The stupid nurse trick thread and some of the abusive policies cited in the getting fired for being late/calling out thread have triggered me to start this thread. What ludicrous policies have been put in place where you work or have worked, what was the rationale for the policy, and what was the result?
My example:
One hospital I used to work for tried to force the nursing staff to bake cookies for the patients using what looked like a cross between an easy-bake oven and a toaster oven. Cookies were to be offered at....you've guessed it...7pm. Yes, right at change of shift. They also wanted us to DOCUMENT offering cookies. Predictably, this new mandate was met with howls of protest from nursing, which were entirely ignored.
The ovens went to each floor except ICU to "make the hospital feel welcoming and increase patient satisfaction." The already busy nurses often burned the cookies, or ate them during report, as they had not had time for a break all day. The majority of our cardiac patients were also diabetic. The floor smelled often of burnt cookies. The staff was resentful. A few months later, the cookie ovens disappeared, never to be mentioned again.
Seriously, why is it stupid not to allow cell phones in patient care areas? Most places you work at don't allow cell phones on the floor while you are working and on company time. Why should nursing be any different.
Reminds me of the McDonald's I went to on the way to work. There was a sign up saying anyone caught with their phone out would be receiving a documentation.
I was at the eye doctor once and the medical assistant was talking with me. She got a text and replied right there in front of me. I was a little ticked.
We had the discharge follow up phone calls we used to have to make. This was determined to be a nursing responsibility for the floor nurses. I would always hand them back and not do them. I had 6 patients who needed me at that moment. I don't want to call someone at home to inquire about their stay from a week ago.
This went away pretty quick. I suggested they hire someone to do this as a job, but I was told that it had to be a nurse. Really? If they have any medical questions my answer was to call the MD. So glad that responsibility was gone.
More and more nurses are using drug books and other references on their phones. I have them installed on my phone but only really use my phone at work for the calculator
I use the calculator on mine too...if the pt is awake/A&O I'll say "pulling out my calculator really quick." Unfortunately I just have the old-fashioned app-free variety because like a moron I left my smart phone in the car while at work, overnight in the city. Some thug shattered my window to get it. Hard, cold lesson learned. Really cold, driving home on the interstate in the upper Midwest with no window. But I digress.
I always set the ringer to vibrate once only, and being overnight I know if I do get a phone call it's important. I ignore it until I can go somewhere invisible and see who it was.
Agree that actually talking in front of pts is beyond unprofessional!
We also have to sign those stupid cards that go out to every patient, even if they were only on our unit for a day or two. I do sign them when we have long-term patients who are discharging (common in my field) or deaths (also, sadly, common in my field). But off-service Mr. X who was on our unit for exactly twelve hours and I have no idea who he is? Uh. No. I kind of want to draw a line and go (----- haha, signing your crack, luv H. like we did in middle school during yearbook signing day.
Nurses baking cookies? What kind of morons ran your hospital?
Luckily, I just worked per diem there, but that was a nail in that coffin, certainly. The hospital changed hands many times, and each takeover seemed to come with a fresh CEO and other assorted idiots.
How about being terminated from your position (10 years with the hospital) when you're four days late getting your flu shot?
And there was that year when we got a red plastic cup filled with potting soil with a seed packet on top and a note that said "bloom where you're planted".. that was our "thank you" during nurses week.
Well, at least with all the "manure" heaped on staff, the little plant should grow vigorously!
We have signs on our unit about "The Starbucks Customer Service Model" as an example of how we should deliver service.
Have any of the higher-ups actually worked at Starbucks? I worked in a coffee shop (not Starbucks, but similar) for 2 years. People usually don't go to Starbucks because they're sick.
Reminds me of the McDonald's I went to on the way to work. There was a sign up saying anyone caught with their phone out would be receiving a documentation.
I was at the eye doctor once and the medical assistant was talking with me. She got a text and replied right there in front of me. I was a little ticked.
I went to McDonald's over the weekend. As soon as the cashier hit "total" on the register, she pulled out her phone and started sending a text. I just asked "Do you want your money or not?"
My sister went to a dentist who started texting during an office visit! She got out of the chair, walked out of the office, and called her insurance company.
Seriously, why is it stupid not to allow cell phones in patient care areas? Most places you work at don't allow cell phones on the floor while you are working and on company time. Why should nursing be any different.
But I digress.
nrsang97, BSN, RN
2,602 Posts
Reminds me of the McDonald's I went to on the way to work. There was a sign up saying anyone caught with their phone out would be receiving a documentation.
I was at the eye doctor once and the medical assistant was talking with me. She got a text and replied right there in front of me. I was a little ticked.