Troubled Pts & Families

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It seems that I am frequently assigned pts & their families who have psychosocial dysfunction. These are people who know just how to blemish a nursing career or are searching out-right for grounds to sue the facility. Sometimes I detect the look in their eyes or their behaviors alert me. Other times, I am blind-sided. I find myself quietly practicing defensive nursing. As an agency nurse, I appreciate that staff who are not fully familiar with my practice and good character may not want to go-to-bat for me. Any advice on how a sensitive soul-searching personality can survive the malicious?

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Sadly, 'defensive' practice is the norm. Just document out the wazoo. CYA.

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Specializes in Case mgmt., rehab, (CRRN), LTC & psych.

I dealt with many of these types of family members and patients during my time on a rehab unit. My nursing practice was admittedly defensive and guarded around these people, and I did not breathe a sigh of relief until the patient was discharged.

My desire to escape the crazy, wacko family members has prompted me to accept a night shift position at another facility from 10pm to 6am.

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Sadly, 'defensive' practice is the norm. Just document out the wazoo. CYA.

what manny said...

even if they seem to like/appreciate you.

still, document everything.

and, less is more.

leslie

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Specializes in CCU,ICU,ER retired.

good accurate charting will never let you down. I was told a long time ago to chart everything. but always always chart a detailed assessment from your hairline down to your toenail on addmission. I have had families try to sue that we had caused bedsores which failed because on my admission asessment I charted the pt had a raw slightly bleeding skin over her tailbone.

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good accurate charting will never let you down. I was told a long time ago to chart everything. but always always chart a detailed assessment from your hairline down to your toenail on addmission. I have had families try to sue that we had caused bedsores which failed because on my admission asessment I charted the pt had a raw slightly bleeding skin over her tailbone.
So true. I've seen that happen on more than one occasion that a suit was averted by a thorough admission assessment.
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