRN, RN]

That should be a flat No.

"The vaccine & supplies are property of XYZ corp, and for legal/insurance/liability reasons can only be administered by its employees"

[Lifeofanurse]

"No. If you have any other questions you need to contact corporate."

But NO is always a complete sentence. You don't have to give a reason. There are a million reasons and all say the same thing. NO.

I also smelled something funny...like a vial switch...then lawsuit...needle seeker... you never know the lengths people will go to so always watch your equipment every second.

[newtress, LPN]

Exactly. Of course no one other than myself would be allowed to do what she posed. I should have included more of the exchange of conversation I had with her which ended with no and the reason why which was basically what Ginger's Mom and MrChicagoRN stated. I just couldn't believe the gall of a person stating they were an RN and thought this was something they could do.

[ktwlpn, LPN]

If she was truly a practicing nurse she would know how ridiculous her actions were.Also-out of respect for the man you were working with at the time I think you should have forcefully told her to step back to the waiting area and not addressed her until you were done with the man.Even the pharmacy at my local grocery store enforces privacy for customers by clearly marking where they must wait their turn.I am so witchy these days that if I had been sitting in that chair getting my vaccine I would have told her to back off.....

[diva rn, BSN, RN]

This is too bizarre...I would have loved to say, in my Dirty Harry impersonation...M'am, step away from the table.....and I too, agree that NO is a complete sentance...

But, if she were really a practicing, licensed nurse..why would she even think that would be remotely acceptable?

[JustBeachyNurse, LPN]

Does your company even do pediatric vaccines? I know most free standing vaccination clinics in my area (whether in the middle of the mall, WalMart or in a pharmacy) only administer vaccinations to those 18 and over with valid photo identification. Even the county health department only gives out adult vaccines at the walk in clinic, pediatric vaccines are given on specified dates by appointment so that appropriate assessments (i.e. age, history, previous vaccines, etc.) can be done.

That said what do you want to bet that she was either a. not a nurse or b. a nurse that was not actively practicing as an RN? In addition to her blatant rudeness. Privacy screens can be very beneficial in these scenarios. :0

[Cat_RN, ASN, BSN, RN]

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.

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).

Wow, good point!

[floridanurse1983]

However, when I was going through IVF, I should have been worried about how easily and joyfully my exH used to harpoon me in the a$$ with the progesterone shots....

LOL. Maybe that's why he's an ex. Not sure why he would be so joyful about it???

PS. It sounds like IVF was a success anyway and congrats!

[whereslilly]

:clown:Ha ha..I just love those "full moon days". Sounds like you definitely had Mrs Peanut at ur table. Yes, she definitely invaded your previous Pt's space, and time. If you are gonna do these public clinics Learn to be more assertive. State clearly ,"Please back away from this table. I am currently working with someone else. I will be happy to answer any questions you may have when I am finished." As far as what she requested..Who cares why?? NOO:yawn:.

[xtxrn, ASN, RN]

i can't believe that the infamous hipaa/hippa/hippo hasn't been questioned yet. she was making it impossible for the op to maintain hipaa standards.

a short "i need to finish up with this person, and i can't do that due to federal privacy standards; as soon as you step back at least 3 feet, i can complete this process and help you".

then "no"