Had another ETOH withdrawal patient yesterday, he was also a mental health patient in real life, chronically unemployed, and had been readmitted after being discharged post knee-replacement surgery (thank you U.S. taxpayer!), meth positive and in full blown ETOH withdrawal.
High-dose protocol, IV Ativan q 1/2 hour, 1:1 sitter in room + wrist restraints. Any time the patient awoke he launched into loud abusive profanity and tried to grab the crotch of the sitter.
I guess one positive in all this is job security for healthcare professionals, including myself. But, I must admit, this type of patient disillusions me...
I ask you, how does a person such as this afford a 1/5 of whiskey a day, plus methamphetimine???
Specializes in Med Surg, Nursing Administration for SNF.
I actually think you are the one taking things personally because of your history of recovery. I applaud you, but advise you to not be too condemning of those who find outrageous behavior by substance abusers to be offensive.
Youre probably right, I may be overly sensitive . . . but trust me, none of us asked for this disease. How many times have I wished my life didnt just start at 41? Just trying to shed some light on the "disillusionment" felt by some nurses who may not understand.
Wow I guess he didnt have some of the nurses that have replied to this post. It sickens me to think that some fellow nurses are so judgemental. Do you really think that they CHOSE to become pieces of sh*t? Do you really think they have a choice to stop after thier body is ravaged and screaming with every fiber to be fed (fill in the blank)? Do you have any idea where they've been or are you just surmising they look like a duck, walk like a duck, whatever? What gives you the right to pass judgement on anyone until you have been where they have been? Until you have the genes of their parents and lived their lives. Sure, a horrific past is NO excuse to make bad choices, but some us made the choices bad or not. Doenst make us BAD people, just sick people. I can not believe that people so educated on the human body dont see an illness of the brain and psyche like diabetes or anything else that has been termed an illness by the AMA.
Celebrated seven years clean and sober last month. Oh yes, from heroin to cocaine to four months in jail to the bottom and back. I thought that I was making an ok decision to be proud and share my story with some of my collegues. After reading these posts, I can only wonder what they REALLY say behind my back. I suppose one of the positives about an online forum is the annonymity to be honest and tell people what you REALLY think about your "scum" patients. I'll keep my story to myself from now on, you can believe that.
Looking at your profile you have 7 years experience.
You are now celebrating 7 years 1 month clean and sober
You really should share your amazing story of recovery, rehabilitation, and now success in nursing. Congratulations are certainly for you.
I can see both sides. As a woman with a past who has overcome some major obstacles in life to be where I am today, I can understand and relate to others who may not have it so easy in life. The only substances I've ever been addicted to, though I have tried many, are nicotine, which I quit, and caffeine, which I continue to consume daily. People have their reasons and their stories for doing what they do. Most of the addicts that I once knew were survivors of emotional traumas that many of us can only imagine, and were trying to suppress the pain with substances. Many of them did not have "normal" childhoods, and either grew up with substance abuse as the norm, or in horribly dysfunctional environments.
On the other hand, as a nurse, it can be so difficult to deal with people that are so needy, demanding, and often, hostile. As professionals, we know not to take the behavior personally, but still it can be frustrating. The end organ damage resulting from their abuse of their bodies can make them medically complex and time consuming. We can end up being in their room every five minutes attending to one need or another, while the little old lady in the next room, who never complains about anything, is basically neglected because we have no time for her.
I can see both sides, and I try very hard to maintain my objectivity and detachment, and provide the patient with the care that they are there to receive. It is not my place to judge whether or not they are deserving of that care. They are a human being in need, and it's my job to provide nursing care to them.
But I am a human being, not a robot, with my own thoughts, feelings, and responses, and I don't think I should be judged harshly for being honest enough about my feelings to openly discuss them here. This is a site for nurses, and I am sure that many a nurse has had less than noble thoughts about a patient at some point in their career. If you never have, then you either haven't been a nurse long enough, or you're not being honest with yourself.
I just wanted to add that marijuana is not physically addictive. For some people, it can be psychologically addictive, but it does not cause physical dependence.
Wow I guess he didnt have some of the nurses that have replied to this post. It sickens me to think that some fellow nurses are so judgemental. Do you really think that they CHOSE to become pieces of sh*t?... Do you have any idea where they've been or are you just surmising they look like a duck, walk like a duck, whatever? What gives you the right to pass judgement on anyone until you have been where they have been? Until you have the genes of their parents and lived their lives. Sure, a horrific past is NO excuse to make bad choices, but some us made the choices bad or not. Doenst make us BAD people, just sick people. I can not believe that people so educated on the human body dont see an illness of the brain and psyche like diabetes...
I see your point. Do you also give the same break to pedophiles? Pedophilia is described as an illness by the American Psychiatric Association.
oh bossynurse...LOL!!! I commend you for standing your ground. Its nurses like you who speak up for those who cant...youre a great advocate.
Regarding pedophiles, they are ill and should be getting help to prevent any danger to kids. But Turd you're just going down the 'slippery slope.' People who are mentally ill don't choose to be that way and don't deserve to be treated like crap.
But Turd you're just going down the 'slippery slope.' People who are mentally ill don't choose to be that way and don't deserve to be treated like crap.
You assume something I neither implied nor said.
Every day I work I have pedophile patients. Every day. Dozens of them. I treat them like I treat any other person.
The point I was making was that most people seem to view pedophiles as disgusting animals. I don't. Neither do I view substance abusers as crap. They are people who have wandered down an unfortunate path. The average nurse would not believe the types of people I choose to work with every day.
Turd, It seemed you were being sarcastic. Nevertheless, Its compassionate that you choose to work with these patients and view them as human beings when other nurses may not. I agree they shouldn't be treated wrongly, they don't choose this way of life.
I have enormous respect for those in recovery and am glad that nurses in recovery are on the job ... we need those skills and that perspective.
That said, I have to offer support to those being accused of being "uncompassionate". The reality of active substance abuse is that the behaviors active addicts use are abusive, manipulative and dishonest.
No healthy person can be subjected to that behavior and not have an emotional reaction.
The difference between the amateurs and the pros is that a professional is able to render competent care regardless of her/his personal feelings/reactions.
But, I must admit, this type of patient disillusions me...
:yeah:
bossynurse101
131 Posts
Youre probably right, I may be overly sensitive . . . but trust me, none of us asked for this disease. How many times have I wished my life didnt just start at 41? Just trying to shed some light on the "disillusionment" felt by some nurses who may not understand.