When did it become OK to treat your nurse like poo?

Published

Hi Guys,

Just a thought that keeps popping into my head... How long has it been OK to be rude to your nurse? E.g. Demanding more warm blankets, sneering they didn't want ice in their water, etc.... I feel like the patient's perception as a professional has changed; from a respected nurse to a waitress.

Do you think the emphasis on patient satisfaction scores has changed this perception? Also, how is that every patient seems to know about socks, blanket warmers, sandwiches, bus/taxi vouchers, and that they are entitled.

Guess I'm just feeling a little burnt out...

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Med-Surg, Emergency, CEN.

I have and will continue to tell patients and families that while I don't mind getting their drink for them, they have to remember that this is not a hotel and my main job is to ensure that all of my patients' health is improving. Then I bring them their drink. If they complain about me, then they complain. Usually the opposite happens instead.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Emergency/ICU.

Yes, it's like: You have been in this ED TOO many times when you come in demanding socks, ice chips, an extra pillow, a warm blanket, and specific snacks (vanilla pudding pack - because you haven't eaten ALL day) all before EMS leaves the room!

Wow, just let me get you set up in the spa! No, I will not put lotion on your feet! No, I'm sorry Ma'am, if you are too weak to lift your own arm in order for me to put this BP cuff on, then you cannot possibly hold a cup of coffee.

It's just annoying because these are the time-consuming ones who 95% of the time are not even sick! Give me a critical care patient anytime. OP, I can relate to your burnt out thoughts tonight!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Neuro ICU and Med Surg.

I definitely think the whole customer (er I mean patient) satisfaction has taken things in the wrong direction. Now with the pay for performance (HCAPS, press gainey) we have no leg to stand on. It is incredibly sad when management wont even back you up.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Emergency Department.
Yes, it's like: You have been in this ED TOO many times when you come in demanding socks, ice chips, an extra pillow, a warm blanket, and specific snacks (vanilla pudding pack - because you haven't eaten ALL day) all before EMS leaves the room!

I'm glad I work in a UK ED;

Socks...? Don't have them.

Ice chips...? Don't have them - an infection control risk apparently.

Extra pillow....? You will be lucky to get 1 never mind 2. Pillows are like gold dust in the NHS.

Specific snacks...? Tea and toast if we have time and we think you should get it.

Extra blanket...? OK, if we have one.

Haven't eaten all day...? I suggest you eat immediately - canteen is up those stairs, and no you can not order Pizza or take-out, another infection control risk. Government says you should only be in the department 4 hours (4 hour target) so meals should not be our problem.

Patients who demand things...? Look at them pleasantly and ask "Was there a please in there?"

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Critical Care.

I liked GrumpyRN's post ... We don't seem to have such ridiculous demands in Canada where I work. Of course, there is always a couple folks like that but its not the norm.

The question I'd like to ask is when did it become okay to make "harmless" gross remarks to your nurse that if said to anyone else would likely be considered sexual harassment. Nurses have to take all kinds of BS that other professions don't. I always wondered why they think it's okay to say it to their nurse, but wouldn't say it to anyone else (or maybe they would ...).

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Emergency Department.
The question I'd like to ask is when did it become okay to make "harmless" gross remarks to your nurse that if said to anyone else would likely be considered sexual harassment. Nurses have to take all kinds of BS that other professions don't. I always wondered why they think it's okay to say it to their nurse, but wouldn't say it to anyone else (or maybe they would ...).

Yes, sometimes we wonder if patients/relatives would talk that way in their local supermarket.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Pain Management, FNP, Med/Surg, Tele.
I'm glad I work in a UK ED;

Socks...? Don't have them.

Ice chips...? Don't have them - an infection control risk apparently.

Extra pillow....? You will be lucky to get 1 never mind 2. Pillows are like gold dust in the NHS.

Specific snacks...? Tea and toast if we have time and we think you should get it.

Extra blanket...? OK, if we have one.

Haven't eaten all day...? I suggest you eat immediately - canteen is up those stairs, and no you can not order Pizza or take-out, another infection control risk. Government says you should only be in the department 4 hours (4 hour target) so meals should not be our problem.

Patients who demand things...? Look at them pleasantly and ask "Was there a please in there?"

I love that, I think our hospitals here in the US should adopt some of those traits from the UK when it comes to "waiting on" on some of these patients. Sometimes I feel like a glorified maid and I don't remember going to school to become a maid. Some of these patients can get borderline abusive if you let them. This is why we have to set limits but unfortunately I am too nice to do that.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in School Nursing.
Yes, it's like: You have been in this ED TOO many times when you come in demanding socks, ice chips, an extra pillow, a warm blanket, and specific snacks (vanilla pudding pack - because you haven't eaten ALL day) all before EMS leaves the room!

It should be policy not to feed a patient until the doctor examines them. Tell them, "I'm sorry, but until we know the nature of your illness, you have to be NPO."

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in School Nursing.

I honestly think this is a result of America's "ME ME ME" culture. People seem to think the world should revolve around them with no consideration for anyone else. This country encourages selfishness and greed over community and humanity. This is a symptom of the disease our culture has developed in the last few decades.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

How about aides treating you like poo too and you being told not to make them mad? Especially you are doing all their work for them. I don't mind helping but when they continue to hide, go out and smoke, extra? How is that fair when I have to pass meds, do TX's bandage changes etc?

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Emergency, Telemetry, Transplant.
Yes, it's like: You have been in this ED TOO many times when you come in demanding socks, ice chips, an extra pillow, a warm blanket, and specific snacks (vanilla pudding pack - because you haven't eaten ALL day) all before EMS leaves the room!

Or when a patient's family member knows where the refrigerator is so that they can get a snack for the patient. :sniff:

And they might as well get themselves a sandwich while they are there.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion