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.
not usually my style, but from what you said, she needs to be confronted by each one of you that work directly with her. She needs to know how you all feel. It may not be easy, but at least you can say you tried.
It does sound like a mental health issue, and if so, then what is she doing around patients. Very Scary ! Anyway I suppose the kind and gentle approach would be best, then give it some time and see if she changes her ways. Then if she continues with this disgusting practice then I would take it to the top of the ladder. You do not have to put up with this. I feel bad for her patients too.
Has this woman ever wet herself or passed any other body fluids/odors in front of a patient or their family members? Although many are too polite to bring it up to management you know somebody out there will raise Heck about it.
I don';t know---she's a therapist and her sessions are private. Good question though.
There is help available for these problems. Keep us updated, I'm curious to see what happens, and I'm doing kegels as I type this because I don't want to end up like that.
someone previously mentioned the infection control, pr and harassment issues....but i'd tack on professionalism/code of conduct, and a threat to public health and safety. is there a chapter in whimis that covers co-workers and urine?
i really hope that someone has documented and reported this behaviour (yes, there is a "u" in behaviour...i'm canadian!! :wink2: ). has there ever been a patient complaint?
eesh!
good luck !!
this story is too much!!!! i could not imagine working with someone like that!!!
ps- (offtopic) i know there is a "u" in behaviour, but is there or was there ever a "d" in congradulations??? i see it spelled "congratulations" everywhere here in the usa!!!!!! whas up with that???
Keepstanding, ASN, RN
1,600 Posts
It does sound like a mental health issue, and if so, then what is she doing around patients.
Very Scary ! Anyway I suppose the kind and gentle approach would be best, then give it some time and see if she changes her ways. Then if she continues with this disgusting practice then I would take it to the top of the ladder. You do not have to put up with this. I feel bad for her patients too.