things are not what they seem

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Ever have a patient you seem to be connecting with/good rapport who turns out to be manipulative and ends up doing something that puts you in a tough spot: sneaks off to smoke, refuses monitoring when they have sky rocketing bp, fall risks who "don't need help" etc. I end up feeling a little bit betrayed :(

Happy New Year AN, to another good year!

I have only been in nursing for a short time I am an older 2 (3rd?) career and am gullible. I tend to give people the benefit of the doubt. I get disappointed a lot, but one time shocked me; really took me by surprise. Had a pt claim that I did not give a narcotic and that pt had a family member back up the story. I freaked out!!! Even though we have computer MARs (computer and scanner is in the room) that require scanning pt and med I was taken aback. I immediately notified MD and charge nurse, wrote a note, filled out a safety incident report and then had the charge nurse come in the room anytime that I gave a narcotic so I would have a witness. THAT was a wake-up call. The other stuff, like sneaking food or cigs, I figure I cannot tie a pt down, but when they flat out lie about something that could cost me my license, I get a little worried.[/quote']

Wow that's scary!!

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Specializes in Psych.

One of the most dangerous situations you will ever find yourself in is when you are working in an environment where there is no strong leadership and staff are split. There are nurses (and nurse managers) who are borderline too and they thrive on drama and are also looking to push another member of staff in front of a bus. These types are often "super-nurses" who have no boundaries and no time to help others, they publically criticise their peers and have no self-awareness in regard to their own weaknesses.

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Wow that's scary!!

agree! grrr

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