That Phantom Nurse

[fancee free]

It's happened to me a few times when my patient will tell me how "that nurse" who worked last night gave them a sleeping pill or pain pill, however when I check to the orders they are not prescribed any sleeping or pain pills, and there is no indication that they received any medications the previous night or evening. Just wondering if anyone else had any situations with "that nurse"?

[EmmaG, RN]

Yeah. She must get around. Like Santa Claus

[chocokitten]

one of my patients was convinced that a nurse wearing a long black cape came into his room in the middle of the night (he told me this on day shift the following morning)

[ktwlpn, LPN]

aka "some nurse" I work with her/him in LTC. The resident will say "some nurse" says I can :fill in the blanks: so why don't you call the doctor? hmm....NO

[UM Review RN, ASN, RN]

It's happened to me a few times when my patient will tell me how "that nurse" who worked last night gave them a sleeping pill or pain pill, however when I check to the orders they are not prescribed any sleeping or pain pills, and there is no indication that they received any medications the previous night or evening. Just wondering if anyone else had any situations with "that nurse"?

Often enough. I attribute a lot of it to wishful thinking, like the nurse explained one thing, but the patient heard another.

You know, I think sometimes we forget we're dealing with people whose perceptions are altered due to illness, fear, medications, and sleep deprivation.

It's hard to recall how foreign a place the hospital is for some people.

Just offering up another explanation for the Phantom Nurse.

[EmmaG, RN]

one of my patients was convinced that a nurse wearing a long black cape came into his room in the middle of the night (he told me this on day shift the following morning)

Batnurse?

[UM Review RN, ASN, RN]

Batnurse?

I was thinking more along the lines of Grim Reaper Nurse.

Or maybe Florence?

I guess it would depend on what they were holding in their hands -- sickle or lamp, eh?

[Fiona59]

I usually get "but the other nurse leaves my sleeping pill on the table until I want to take it". I take it and waste it. It's my sign in number that says the patient swallowed the med. I don't care what the "other nurse" does.

I explain legally my license is on the line, so if they want their med in 20 minutes use the call bell and I'll bring it back.

I really want to meet this "other nurse".

[chocokitten]

Batnurse?

I can't for the life of me remember the term he called this "nurse". his words were "and that black .....(can't remember this word, but it was a strange one, like word for a fighter or stage actor)" but I remember being quite amused.

[EmmaG, RN]

I really want to meet this "other nurse".

I bet you anything they're "the other kid" all grown up. You know who I'm talking about--- that kid who got to do all the cool stuff I wouldn't allow my children to do?

I always wondered what became of them...

[pirap]

Sounds to me like your patient is trying to pull a fast one. Many times I have been told that "other nurse" did this or that. Not true. I NEVER take what all my patients say at face value-EVER. Many patients can be manipulative(are) to try to see how far they can push you or to see what they can get from you. The families can be MUCH WORSE though.

[Lorie P.]

:rotfl: that other nurse must really get around. many times i go into a room after 11:15, i work 11-7, and the pts that have had sleeping pills or whatever, are trying to tell me the other nurse forgot to give me my sleeping pill. never mind i am having to "wake" these pts up just to do an assessment, usually i say" well let go check and next thing you know, they back to sleep.

just part of the routine, i smile and go about my way and will let the "other nurse" know.