So tired of crazy family members

14 years ago

I got a new patient this afternoon, walked in and recognized the patient and his wife. Well, I said so and she started ranting about me not taking care of her husband the last time he was here, how he almost died and I didn't take his vital signs all day, blah, blah, blah.

Ok, so I don't remember any of that but now I REALLY do remember HER. She is a crazy B_____! I told her I would get another nurse to take care of her husband and walked out. I swapped with another nurse and told the charge nurse what was going on. Turns out he was fine the last time I had him and I picked him up at 4 pm from another nurse who went home on her 8 hour day. I only had him for 4 hours! Charge nurse investigated and told me after the wife complained to the nursing office downstairs and they called the charge nurse about me. He didn't have any issues until the next morning when he was NOT my patient.

I'm glad she flipped out on me because now I have a reason to not take him as a patient and so don't have to deal with HER. Feel bad for everyone else, though.

Had a busy day, didn't take any full breaks and still have to deal with crap like that. I'm so glad I only have 7 more years before I can retire-lol!

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Comments (19)

terilyn
14 years ago
So sorry you have to deal with this. Thanks for what you do!
marie_ndcal
14 years ago
Curious are you talking about a hospital location, or nursing home or? Without giving out privilege information regarding where you work..
It is sad that people act like this to the people who are doing their best. Last time I was in the hospital there was a man (I think) that really was giving everyone a very bad time--yelling, etc and finally the Dr. gave him something to calm him down for awhile. He also talked about sending him somewhere else --not sure why or where.
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That's her, drama queen. The other thing about her is she acts almost bi-polar. I don't mean to make light of a real issue, but she goes from bubbly to vicious. She can be verbally abusive to people. I guess that isn't bi-polar more like emotionally unstable. Gayle - a few of us tried the sit-down last year and in the middle of it realized we were getting nowhere. She instantly puts everything off onto other people. She has for years been the person that we all said "Yea she drives you crazy, but you can't help but like her." I don't really know how to describe it, but she started to do and say things to me and a few of our other friends that made some of us take a step back. Susan - That's really how it's been for a while now, but it sure isn't easy to maintain that smile. I can honestly say that I haven't once played into her hand by stooping to her level, but it hasn't been easy. That is why I wrote today. I really need to vent and say a few things that weren't nice. I can't talk about her to people I know because they all know her. If I do that then I am just talking behind her back the same way she is. UGH! All of a sudden I feel like I am back in Jr. High. Thanks for your support and allowing me to blow off some steam. :o)
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carol_in_california
14 years ago
Kath, I remember those days and am so glad to be retired.
I quit hospital nursing and went into office nursing way back when doctors hired RN's......much less stress.
But still glad I have been retired 13 or so years.
I am glad you were able to change patients.
Toni S
14 years ago
I know what your talking about Kathleen. I remember a few crazies in my days as a nurse. You can leave them, can't deal with them, can't put them out of their misery. And I'm talking about family members. Didn't happen to often thank goodness. No matter what, they were never happy. I'd leave at the end of the day thinking what a horrible life they must lead, oh and I had some really detailed notes that day.
I've decided to leave out most of my thoughts here. I'll just say I don't miss my hospital days much.
The 12 hour shifts, the 10 min lunch, not to mention gooey body fluids. lol, I have to admit being on the floor did burn calories and kept my brain sharp!
kacram
14 years ago
Marie, it's the Veteran hospital
gemini40
14 years ago
You who work in the nursing profession are a special bunch.When my mother was in a nursing home some years ago ,I always thanked the wonderful job they did helping her get through the day.
I can't imagine dealing with unappreciative family members on top of everything else. Thanks for what you do.

June
arkansas girl
14 years ago
This is one of the many MANY reasons I just could never be a nurse! Nurses have to be cut from a special mold! I hope your last 7 years are uneventful!
heather_on
14 years ago
I've had my life threatened as a nurse. Whoever would have thought you would run into trouble working with babies but some of the parents could be violent when they got bad news. Nurses were easy targets for anger and frustration.
jannie
14 years ago
Every nurse I've ever encountered has been a Saint, as far as I'm concerned. After my recent kidney transplant, the nurses on the Surgical Recovery Floor were super sweet and took great care of me. The only problem I had was with an aide. The doctor told me to get up and walk as much as possible, it was the best way to heal and get home. I still had the catheter in me and I neded a pole and an aide to walk with me. Well, this particular aide, every time I wanted to walk, she'd say "I'm too busy." Over and over I'd ask her but she had no time for me. I finally talked to a nurse about her. The nurse told me "I know she's cranky. She has problems at home." Well, when you come to work you should leave your problems outside. But I never made a formal complaint about her. My daughter saw what was going on and said I should say something about her. Like I said, I did nothing. I didn't want to get her fired or anything.
sleeperblues
14 years ago
If you don't complain, Jannie, the problem will continue. It's not too late, hospitals are very concerned with patient satisfaction these days. They should have their patient satisfaction scores displayed throughout the hospital. Walking after a big surgery is very important for your healing. Not only does it promote blood flow and healing, it prevents emboli and atelectasis (lung issues).

Kath, I feel your pain. Best to avoid the situation if at all possible. Sometimes patients and their families are irrational when they are sick and worried.
socks
14 years ago
Sometimes people are mad about other things, terribly worried about loved ones, and they are looking for something-someone on which to take out their anger. Nurses are a handy target. I'm so sorry you endured this horrible situation. Just remember all the patients who deeply appreciate your hard work and professional care.
patti43
14 years ago
Kath, I just don't understand how anyone could be rude to any VA employee. I'm so grateful for the great care Harry gets at our VA. I truly believe he wouldn't be here today without the outstanding care he receives there. Some patients don't even have to pay a dime for the care or their meds. We do, but it's nominal considering what it would cost anyplace else. I'm so, so very grateful for you nurses, doctors and PA's.

Harry's been in and out of the hospital (not lately, knock on wood) and I try to take time to make the nurses a batch of cookies when I go visit him.

Sure hate it that you were treated so rudely--and for no reason!
Kathsgrdn
Original Author
14 years ago
Thanks, everyone. Had a great bunch of patients today and wonderful family members. ( : Plus, I got to go home on my 8 hour day.
lindie_mi
14 years ago
My husband is also a disabled vet. Thanks many times over for the VA, the doctors and nurses, and all the personnel!
scraphappy
14 years ago
Oh, SO glad I'm retired - don't miss the 12-hour shifts, the night shifts, the missed holidays with my family, being "on call" in the middle of the night, the 10-minute meal breaks (as someone mentioned), the stress, etc. Worked the "baby floor" which many considered such a "happy place to work in the hospital". Not always....
- - veteran of 25+ years of hospital staff work (RN).
drewsmaga
14 years ago
I "retired" from nursing when our 2nd child was 15 months old. It is an extremely stressful occupation and I chose being Mommy over living that way of life. I have always missed the mental stimulation and the exhiaration from being the person who made the call and saved a life. Never missed the physical, emotional, spiritual exhaustion.
sleeperblues
14 years ago
I think it's a great profession. Can't believe I graduated from nursing school in 1984!! I remember when the interns were older than me, now they look like high school freshmen. I absolutely love my job, look forward to everyday, and have no plans to retire. I think it is all in the area you choose to work. There are so many different things you can do with nursing, and not all involve patient care. I think it is a great profession that I am proud to say I am a part of.
maybee_gw
14 years ago
Just don't call me honey, hon, sweet cakes, pumpkin, etc. I find this condescending, demeaning and inappropriate...whether a nurse, an aide, or in any other line of work. I have a name, and if you don't know it, don't call me "anything". Now...there's my rant for the day :o)
Kathsgrdn
Original Author
14 years ago
Maybee, I hate when other nurses do that too. I've also seen nurses pat old men on the head while calling them baby, really annoys me to no end. I can't even bring myself to call a 70 or 80 year old by their first name when they ask me to. I always end up saying "Mr. whatever". It's habit and I just feel awkward using their first names.

So tired of crazy family members

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So tired of crazy family members

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