Working for the Rich Population?

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I'm wondering how it is to work for the affluent population??

Obesity is far less common among the affluent patients. Lifting is so much easier.

They tend to be non-smokers too, so that decreases the rate of complications.

I admitted a man who was a thin non-smoking, non-drinking vegetarian who ran for exercise daily' for a heart attack. When I got to the admissions form that had education for changing health habits, I couldn't think of much to mention.

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Specializes in Rehab, critical care.

Not every wealthy person is going to be a pain in the rear. Wealthy people are people, too, just as any other, and I've taken care of very down to earth, pleasant wealthy people, and very rude people that don't have money. A person's personality is not dictated by how much money he/she has, though I do see what you mean. There are those wealthy people on occasion that are elitist snobs, etc, but it's not an every day thing.

I live in a mixed area wealth wise, urban area, rich, poor, educated, not as educated, everything in between, so I take care of all population types. You probably will, too, as I'm sure that hospital takes patients from neighboring counties, as well. Don't worry about it. I've taken care of wealthy patients that you wouldn't even know they had money until they told you what they did for a living. Point being: just don't generalize, and you'll be better off.

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Specializes in med/surg.

I promise, their c-diff smells just like that of a patient with medicaid.

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I have been a staff nurse on a VIP/"special amenities" floor in a Big Shot urban hospital and on a floor which had two "special" rooms sectioned off for VIP patients bc that hospital did not have a dedicated floor. At the second hospital, I was often designated to the "VIP" patients. My understanding is that you're asking about a facility that is located amidst a wealthy population but I will give you my personal experience.

Lets start with the idea that rich people are more demanding and treat their caregivers like dirt. I did not find that the wealthy differed at ALL in the rate of patients who acted needy or rude. It may be presented differenty...but come on, you know there are plenty of regular patients who are plenty obnoxious. Except when it's coming from a rich person you think, "Oh, it's because they're rich."

If you're working on a VIP floor, these patients most of the time just have the expendable money to afford the luxury which they're accustomed to. It doesn't mean they expect anything else differently... they just are comforted to know that they're in a hospital room that looks a little more like home and they are satisfied with the perception that they will be cared for better there.

Especially at the first hospital, it was an honor to take care of some of the patients because they truly had impressive backgrounds... famous people in entertainment, philanthropists, business moguls, politicians, etc. Sometimes these people are very interesting to talk to.

If you're working at a hospital where a patient is designated "VIP" for whatever reason, I don't think it's demeaning to run your tail off for them. Sometimes that patient is VIP for a very good reason and that reason usually is money. I hear a lot of nurses resent the concept of customer care in nursing but it's a plain fact of business and healthcare IS a business, whether you like it or not. If your floor manager and/or dept manager has any decency, he/she won't leave you stranded and will assist to make that patient feel taken care of and so you're not overrun by demands.

Also, if they're rich enough, most of the time they'll also hire a private duty nurse.

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Sure, hospitals will probably have that new renovation done so nice building etc. that always helps the daily grind, but what is so smoke and mirrors is that the corporate ownership will skimp on medical supplies eg try to find a working cow or a cuff or wound care supplies, sometimes. The patient wouldn't know, other than, just that everybody was nice and they got good service while there. Totally about the money honey. The funny/strange part is that the CEOs of these big systems live here too. And, it's the rich screwing over the rich.

Esme, what is a hoot is the unseemly young rich and the ER stories you hear through the grapevine. Lots of substance abuse from the upstanding citizens (hush, hush). Also the kids of those parents with the same addictions who, remind staff of who their parents are (LOL).

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Specializes in Telemetry, Oncology, Progressive Care.

I don't notice a difference in how I'm treated. They can be just as grateful for the care you provide as someone who is poor. I do find the affluent/non poor are much more receptive to education and take a greater interest in what you are doing and why you are doing it. They are generally compliant with their care. I notice there are not as many frequent fliers compared to when I worked in a poor community.

ETA: There have been many times I have taken care of a millionaire and had no idea. I found out after the fact and was actually surprised. My hospital is somewhat of a mixed area but definitely more upper class.

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Specializes in Trauma, ER, ICU, CCU, PACU, GI, Cardiology, OR.

having experienced both sides of the coin if you will, i recall while working in ny at a well known plastic surgery clinic, a wealthy family member was admitted to the facility where i worked. pursuing this further, i was asked by the family since the pt. insisted that i were the one chosen to work as his private duty nurse, during his recovery. in addition, i accepted only with the condition that at the end of my assignment the hospital that i was presently working would honor me back to my position. having said that, one of several things that the well of patients like to do is showing off their valuable assets like properties, luxurious cars, jets, jewelry, and well known friends etc. i was exposed to all the above. furthermore, this wealthy pt. had an addiction to all narcotics and always got his way in convincing his doctors to supply his needs. consequently, since i declined to administer pain meds. that were uncalled for his condition, i decided to quit. evidently, short thereafter i heard he died of an overdose. therefore, the difference between the two worlds of rich patients and non wealthy pts. is that those who can afford the best in life squandered their wealth, in unnecessary items to make themselves more appealing to the general public. granted, its very nice to know that if you need anything money is no object to these type of pts. and some individuals will honor their every whim & desire. moreover, one of the pro when working for a wealthy pt. is the knowledge that one can acquire regarding their business transactions. on the other hand, i'm the type of nurse that when a pt. is classified as a vip, i don't treat them any different that my non-vip pts. in other words, they say "money talks and people walk", i say to each it's own...in conclusion, i have always said that "money is not everything, but it calms your nerves" wishing you the very best in all of your future endeavors... aloha~

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Oh, the withdrawal you will see! The worst part is that it sneaks up on you. How many self-respecting prominent folks will admit to downing 2 pints of whiskey on a preop eval? Not many. But I'll be damned if we didn't find out everytime at 2am when they're swinging from the rafters with 4 chest tubes hanging out of 'em, A-line on the floor, and telemetry wires chewed off.

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therefore, the difference between the two worlds of rich patients and non wealthy pts. is that those who can afford the best in life squandered their wealth, in unnecessary items to make themselves more appealing to the general public. granted, its very nice to know that if you need anything money is no object to these type of pts. and some individuals will honor their every wimp & desire. moreover, one of the pro when working for a wealthy pt. is the knowledge that one can acquire regarding their business transactions. on the other hand, i'm the type of nurse that when a pt. is classified as a vip, i don't treat them any different that my non-vip pts. in other words, they say "money talks and people walk", i say to each it's own...in conclusion, i have always said that "money is not everything, but it calms your nerves" wishing you the very best in all of your future endeavors... aloha~

i think you mean every "whim" and desire? i agree with you that i would not treat any patient differently simply because they are wealthy. i try to give all my patients the same excellent care.

i worked in a hospital which serviced both the wealthy and the less affluent. with only a very few exceptions, i couldn't tell which patients were which.

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Specializes in Critical Care, ED, Cath lab, CTPAC,Trauma.
Sure, hospitals will probably have that new renovation done so nice building etc. that always helps the daily grind, but what is so smoke and mirrors is that the corporate ownership will skimp on medical supplies eg try to find a working cow or a cuff or wound care supplies, sometimes. The patient wouldn't know, other than, just that everybody was nice and they got good service while there. Totally about the money honey. The funny/strange part is that the CEOs of these big systems live here too. And, it's the rich screwing over the rich.

Esme, what is a hoot is the unseemly young rich and the ER stories you hear through the grapevine. Lots of substance abuse from the upstanding citizens (hush, hush). Also the kids of those parents with the same addictions who, remind staff of who their parents are (LOL).

I had a lady detox from Prue vanilla extract (40% alcohol) all the while the family insisting she didn't drink. Grapevine? I worked at one after leaving Cook country hospital when I got married. I remember in orientation the CEO talking about their 16% medicare and 2% medicaid and 0.5% indigent population and thinking that the administration I just left would sell us into slavery for number like that....with a 47% uninsured population.

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Specializes in Trauma, ER, ICU, CCU, PACU, GI, Cardiology, OR.

one of my neighbor's son was admitted recently to a facility regarding addiction and they payed up the wazoo just to keep it hush,hush. needless to say, since they are a well known wealthy family and its their only child. having said that, according to a colleague of mine she said that he is addicted to "hand sanitizers" :uhoh3: one has to ask the question or ponder what's next addiction for the rich & famous going to be?

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she said that he is addicted to "hand sanitizers" :uhoh3:

hmmm......for what use? we're not allowed to have hand sanitizer in rooms for etoh detoxing because they have tried.....

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