How do you handle that situation. I work on a renal/med-surg floor and I have a patient with left flank pain. Her and her husband are frustrated as to why the doctors haven't found the cause for the pain. He is certain it is kidney stones. I'm attempting to explain to the husband that tests are being done to verify the exact cause for the pain to ensure the best treatment. The wife says: "She's just a nurse, she doesn't know anything about kidneys." Okay, this is my fourth night with the woman. She has been demanding, rude to everyone (including her husband). I just smile, look at her and say "Thank you for telling me what I do and do not know" The patient responds by crying out that her pain just got worse.
Have you heard this comment and if so, how do you respond, if at all?
Specializes in cardiac, ortho, med surg, oncology.
My own kids have actually told me that on occasion. So I tell them ok, we can go to the Dr and pay him to tell you the same thing. I've only had to do it once or twice when I was a newer nurse. Now sometimes I have to say "I'm not a Dr, better take you in".
I'd either say nothing or say, "I'll get you something for your pain."
She obviously wasn't ready or in need of hearing what you had to say regarding her tests or condition. What you did say to her and the way you said it was done for your sake to make you feel better and was not patient focused. She'll remember you for a long time and tell anyone who will listen about her encounter with you in the years to come.
I am a new nurse, so I guess I probably haven't been burned out by comments with regard to the nurse being 'just the nurse', but I think Daytonite put things in to perspective. It really isn't all about us when we are in the room with the pt and it isn't their fault that they have this mentality. Heck, I didn't even realize ALL that I was responsible for until I went through nursing school. The pt's are sick, scared, and out of their element. Bed side nursing is hard and I know there will be times when these comments will bother me, but for the most part I hope I am able to take them with a grain of salt.
Dont even bother to comment you are never going win in this kind of situation and if you try to change their minds they will report you to admin for an attitude problem. Just finish your interaction with a smile and leave the room-trust me your dignity will remain intact
Specializes in Community Health, Med-Surg, Home Health.
Hey, I have been told that I am 'just an LPN', and hearing it from them, what many are meaning is that LPNs are not nurses at all. Ah...I just blow it off, most of the time. Some patients can be so difficult, arrogant and ignorant. We deal with so much abuse that we can be offended at the gall of them, but can't take it personally.
One of our professors said something a couple of weeks ago that may just fit. People are in the hospital because they need nursing care. If they just needed to see their doctor, they could see them in the office.
So for those who think we are just nurses, please go home, call your doctor and make an appointment to see him in his office. The hospital is for people who needed nursing care as well as a doctor's care. When the doc's can't (or aren't) here for some reason, nurses are the ones who continue with your medical care, even when you and/or your family are rude. If you don't want nursing care, you are free to leave (AMA).
hmmm...sounds like I needed to vent a little:lol2:
I'd either say nothing or say, "I'll get you something for your pain."
She obviously wasn't ready or in need of hearing what you had to say regarding her tests or condition. What you did say to her and the way you said it was done for your sake to make you feel better and was not patient focused. She'll remember you for a long time and tell anyone who will listen about her encounter with you in the years to come.
I understand your point, but I think that this attitude is undermining the fact that nurses need to stand up and also be advocates for themselves! Instead, I would take this time to educate the patient. Does anyone else think it is important for the patient to know the roles of the people providing their care?
I have not been the recipient of the "Just a nurse" comment yet, but the other day I had a family member say the rudest thing.
When I went into the room, the family member asked me very bluntly what time the doctor was coming (this is one of my very favorite questions, second only to the immediate food request upon being admitted to the floor, when the patient hasn't even been assessed and is still lying amidst a pile of linens from the ED).
I said "Well, there is no way for me to know what time the doctor will come. I do not have access to that information. But, a doctor should come by something this evening to talk about the results of the test.".
As I turned to leave the room, the family member, in a low voice, snickered "The doctor "should" come by....".
I came thisclose to turning around and asking "Do you have a question for me?". But I didn't. I just don't have time for that crap. I had better uses for my time.
For one thing, I keep leaving my crystal ball at home. I know, someone should slap me for such an oversight.
For another, I never promise that the cardiologist will come for sure, because if there is an emergent case, then they may not be able to round on their patients for some time. That's why I use the word "should".
My response to that has always been, "I do not arrange the doctor's schedule. The doctors make their own schedule, and do not inform us of what it is. You can always call his office and speak to his/her receptionist, and see where the doctor is in his daily rounds". That usually shuts them up. JMHO and my NY $0.02.
Try being a CMA. I always get - " You're not even a nurse.What do you know?"
I try to be nice an say " No I am a CMA medical assistant. I have a certification and have been delegated to do this job by the doctor you are seeing and he trusts me to do this job." That usually does the trick.
Specializes in Community Health, Med-Surg, Home Health.
Bottom line is that all titles are basically blown off to the 'Almightly Gods' called doctors. Do you ever notice how the patient will come to us, insist that we page, call, stalk and harass the doctors, but when they get in there, they are humble is pie? They would rather pit YOU to receive the wrath, but not them, because they feel this will impact on their care. Unbelieveable.
them are fightin words
HonestRN
454 Posts
My own kids have actually told me that on occasion. So I tell them ok, we can go to the Dr and pay him to tell you the same thing. I've only had to do it once or twice when I was a newer nurse. Now sometimes I have to say "I'm not a Dr, better take you in".