What's Rude?

Nurses Relations

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We all have our pet peeves, something that we are SURE is rude whether it bothers others or not. So I'm wondering -- what bothers you?

Things that bother me:

In a nurse's station with four or five unused computers, why does anyone have to sit down at the one I'm using, clearly marked with my scut sheet, my pen, my drink and my charting all pulled up and not finished? They take my spot, log me off (so I have to start over with any charting I didn't sign before the arrhythmia alarm jolted me out of my seat) and log in over me. Then when I return, they tell me "I didn't see your name on it." Why not just use the computer with the screensaver up and no ones stuff there?

People who put their feet up on the chairs in the nurse's station. Not only does it look totally unprofessional to anyone who visits the station, including families, but the C. Diff that that they' we picked up on their shoes is now transferred to the impossible-to-clean fabric chairs in the nurse's station.

Saying "no prob" in response to a thank you.

Taking the nurse's chair. Our rooms has a sofa and two chairs for visitors, a recliner for the patient and a chair at the computer station for the nurse to use when charting. So why do the visitors always have to take the nurse's chair? Clearly, the nurse can't chart from the sofa.

After you've taken the nurse's chair, why give me attitude when I ask you NOT to sit in front of my computer, but to sit in one of the five spots provided for visitors?

Visitors using the patient bathroom.

Staff who let patients use the staff bathroom. I've never been able to figure that one out.

I'm cranky today, I have lots more. What's yours?

Specializes in ICU; Telephone Triage Nurse.
I've got a coworker who blows her nose at least thrice daily. She doesn't just blow it though. She makes very loud, very ugly music with her schnoz. It's absolutely disgusting and rude!

Nose trumpet. :)

Oh yeah, I work in hospice.

You all know "morphine kills". :banghead:

Hospice patients, unless they are narc naive, are used to pain meds and it won't kill them to get higher doses of medication.

It will help them breathe easier and it will make the pain lessen or go away.

Specializes in LTC, Rehab.

My second post on this thread (and I could make a zillion, but..).

I couldn't stop myself from telling 2 of my residents last night that I (currently) have 19 people, NOT JUST YOU, even though it won't make any lasting difference. It was just another night when I was practically jogging, practically throwing meds at people, setting up an IV, doing a late wound care, on and on.

And non-nursing related ... was just in my local small natural foods co-op and the woman behind me starts stacking items about 2 inches from my wallet on the counter where I'm still trying to pay and bag a few things while I'm doing it. She's way too close for (my) comfort. And heaven help you if you move toward the end of the counter and are bagging your stuff - some people will move up to where it's like they think you're already gone. I just want a tiny bit more personal space when I'm out in public.

Specializes in M/S, Pulmonary, Travel, Homecare, Psych..
Oh yeah, I work in hospice.

You all know "morphine kills". :banghead:

Hospice patients, unless they are narc naive, are used to pain meds and it won't kill them to get higher doses of medication.

It will help them breathe easier and it will make the pain lessen or go away.

A unit I worked on for a long while did a good deal of inpatient hospice. I always got those patients and rather appreciated the experience. I don't know why, maybe it could have been my niche but that hospital started having financial issues and I had to seek safer employment.

One time, the doctor was in a hospice patient room answering the family's questions. I loved, loved, LOVED this doctor. As charismatic as can be at the bedside, very patient with everything and anything that came up and a true pioneer for end of life education. She always wanted the RN in the room with her when she engaged with family. She felt it showed healthcare team unity.

One of the two sons asked "How long does my mother have?". Not an unusual question. The doctor gave her answer. Then he started asking detailed questions about the morphine, and yes, he was hinting that he thought it was too much.

The doctor tried to educate him. He cut her off short. His reply:

"Morphine is a gun. Guns don't kill, people pulling triggers do. Morphine's trigger is that IV pump."

Ugh, it was so tense in that room after that. Every time I had to renew the PCA cartridge or anything I'd hear his remarks in my head. I managed the situation as best I could, always explained in great detail everything I was doing before I did it and asking "Is that acceptable?". He never said anything wasn't Ok and the care continued without any problems but............so tense.

Specializes in LTC, Rehab.

My biggest workplace-related pet peeve is not replacing things. Not re-ordering meds, not restocking the med cart, not putting a new blank page in the chart when you write on the last blank page. When I worked at a school, I was the only person who plugged in the electric Hoyer lift.

Oh My God. Not replacing things! Maybe part of this is that in my previous career, I had my OWN desk/cubicle and no one ever - or very rarely ever - took or borrowed & didnt' return something... but on the other hand, wouldn't this drive anyone nuts?

Way, way, too often, particularly after I've been off for a couple of days, the Scotch tape dispenser is gone, or the stapler, or the bottle of (whatever) in the med cart, or the BP wrist cuff, or the highlighter(s) that were in the med cart. The list is endless.

Another thing is when you've allegedly been given report, but there are messages on the phone, there are documents/papers with no explanation, and more. Don't run off 'til you've REALLY finished telling me what's going on.

Specializes in LTC, Rehab.

My other favorite is when I've been in a critical patient's room for hours and hours on end and have only left to go pee and to grab meds and other supplies to keep the patient alive, alarms are blaring from one of the four IV pumps, the vent or the monitor and my room phone is ringing me....there are bougies and blood on the floor...the patient's wife comes up to me and says, "When you get a fresh pot of coffee made, I'll take a cup. Just a little cream and sugah, but not too much, dear."

Yeah. Love that sh!t.

People are just unbelievable sometimes. Often. "Would you like a little swirl of whipped topping on there too, ma'am?".

"Some people just sound more intelligent after they stop speaking."

I love this. It's true way too much of the time. :yes:

And non-nursing related ... was just in my local small natural foods co-op and the woman behind me starts stacking items about 2 inches from my wallet on the counter where I'm still trying to pay and bag a few things while I'm doing it. She's way too close for (my) comfort. And heaven help you if you move toward the end of the counter and are bagging your stuff - some people will move up to where it's like they think you're already gone. I just want a tiny bit more personal space when I'm out in public.

Oh I'm glad it's not just me this happens to! Sometimes if there isn't a bagger handy I will bag my groceries and the idiot behind me has moved up to the card reader counter bit. I said to one woman, "Can I pay for my groceries, or would you like to pay for them for me?" She didn't seem to think she was in my way or find it in the least funny.... :)

Specializes in ICU, LTACH, Internal Medicine.
People are just unbelievable sometimes. Often. "Would you like a little swirl of whipped topping on there too, ma'am?".

I was seriuosly asked today about "a cup of organic oolong tea with some organic brown sugar and a thin slice of organic devaxed lemon".

Was incredibly hurting both for my nursing conscience and my foodie soul. Putting anything but one's lips into a cup of precious oolong tea is a sacrilege. Plus, organic lemons are not vaxed.

Almost told that cookie to stop pretend to look like someone she never will be and go enjoy her sweet tea in McDonalds for $1.

Specializes in LTC, Rehab.
I was seriuosly asked today about "a cup of organic oolong tea with some organic brown sugar and a thin slice of organic devaxed lemon".

Was incredibly hurting both for my nursing conscience and my foodie soul. Putting anything but one's lips into a cup of precious oolong tea is a sacrilege. Plus, organic lemons are not vaxed.

Almost told that cookie to stop pretend to look like someone she never will be and go enjoy her sweet tea in McDonalds for $1.

I have no idea what vaxed or devaxed means (and just searched and didn't find the answer) - but with patients or family members like that - the Expecting Way Too Much variety - we'll have to become Barista/Concierge/RN's.

Specializes in Specializes in L/D, newborn, GYN, LTC, Dialysis.

Ok on the "thanks" etiquette: I happen to have the habit of saying "you bet" after being thanked. Sometimes I say "my pleasure" too. Seems "you're welcome" is so overused, that for many it's just a habit, not a true sentiment of gratitude anymore.....

Is THAT considered rude???

I am not a millenial nor quite a boomer....... I don't think what I am doing is really wrong, but if it sounds rude, maybe I am.

Ok on the "thanks" etiquette: I happen to have the habit of saying "you bet" after being thanked. Sometimes I say "my pleasure" too. Seems "you're welcome" is so overused, that for many it's just a habit, not a true sentiment of gratitude anymore.....

Is THAT considered rude???

I am not a millenial nor quite a boomer....... I don't think what I am doing is really wrong, but if it sounds rude, maybe I am.

Oh I don't think so. I have probably said the "no problem" thing too. That's why I find these threads so interesting is that there are behaviors we have that may annoy others. Whether people are justified in their annoyance is another thing.

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