Verbally Abusing a Nurse

[Hk30]

It drives me crazy when Administration basically tells patients it's ok to abuse your nurse. People come in totally alert and oriented demanding things we cant give , yell, scream, call you names. Then when you call security because they refuse to be transferred to another floor and are carrying on abusing the NA's have the nerve to file a complaint for having security called on them. Of course the patient advocate is kissing thier butt like they had every right to act like a tantrum throwing child. But my question is WHERE IS THE STAFF SUPPORT? WHY ARENT THEY LETTING THE PATIENTS KNOW ITS UNACCEPTABLE TO ACT THIS WAY IN THE HOSPITAL?! It makes me sick.

[Babyboss 19, MSN, APRN]

US hospitals rely on reimbursement from Medicare. This reimbursement is driven by patient discharge surveys. Bad surveys = money lost. Medicare refuses to pay for services already long provided. It's supposed to drive competition and increase quality of care, which has a been a failure to date. It's only forced hospitals to adapt for survival. Nurses are sacrificed on the altar of HCAPS and Press Ganey surveys so hospitals can get paid. Whatever it takes for a good survey. Admin turns a blind eye to nurse abuse. It's sad but true.

[Babyboss 19, MSN, APRN]

US hospitals rely on reimbursement from Medicare. This reimbursement is driven by patient discharge surveys. Bad surveys = money lost. Medicare refuses to pay for services already long provided. It's supposed to drive competition and increase quality of care, which has a been a failure to date. It's only forced hospitals to adapt for survival. Nurses are sacrificed on the altar of HCAPS and Press Ganey surveys so hospitals can get paid. Whatever it takes for a good survey. Admin turns a blind eye to nurse abuse. It's sad but true.

Oh, and it's been marketed to us as "family/patient centered care". I.E. the customer is an active participant in their hospital environment (demands). Which some leadership equate with, rather incorrectly, as patient satisfaction. Robs nurses of inherent authority over patient wellbeing. No wonder we're being assaulted. These messages come from above. Ok, I'm done now. ha.

[catsmeow1972, BSN, RN]

After a long career in the OR, I attempted bedside nursing. I had some issues of my own in regards to workflow and the like but getting along with my patients and families was never one of them. I would say however that the sentinel thing that drove me away was the day I had a patient that was perfectly capable of speaking and telling me what his need was and instead chose to 'grunt and point.' When he threw his water pitcher (full of water) at me, I said, 'I'm going to step out and I will be back in 10 minutes and I hope you will be willing to tell me what is going on. On report, I was warned about this man's behavior. I stepped out and within 3 minutes was called to the phone to take a call from his sister/wife whoever screaming at me that 'she was going to come down there and make me take care of him!!!!" I'm sorry I will not be screamed at or threatened by anyone and my charge nurse du jour simply said "well, it's part of the job and you're just going to have to learn to take it." No it's not and no I will not. I get grouchy and not feeling well. I even get being an entitled, straight up jerk. But there is not enough money on the planet to allow myself to be treated like that.

I left the bedside and have not worked since as Getting back into the OR has been a challenge but I can say for sure that I am a dang good nurse that puts my patients and thier well being first and this garbage about butt kissing and customer service has driven another one from the direct care bedside. Thanks screwy American healthcare system.