Last week she came into the nurses station and urinated while she told us something that was going on with a patient. We were shocked...I'm not talking a little dribble...pant leg was clinging to her leg with wetness. She left work and didn't come back the rest of the night.
When she came back the next day, we talked to her, suggesting disposable briefs (I hate using the word 'diaper' with an adult). Her response was that if she wears them, her pants won't fit because she lost so much weight she threw out her chubby pants (they are already bulging, pantyline cutting an outline). She is apologetic, but quite frank about her 'accidents', as if they are a fact of life that we all just have to deal with.
Didn't even get to approach the subject of her foul gas and B.O.
I think she must be under some kind of delusion about herself. It's simply bizarre. She seems to think that she is a little vixen, that some of our male staff has a crush on her (they say no way). She has even commented that since she 'looks so much younger than she really is, she would be willing to model for the hospital billboard. (she is 56, and looks every bit of it). Now, I am certainly not one to feel that heavy people can't model---I think it's great, in fact...but totally aside from her size, her saggy, disheveled, stinky presentation makes it unlikely that she is model material. To be fair, I am angry...angry that she is so inconsiderate, angry that she is not taking gentle cues, and frustrated at her---so I may be being more harsh than necessary.
Leslie, Thanks for the guffaw. :) As for the dilemma, I would not even try gentle cues... I would work my way up the ladder, as someone had previously mentioned. Ivanna
Here is the deal. If I worked at a place like that where management did nothing..I would quit the facility...and then be calling JAHCO, the health dept...and anyone else applicable. End of story. That is sick. There are patients and coworkers at health risk there.
There is nooo excuse for not covering oneself with incontinence pads should the need arise in ANY public venue or even private for pitty sakes.
And the deal about corporate policy saying folks can use "towel"s at work that are the same color as uniform? doesn't sound like something I can imagine any corporation writing...but gee whiz I guess they may if incontinence was that bad.... then again..I would hope there is some type of surgery to help someone with THAT bad of leakage. Perhaps they need a different career, then..than one in public healthcare around sick patients. Something in an office or somewhere more private in one's work space etc. Maybe home office.
There is just no excuse b/c we live in a society where treatment is available.
And I agree, it sounds as if there are some mental issues there involved. But that is besides the point. It doesn't really matter the health or mental condition...the person needs to be treated, and then be realistic as to the work environment that may suit them and protect others in the process.
And the deal about corporate policy saying folks can use "towel"s at work that are the same color as uniform? doesn't sound like something I can imagine any corporation writing...
Last week she came into the nurses station and urinated while she told us something that was going on with a patient. We were shocked...I'm not talking a little dribble...pant leg was clinging to her leg with wetness. She left work and didn't come back the rest of the night.
When she came back the next day, we talked to her, suggesting disposable briefs (I hate using the word 'diaper' with an adult). Her response was that if she wears them, her pants won't fit because she lost so much weight she threw out her chubby pants (they are already bulging, pantyline cutting an outline). She is apologetic, but quite frank about her 'accidents', as if they are a fact of life that we all just have to deal with.
Didn't even get to approach the subject of her foul gas and B.O.
I think she must be under some kind of delusion about herself. It's simply bizarre. She seems to think that she is a little vixen, that some of our male staff has a crush on her (they say no way). She has even commented that since she 'looks so much younger than she really is, she would be willing to model for the hospital billboard. (she is 56, and looks every bit of it). Now, I am certainly not one to feel that heavy people can't model---I think it's great, in fact...but totally aside from her size, her saggy, disheveled, stinky presentation makes it unlikely that she is model material. To be fair, I am angry...angry that she is so inconsiderate, angry that she is not taking gentle cues, and frustrated at her---so I may be being more harsh than necessary.
But I doubt it.
wow, and to think I thought it was weird when I walked in on an agency tech doing vital signs with a white Vick's nasal inhaler sticking out of her nose. It looked like she had a chapstick hanging out her nostril. :uhoh21:
Here is the deal. If I worked at a place like that where management did nothing..I would quit the facility...and then be calling JAHCO, the health dept...and anyone else applicable. End of story. That is sick. There are patients and coworkers at health risk there.
Specializes in LTC,Hospice/palliative care,acute care.
Last week she came into the nurses station and urinated while she told us something that was going on with a patient. We were shocked...I'm not talking a little dribble...pant leg was clinging to her leg with wetness. She left work and didn't come back the rest of the night.
When she came back the next day, we talked to her, suggesting disposable briefs (I hate using the word 'diaper' with an adult). Her response was that if she wears them,
Well-I would get her a box of incontinence pads and if she continues to piddle all over the facility I would first call the department of health.I am sure the state would have a lot to say about infection control -she is not only endangering her co-workers but the residents,too. Then-I would call the state dept of labor and see if you have any kind of recourse through them.This one co-worker is creating a hostile environment for all of you....I certainly would not leave a job I enjoyed because of this-but I would not stop until she was fixed or gone...
Specializes in Education, Acute, Med/Surg, Tele, etc.
Oh man this is all sad and ewwwwwwwww!
Okay..I would be hitting up my co-workers for some bucks, and going to the dollar tree for a basket of products to help with odor and what not! Make it a nice basket...and give it annonomously!
Like nice body spray like vanilla (that won't be harsh on the nose in case she soaks in it!), deodorant, briefs, mints, fabreeze, or anything lightly scented and nice...maybe add a nice shower gel and shampoo...or a few candles and bath things? Anything to encourage the use of these products! Even talk amongst yourselves about hygiene products you see and "can't live without *wink*" that she will be dying to try! (if she is vain, it may just work!).
I would certainly be talking to management...the urination is a health hazard to my patients and I would be NONE to pleased with that!!!!!
Ivanna_Nurse, BSN, RN
469 Posts
Leslie, Thanks for the guffaw. :) As for the dilemma, I would not even try gentle cues... I would work my way up the ladder, as someone had previously mentioned. Ivanna