Why do some nurses hate it in others pump at work?

Davey Do · Dec 17, 2017

the traveler absolutely hates (for whatever reason) nurses who pump at work.

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Sour Lemon · Dec 17, 2017

I was working tonight, when a traveler nurse literally walked off the floor when she was asked to watch out for another nurse while she stepped away to pump. There were words exchanged and pretty much, the traveler absolutely hates (for whatever reason) nurses who pump at work. Doesn't make sense to me, but I'm wondering if anyone else has ever seen anything like that?

I don't think it's an uncommon resentment, although her reaction was probably more extreme than most. Some people may feel it's unfair because they don't get the same allotment of time for their own personal needs. In other cases, staff is already stretched so thin that any additional work becomes a major irritant. And some people just don't see it as important. Maybe they never did it for their own kids and they can't understand why others feel the need to.

allnurses Guide · Dec 17, 2017

I never had a problem, but that was more than 20 years ago..... I took less time to pump than the smokers did on their far more frequent breaks.

Scottishtape · Dec 17, 2017

I don't think it's an uncommon resentment, although her reaction was probably more extreme than most. Some people may feel it's unfair because they don't get the same allotment of time for their own personal needs. In other cases, staff is already stretched so thin that any additional work becomes a major irritant. And some people just don't see it as important. Maybe they never did it for their own kids and they can't understand why others feel the need to.

This. Plus, what irritates me, is the last time I covered for a nurse to go pump, she was gone for 50 minutes. Not cool.

I breastfed (and pumped) through 4 kids, so it's not like I don't understand the need, hence why I'm willing to help. But - if you (General) need to pump, be considerate of the nurse covering for you.

Been there,done that, ASN, RN · Dec 17, 2017

Traveler nurse should have realized that their are laws under Obama care that requires employers to allow women to pump breast milk while they are at work. The application of the law depends on the facility. I work in an office building, they changed our break room to a lactation room.

I was a traveler, this one should be canned.

GrumpyRN, NP · Dec 17, 2017

This is not a problem in UK, nurses can have up to 1 year off for maternity leave so the issue should never arise.

And yes, I am crowing just a bit. :whistling: :sarcastic: :cheeky: :roflmao:

cleback · Dec 17, 2017

That is unacceptable behavior on the travelers part.

I hated asking people to cover me while I pumped because I know people are already busy.

But seriously... Kids come first.

I hope her assignment is a short one.

BSNbeauty, BSN, RN · Dec 17, 2017

That traveler is wrong. Hopefully, she won't stay too long. I never have a problem covering for nurses to pump.

Ruas61, BSN, RN · Dec 17, 2017

Maybe there was other factors involved in the encounter.

Wuzzie · Dec 17, 2017

Not supporting the traveler's bad behavior but I'll admit to being irritated with a staff member that pumped every two hours for 30-45 minutes each session AND took her 30 minute lunch AND her two 15 minute breaks during her 10 hour shift. You do the math on that one.

LovingLife123 · Dec 17, 2017

The absolute only time it has ever bothered me was when a certain prn nurse would use the room where we all kept our belongings and would put the sign up that she was pumping so we couldn't enter and she did it all the time.

I totally get when breastfeeding you have to pump. But pumping for 40 minutes every 2 hours and occupying the room where I keep my drink and snacks is a little extreme. I wish our unit had a designated area. We do have a nice locker room that I feel could be used. And most pumping moms don't use that room, or go for as long. I never mind covering patients for a pumping mom.

I do mind people abusing it though and expecting the rest of us to be locked out from all of our stiff.