We have seen the enemy! And ...

[Medic/Nurse, BSN, RN]

Well, just when I thought that I'd seen every incarnation of bad behavior - I'd like to share a new high in lows.

We, (NURSES) really don't have to worry about the treatment that we get from management, administration, patients (oops..customers), visitors, professors, ancillary staff or anyone one else!

NURSES are causing their own demise! I know that the job is tough - and sometimes "we" do get a bit focused on stuff and may be misinterpreted in some of our communication, but there is power in recognition and apology.

This morning I delivered (to the ICU - in a sister facility/but different town) a patients clothes that were left in our ED by accident, they belonged to a patient that had been critically transferred a couple of days ago. I also thought as I was getting off shift - I'd pick up a dozen Dunkins' and the good ole Box 'o Joe - to take there, just to help 'em get the day started off right!

When I walked in the unit, I asked for this patients nurse, I introduced myself and gave the ICU nurse the clothes. I sat the doughnuts/coffee down and then asked how the patient was - she's doing okay.

And, GET READY!

The ICU nurse (no good morning, etc) pulled the patient chart from the ED visit and pointed to the spot of the IV documentation, she then suggest that "You MUST have documented this wrong. The patient does not have a 18 gauge IV in the LAC, it is BLUE and that is a 22 gauge. So this is wrong" I assured her that the IV was documented correctly - and then reminded her that our facilities need at the minimum of a 20 gauge (pink) IV in the AC for a CT Chest angio - so I'm confident that it is correct as documented. Then the ICU nurse said "Oh, it looks blue to me, but I forgot you all (those evil ED nurses) always stick those 18 gauges in every patient anyway & and the patient has a little blood oozing from the puncture" Not being baited, I just told her that I'm a 20 gauge kinda girl myself. But, I made an exception in this case due to the patients critical condition! Then I told her to try and have a great day!

By the time I got to my truck, I was a bit p***** off. Why would someone feel the need to act like that (lots of other staff and doc's there at the desk) - what happened to please, thank you, etc..

I know she could not have had a legit problem with the patients care prior to transfer (PT IN MY 11 BED ED, O2, IV, EKG, LABS, MONITOR, CARDIAC ECHO, CT CHEST ANGIO AND BEING TRANSFERRED OUT THE DOOR IN 1 HOUR & 45 MINS) That is a great time for my facility (or hers). It just seemed that she had to just be nasty. And I'd bought a treat to boot! I didn't expect a thank you, but I did not expect the sneak IV attack. Minor issue really, if it bothers you just change the site!!!

WHEN are we going to all play nice? All it takes is a few and the entire attitude just goes down... I've also worked at a place where the "incident report" is the 1st item on the day's list. These are the folks that "look" for any real or perceived problem. I say just get out a stack and save yourself some time.

I'm not saying that legitimate issues should not be addressed or serious problems corrected, but....come on!

Until we treat each other with respect and kindness - why would anyone else? Good thing her "issue" wasn't a real serious one - but, who knows?

Think about it! I'd be willing to bet that most have been on each end at one time or another and it's just bad mojo!

Lets all resolve to play nice and work to build others up - instead of being a destroyer! Wonder what would happen then..???

[P_RN, ADN, RN]

I got called from a tiny town hospital once for leaving an INT in a patient. I was certain I hadn't until the nasty caller said "And why did you put it on the back of her upper arm near her armpit." Guilty as charged I'd taken 3 out but it didn't occur to me to look in her armpit. :\

Then she said...get this......"I've a good mind to tell the ambulance to bring her back (to the "big city" and have you take it out." I said "would you switch me to your director so I can give instructions on how to get here?"

You gotta love em, cause hating will only give YOU the ulcer.