Yesterday, I was that nurse. That nurse that your patient will one day complain to you about. That nurse who wouldn't give her pain meds even though she "really needed them." That nurse that was an example of everything that a good nurse isn't.
Well, that nurse heard the patient say things like "I want pain meds so I can sleep" and also "You must not care about me because you won't give me pain meds." That nurse also paged the doctor and related all these things to her as well as the patient's repeated requests for narcotics. That nurse offered alternative pain relief measures all of which the patient refused.
Next time you hear a patient complain about "that horrible nurse", believe none of what you hear and half of what you see.
Maybe the vent posts from OPs who desire only supportive feedback can color their posts a special color, that way those who are inclined to clarify and offer advice, will know at a glance that type of response is not welcome.
Maybe the vent posts from OPs who desire only supportive feedback can color their posts a special color, that way those who are inclined to clarify and offer advice, will know at a glance that type of response is not welcome.
Perhaps the OP should just email the issue to her mother?
Specializes in Case mgmt., rehab, (CRRN), LTC & psych.
I left floor nursing nearly 8 months ago. But during those years, I simply administered the pain medication as long as the patient was not overly sedated, no allergies to the analgesics were present, and the respiration rate/blood pressure was not too low.
Perhaps I was defeated, but sometimes all parties come out on top when you take the path of least resistance and give patients what the heck they want (as long as it will not harm or kill 'em to do so).
I left floor nursing nearly 8 months ago. But during those years, I simply administered the pain medication as long as the patient was not overly sedated, no allergies to the analgesics were present, and the respiration rate/blood pressure was not too low.
Perhaps I was defeated, but sometimes all parties come out on top when you take the path of least resistance and give patients what the heck they want (as long as it will not harm or kill 'em to do so).
I also want to add that this is a vent. I am not looking for all the possibilities of what I could have possibly done right or wrong. I have just had a rough week or so at work and am venting. That is all.
Ha! Good luck with that! Everyone has an opinion & is entitled to post theirs as long as it abides by the TOS. If the OP expecting a hug or pat on the back, they came to the wrong place.
Maybe the vent posts from OPs who desire only supportive feedback can color their posts a special color, that way those who are inclined to clarify and offer advice, will know at a glance that type of response is not welcome.
I still think an identifying color for vent posts would make it easier for those of us who wonder 'why' about everything, to know not to respond because our analytical communication style is unwelcome.
And for the second ( or third or fourth time?) I said this is a vent because I have been a member here since before I was in nursing school and know how nasty some of these threads can get. I know I did my best with this situation. I don't need anyone to tell me that or tell me how wrong I am.
I was thinking that with this being a nursing forum the response would be more like "I've been there" but apparently I was mistaken.
After a few days off, however, my head feels more clear and I'll be ready to go back to work tomorrow .
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dishes, BSN, RN
3,950 Posts
Maybe the vent posts from OPs who desire only supportive feedback can color their posts a special color, that way those who are inclined to clarify and offer advice, will know at a glance that type of response is not welcome.