As a nurse who has experienced abuse at every medical job I've had it makes me sad to see people basically telling you unto deal with it. Of course we think about how the patients must feel but we are people. People can only take so much.
Health care system has a problem. Whatever happened, it always firstly points at our license to let us shut up. I’m a nurse not a robot. I have feelings. I don’t get commission and tips for taking care of patients in order to provide the first-class services like an airline stewardess or a waitress, why the heck should I take their emotional junk? I had a patient who yelled at me in the hallway and everyone at nursing station can freaking hear that. After 10 seconds, I cannot hold myself anymore. I yelled back like “that’s enough, stop yelling at me!!!” Patient alert and very oriented, had history of using cocaine, post-op of hernia, he usually had F words in his talking. Whenever the doctors and I provided education, he always did the opposite because it doesn’t make sense to him. Pulling out foley, IV on his own. Instructing me to do my work as if he’s the experienced nurse and I’m not. Requesting narcotics for pain like eating candies, much earlier before the next due time, of course he’s addict. He wanted me to give it to him “on time” according to his own schedule not MAR in system. Whenever I went to the room to give meds and check CBGM, he’s always off unit and smoked outside. I had to give his meds so late. Trust me, he stayed outside much longer for smoking than he stayed in the room. Eventually, he came to me like “you’re playing games with me, you leave me in pain for 45 mins and Im gonna die. I’m gonna report you to the hospital and board of nursing.” I replied like “Go ahead and do whatever makes you happy.” I’d rather to have these ppl on code blue and perform CPR for an hour than dealing with them for the day. I was physically tired and had to deal with this shit to get mentally abused.
I work as a CNA in a nursing home and a couple of the residents who are fully alert and aware of their actions think it's ok to yell "hurry up" "you're so damn slow" etc. at me while I am literally wiping their rear ends...I just don't understand being rude to people who are trying to help.
Not being able to wipe your own rear end, can be a big blow to your ego. This is probably the way this patient copes with that, by squashing someone elses ego to elevate theirs. It's not an appropriate way by any means, but I get it. It's really not about you at all, so try not to let it squash you. But I know it's hard not to.
C- I believe you never worked in a healthcare related field, because only someone with no experience on a healthcare job would say something like that.
I came from the streets as a paramedic first so I have no issues telling someone to calm down and knock off their crap. As healthcare providers we deserve respect and there is no possible reason to let anyone abuse you at while on shift or any other time.
Exactly .I wish I was like you. I picked an area where I pick a patient after having an orientation .I can say me and the family are not compatible if that is the case .
@@serenesrn3827 I hope you're doing well! Sometimes people are just so miserable with themselves and their condition and it's hard to not take it personally. I hope you find time to relax!!! as I'm sure you're a very hard worker. Take care 🥰
I hate how patients think you are a servant and boss you around. They always tell me to bring them stuff like water, arrange their stuff and ring the buzzer every ten minutes.
I swear I almost quit yesterday.... I came home and just cried... I don't understand why people think it's okay to be rude and mean and so damn ugly towards us... And then it's like I'm the one who was wrong and is expected to bite my tongue.. If the patient is alert and oriented and perfectly capable to handle their emotions then in NO WAY will ANYONE yell and belittle me and I just simply allow it... I was so mad!! Thanks for this video I've seen it a few times... Your videos are always helpful
I have been in patient care over 10 years now. I work in radiology and I am almost done with school to do something else. Patients have made me absolutely hate my career. A lot of people have no idea how badly patients treat us. They give us very nasty attitudes when telling them they need to change before their scan , take piercings out , ask their surgical history etc , start their IVs. I have been told by patients that they don’t need to to over their past surgeries bc they were 20 years ago , they scream at us because they don’t want contrast etc. then they come into the room and demand things like it’s a 5 star resort. The hard part for me is holding my temper in. I can’t say anything back to these patients after they treat me like a piece of gum on the bottom of their shoe. I can’t wait to never deal with patients again.
I needed this today. Had a patient that thought we moved appts for her kids which we didn’t. She came out to the front freaking out about it. I hate the term ,”the customer is always right.” No sorry that is not true.
Seriously, rude patients make me regret choosing healthcare as a career..I just can't somedays, they think we're there to serve them or like we own them something.
Honestly, I think every job has their "rude customers/patients/people." People have bad days, some are just aren't pleasant in general, and in healthcare particularly, you're seeing people at their worst. They might not be the best to be around, but they're in pain or dealing with something serious and I think that's something we should all keep in mind when they're beginning to get on our nerves.
I'm sorry, but to people who think that just because you are in pain or whatever you can treat another person regardless if they are paid to care look after you disrespectfully, than you are mistaken. That person that you berate scream at, put down, verbally and /or physicality, abuse not only wipes your behind but may even be instrumental in saving your life. So show some respect, please. If you're not a nurse you will never understand.
I guess I'm the odd ball. I'm very respectful to the nurses. I always would thank them an be friendly. They are taking care of me and I appreciate it. The doctors on the other hand used to get me quite angry.
Thank you for posting this, Ashley! I am about to graduate from nursing school and I’m already done being passive to patients who scream “NUUUUURSE” every 30 minutes. I’m also gonna be working in the ICU, so this is great input. Thank you!
From Ben the RN-great video! Thanks for posting. I’ve experienced the same things, and I’ve told patients that their conduct is “unacceptable” or “inappropriate” and that “we need to talk with each other respectfully” or something along those lines. It can definitely be hard, but it gets easier with time.
I totally think it's appropriate for nurses and doctors to walk out of the room if a patient or family member is acting rude. Obviously not on patients with dementia. Can't help someone who wants to be help. Leave and help someone else.
TOTALLY understand this...this is also how I deal with those situations. People seem to think you are their PERSONAL MAID....they don't realize (and lots of times don't CARE) that you have 30+ patients to take care of aside from them. They also don't like that being pointed out to them, but sometimes it has to be done
I absolutely hate when they ask me where I'm from (I'm Asian) and ok I get that I don't look white but it's not even related to patient care asking me questions about where I'm from. I get so pissed off and makes me think of quitting nursing! Also very rude patient and complaining all the time feeling like he has a personal assistant. No way. This makes me so depressed. I did not study for this kind of nonesense... I'm still a new grad and already re thinking my career..
I feel for you man. At my unpaid internship required for graduation in my bachelor's and even the outpatient voluntary rehab program can invite in alot of inappropriate bad apples. this is my first experience in healthcare, I was a medic in the military so very different where soldiers were very much more appreciative
I know this video is 2 years old but this is so important! And helpful, even as a nurse of almost 5 years. One thing I try to do when meeting a patient for the first time is set those boundaries and give them a "rough" schedule for my shift -- "I am going to finish receiving report on my other 3 patients and then I will be back to assess you. Our goal for the shift is XYZ. Your meds are due between this and this time. The nursing assistant should be here between this and this time to get your vitals. If you need help in the mean time, use your call light and a staff member will assist you." For some patients, this is extremely helpful -- it immediately tells them that you have multiple patients and that someone intends to be back at an approximate, but not absolute, time; "your medications are due between 9 and 10" is very different from "your nighttime meds are due at 9." Subtle, but I've found it helps with some patients. It's also good to practice saying some of the responses you've mentioned aloud so when the situation arises, you aren't fumbling for words. Great videos!!
Dementia is a person's ONLY excuse for rudeness and nurses do need to be able to tell A&O patients and family members without fear of retaliation on their jobs.
Great video. I'm a nurse now but recently as a tech I had a patient that would yell out for the nurse and for me (their tech), other nurses passing in the hall, & would use their call light literally every minute for pain meds, juice, or just some company and it was very disruptive. I'm still a baby in the world of caregiving so I didn't have the heart to respectfully handle that situation, as you described in your example, but now that I'm starting my nursing career I know I'll have patients like that again. Thanks for a good example of how to handle this!
Marinah Lucio you've got this! I just completed my first semester. It's a lot all at once, but you'll get used to it all! things will start getting more comfortable!
After many years as a nurse, much abuse, even found weapons brought in to use on staff, illegal drugs and NO management support,,,,,,I quit. Changed professions. Now no one yells screams, threatens, shoots illegal drugs up Pic lines. Never going back. Never.
That is exactly as some patients treat nurses no matter what: as their waitress or a cleaning lady. We have also been advised to never say that we have other patients to take care of because, as they put it, "it doesn't make that particular patient feel as important". Management always sides with difficult patients, as far as my experience had been.
When I was in the hospital, I noticed the nurses were excessively hands-on, I had to push their hands away when I felt that was enough I have the right of refusal, and I told them to get out of the room and take their student with them, the nurses felt this was rude I really didn’t care what they think it’s my body
Patients must realize they have the right of refusal. If things aren’t going well with the nurse you can tell her to leave you alone you have that right.
I really liked the part where you handled the situation with professionalism and you informed the family that there is a better way to use the time. Thank you for the advice
So far, the only time I've had patients say abusive/inappropriate things are those who aren't in control. I like the idea of rehearsing these things before you need to say them. Getting information like this is exactly why I subscribe, so please... ramble on!
Lovely video!! Completely agree with being assertive with having more than 1 patient because some patients want you to themselves and not willing to share you 😁
I think it should be mandatory for people to work as a CNA for at least a year before they can enter nursing school. Because a lot of the time I think people don't know what they're getting themselves into and had they worked as a CNA most people would change their mind and get into a different career field. I think for a lot of girls going into nursing school just think it's about the $$ and just sitting at a nurses station looking cute in their scrubs .
Midwest Fam I agree! I got my CNA 2 years ago and it has opened doors for me. I now work as a tech at the hospital that I hope to work in some day. I've heard from my coworkers that the new hires they sometimes orient for change they're mind about nursing after seeing what we really deal with at the hospital. It's not all fun and games but if you're truly passionate about being a nurse, this is the environment for you. I know I love it despite dealing with some rude patients. We all know that the hospital setting isn't fun. The sweet patients remind me why I love the work that I do.
I disagree. I have my first BA degree in communications and never used it. I worked retail for years. I'd say that's plenty enough experience on dealing with rude people and a hard work ethic. My program is all people who have prior degrees and none of them are healthcare related. We are in it because we want to and definitely know what we are getting into.
I love your videos. I am working toward nursing school and I will be able to apply really soon and your videos always give me extra encouragement. Thank you so much!
Had a patient as an extern who cussed and sweared and wanted her respiratory medication which was not even in her medication profile. She ended up screaming tying her IV lines and trying to get the nurse fired. The charge nurse did seem to want to help except maybe she got the Med she wanted which calmed the patient down.
As an NP I give the patient ONE chance to correct themselves. The majority of my patients are alert and oriented outpatients on telemedicine (some in clinic). I’m not paid to nor did I ever agree to be verbally, emotionally, or physically abused while on the clock. Considering my father is a convicted felon with ASPD/NPD I have zero qualms with confrontation. Best advice I can give other HC workers is don’t react, lower your voice, talk slowly, and maintain eye contact. Patient safety matters but your safety does too.
I have same kind of story in my clinical. I am so glad that I told him hey! I am here to help you and no need to being rude so just tell me how can I help you?
YASSSS! I will use this. I work on a medsurg floor and they literally think they're at a hotel. I cannot. I had not even clocked in yet and a patient came walking up to nurses station with a gown on complaining about something I had no idea about.
Lol. I had the same exact situation with a pt. screaming bloody murder for a back massage. In a perfect world, after setting the boundary, they’d maybe feel guilt, apologize and not do it again...Instead, this pt. called me a “prima donna” and complained that they needed 24/7 1:1 care. 🤦🏻♀️ I work on Med-Surg floor. 6-7 pts per nurse ratio...
I gave birth to my children at hospitals .Nurses don't do any back massages ever for laboring mothers .Just say that straight .If I call a mover he gives a list of set things he will and will not do .That goes with every job .
Lol definitely cannot check on patients every "half an hour" on a med surg unit. I am lucky if I can see them once an hour. It is hard to manage patients expectations with certain patients. Appreciate this video and for you speaking out!
And it will end up becoming a shortage of Health Care If Some Of Them Rude Customers don't start acting right and treat Health Care Professionals with the respect and courtesy they deserve. I don't care who doesn't like it.
Hi Ashley, how do you respond to patient's families who may push for narcotics? I recently had a patients family who suggested their loved one had a headache and needed a percocet and ativan (although they were sleeping) and kept requesting.
Hi, Im not a nurse yet, but I think you may be able to say something along the lines of "the doctor or health care provider decides which medications are appropriate for the patient and their condition. I can speak to them and see if they offer any alternatives."
often humor goes a long way to counter any misbehavior of a hospital patient.Remember patients are often frightened and in pain and loney.Hospitals can be scary places where one feels a loss of control.Nursing takes much grace and genuine love for ppl who are not at their best.And it never should become "us versus them"
The reason why patients are rude because they are reacting to the nurses rudeness. I am sick of nurses playing the victim not all but a lot of them their tones of voices are rude, demeaning, and they speak as though they don’t give a crap about u and then they wonder why people get angry. Perhaps they should look at their own behaviour instead of crying victim all the time
At work today and this patient is. Just so rude to me today trying to belittle me I’m over it everyone’s like oh he’s having a bad day but he’s always rude to me and nice to the other girls
An unfortunately thats how you can tell a patient is getting better, when they start to become more demanding, and their attitude changes as time goes on... Sure, they have problems and bills, but the rude attitudes are uncalled for.
+Ashley Adkins, RN what did those people do after you stood up for yourself? did they give you more problems anyway, or act better? I am starting my journey to become a nurse, so I appreciate the reply :) and I may have a lot more questions for you! thanks, I love your videos. they're giving me a really good insight to being a nurse and I love them!
Yup - the "I do have other patients" usually works. But when they say "But I'm sicker than them or I need more help than they do" I'm like gurl bye!!! Just kidding :P
jvolstad that is extremely rude.. I understand you and feel sorry for what you have experienced but some patients have animalistic behavior whenever they are in the hospital and we just need to keep our mouth shut in order to avoid escalation or put them right in their place through proper channels..
@@ashleynave561 Oh yes! I have been an RN in a hospital and have had patients almost punch each over. It was a room with two male patients and the one wanted to take a nap and the other refused to turn his TV volume down. We had to move one of them to another room! Another time I again had two male patients in the same room and the twenty something year old daughter of the one patient was being loud and disruptive, the older daughter of the other patient kindly asked her to be quiet. Well the younger daughter got furious and the older daughter came up to me to see if the furious daughter could be asked to leave.
There was a confused, elderly lady that had a bowel movement and needed to be cleaned so I helped another nurse clean her. Well this lady was screaming, "leave me alone!" She was trying to scratch and spit at us. Luckily she had dry mouth so she didn't have much saliva. I put a surgical mask on her loosely so she couldn't spit at us until we were finished cleaning her. I felt so bad for her.
Nurses do like confrontation for some reason, I had one nurse call me a sissy, and I'm supposed to be calm, going to the administrator is a joke, tell the patient they understand, but nothing will said to the nurse,it's all a show, and doctors wonder why people refuse to go to the hospital for a necessary procedure............
There must be a reason why people are rude to nurses, did you ever think about it? there's a comfort zone that must be met, many men would feel more comfortable with more males in healthcare, hopefully someday nursing will be a downsized sport, right now all it is is bickering and complaining, BURN OUT is my favorite..............
You are a very beautiful and a very sexy nurse but there is a time and a place to do or say everything.but not while you are working and being professional taking care of your patients.some people are very disrespectful! I’m sorry that happens at times Mrs Adkins!
I posted a moment ago, but I’m rewriting for clarity. The thing is, patients are never in control. You may believe that you have enough information to evaluate your patients and perhaps you do. Now though, you are posting in a vlog about your recommendations for nurses to stand up for themselves. The problem with that is that I cannot evaluate you and whether or not you are qualified to recommend any course of action to another nurse. As far as I know, UA-cam cannot identify you as an expert. Even if you are, your examples are atypical and your handling of those situations is wrong. For instance you should never say to a frustrated family member that you cannot teach them to be a nurse nix hours. As far as I can tell you are a troll, riling up frustrated nurses who can’t wait to get back to the hospital and tell off their patients, or worse, convincing patients that the hospital is the last place they’ll get any understanding care. I encourage you to reconsider what you are doing. Your hospital, in fact, and you, could be at risk for a lawsuit just for what you’ve posted. But it seems like you should have thought of that
Been there on both sides. I have been an RN for over fourteen years and have had parents and other family members in ICU. I believe there is NO excuse for verbal abuse by or to anyone as long as you are alert and oriented. As a nurse I chose to help people and do so with passion. However I will not accept abuse of any kind from anyone who is in control of their behavior. I am a pushover and need to learn to assert myself more. My problem is I hate any type of confrontation. If someone is standing in front of myself, cursing in my face I try to calm them down. If that doesn't work I say in a calm voice, "Excuse me" and walk away. That usually works. In extreme circumstances I have had to call security but I do that as a last resort as that can escalate the situation.
Yes being a nurse and working in healthcare is a chosen profession but they are human beings that are helping you that does not deserve be talked down too and treated like a servant! Would you wanna deal with that? I had one patient that went off on me because he was in the wrong department and I gave him directions! The level of disrespect at my hospital has gotten so bad that management put up signs stating verbal abuse is not tolerated at any kind from PATIENTS, VISITORS OR STAFF.
As a nurse who has experienced abuse at every medical job I've had it makes me sad to see people basically telling you unto deal with it. Of course we think about how the patients must feel but we are people. People can only take so much.
There are so many fields in nursing where u can pick your patients .
Health care system has a problem. Whatever happened, it always firstly points at our license to let us shut up. I’m a nurse not a robot. I have feelings. I don’t get commission and tips for taking care of patients in order to provide the first-class services like an airline stewardess or a waitress, why the heck should I take their emotional junk? I had a patient who yelled at me in the hallway and everyone at nursing station can freaking hear that. After 10 seconds, I cannot hold myself anymore. I yelled back like “that’s enough, stop yelling at me!!!” Patient alert and very oriented, had history of using cocaine, post-op of hernia, he usually had F words in his talking. Whenever the doctors and I provided education, he always did the opposite because it doesn’t make sense to him. Pulling out foley, IV on his own. Instructing me to do my work as if he’s the experienced nurse and I’m not. Requesting narcotics for pain like eating candies, much earlier before the next due time, of course he’s addict. He wanted me to give it to him “on time” according to his own schedule not MAR in system. Whenever I went to the room to give meds and check CBGM, he’s always off unit and smoked outside. I had to give his meds so late. Trust me, he stayed outside much longer for smoking than he stayed in the room. Eventually, he came to me like “you’re playing games with me, you leave me in pain for 45 mins and Im gonna die. I’m gonna report you to the hospital and board of nursing.” I replied like “Go ahead and do whatever makes you happy.” I’d rather to have these ppl on code blue and perform CPR for an hour than dealing with them for the day. I was physically tired and had to deal with this shit to get mentally abused.
The standing up for myself is going to be the hard part for me as a new grad.
I work as a CNA in a nursing home and a couple of the residents who are fully alert and aware of their actions think it's ok to yell "hurry up" "you're so damn slow" etc. at me while I am literally wiping their rear ends...I just don't understand being rude to people who are trying to help.
Because that's your job , you are not doing it for free though . So hurry up servant .
Morgan White very frustrating!!!
People just express their thoughts . The last thing they want to worry about is whether nurse is happy or satisfied .They don't owe you anything .
Not being able to wipe your own rear end, can be a big blow to your ego. This is probably the way this patient copes with that, by squashing someone elses ego to elevate theirs. It's not an appropriate way by any means, but I get it. It's really not about you at all, so try not to let it squash you. But I know it's hard not to.
C- I believe you never worked in a healthcare related field, because only someone with no experience on a healthcare job would say something like that.
I came from the streets as a paramedic first so I have no issues telling someone to calm down and knock off their crap. As healthcare providers we deserve respect and there is no possible reason to let anyone abuse you at while on shift or any other time.
Exactly .I wish I was like you. I picked an area where I pick a patient after having an orientation .I can say me and the family are not compatible if that is the case .
@@serenesrn3827 I hope you're doing well! Sometimes people are just so miserable with themselves and their condition and it's hard to not take it personally. I hope you find time to relax!!! as I'm sure you're a very hard worker. Take care 🥰
@@brianna094 my work is not that hard .I didn't work for about 3 years .Just starting to work again .
I hate how patients think you are a servant and boss you around. They always tell me to bring them stuff like water, arrange their stuff and ring the buzzer every ten minutes.
Anything not stated as your job responsibility while hiring refuse to do ,tell your company and maybe work in an area where you pick your patients .
I swear I almost quit yesterday.... I came home and just cried... I don't understand why people think it's okay to be rude and mean and so damn ugly towards us... And then it's like I'm the one who was wrong and is expected to bite my tongue.. If the patient is alert and oriented and perfectly capable to handle their emotions then in NO WAY will ANYONE yell and belittle me and I just simply allow it... I was so mad!! Thanks for this video I've seen it a few times... Your videos are always helpful
What about nurses and staff that are rude and condescending to patients? Maybe that is why they get rude to the staff when they are treated badly.
I have been in patient care over 10 years now. I work in radiology and I am almost done with school to do something else. Patients have made me absolutely hate my career. A lot of people have no idea how badly patients treat us. They give us very nasty attitudes when telling them they need to change before their scan , take piercings out , ask their surgical history etc , start their IVs. I have been told by patients that they don’t need to to over their past surgeries bc they were 20 years ago , they scream at us because they don’t want contrast etc. then they come into the room and demand things like it’s a 5 star resort. The hard part for me is holding my temper in. I can’t say anything back to these patients after they treat me like a piece of gum on the bottom of their shoe. I can’t wait to never deal with patients again.
I needed this today. Had a patient that thought we moved appts for her kids which we didn’t. She came out to the front freaking out about it. I hate the term ,”the customer is always right.” No sorry that is not true.
That is an old saying .Now the companies cannot put their employees in any condition they don't feel safe working in .
I agree I hate that quote
Exactly!
I think that patients and family members need to be held responsible for thier actions.
Seriously, rude patients make me regret choosing healthcare as a career..I just can't somedays, they think we're there to serve them or like we own them something.
You are there to serve them lol
Honestly, I think every job has their "rude customers/patients/people." People have bad days, some are just aren't pleasant in general, and in healthcare particularly, you're seeing people at their worst. They might not be the best to be around, but they're in pain or dealing with something serious and I think that's something we should all keep in mind when they're beginning to get on our nerves.
Abby Hernandez They are your employers. You work for them.
I'm sorry, but to people who think that just because you are in pain or whatever you can treat another person regardless if they are paid to care look after you disrespectfully, than you are mistaken. That person that you berate scream at, put down, verbally and /or physicality, abuse not only wipes your behind but may even be instrumental in saving your life. So show some respect, please. If you're not a nurse you will never understand.
Your in the wrong job, with that attitude you should move on........
I guess I'm the odd ball. I'm very respectful to the nurses. I always would thank them an be friendly. They are taking care of me and I appreciate it. The doctors on the other hand used to get me quite angry.
Rude patients probably 20% of what we get 30% familys. So most patients are reasonable
Thank you for posting this, Ashley! I am about to graduate from nursing school and I’m already done being passive to patients who scream “NUUUUURSE” every 30 minutes. I’m also gonna be working in the ICU, so this is great input. Thank you!
From Ben the RN-great video! Thanks for posting. I’ve experienced the same things, and I’ve told patients that their conduct is “unacceptable” or “inappropriate” and that “we need to talk with each other respectfully” or something along those lines. It can definitely be hard, but it gets easier with time.
I totally think it's appropriate for nurses and doctors to walk out of the room if a patient or family member is acting rude. Obviously not on patients with dementia. Can't help someone who wants to be help. Leave and help someone else.
TOTALLY understand this...this is also how I deal with those situations. People seem to think you are their PERSONAL MAID....they don't realize (and lots of times don't CARE) that you have 30+ patients to take care of aside from them. They also don't like that being pointed out to them, but sometimes it has to be done
Thank you for this video. I am still in school for Nursing, but I wouldnt know how to stand up for myself at least in the beginning.
CarolMommy2 you'll get there!!!
I absolutely hate when they ask me where I'm from (I'm Asian) and ok I get that I don't look white but it's not even related to patient care asking me questions about where I'm from. I get so pissed off and makes me think of quitting nursing! Also very rude patient and complaining all the time feeling like he has a personal assistant. No way. This makes me so depressed. I did not study for this kind of nonesense... I'm still a new grad and already re thinking my career..
I feel for you man. At my unpaid internship required for graduation in my bachelor's and even the outpatient voluntary rehab program can invite in alot of inappropriate bad apples. this is my first experience in healthcare, I was a medic in the military so very different where soldiers were very much more appreciative
People need to stop thinking nurses are waitress, these are skilled, educated, talented, caring people !
Thank you I love the service aspect but some folks are just flat out DEMANDING and run the healthcare workers dry. It’s ridiculous
I know this video is 2 years old but this is so important! And helpful, even as a nurse of almost 5 years. One thing I try to do when meeting a patient for the first time is set those boundaries and give them a "rough" schedule for my shift -- "I am going to finish receiving report on my other 3 patients and then I will be back to assess you. Our goal for the shift is XYZ. Your meds are due between this and this time. The nursing assistant should be here between this and this time to get your vitals. If you need help in the mean time, use your call light and a staff member will assist you." For some patients, this is extremely helpful -- it immediately tells them that you have multiple patients and that someone intends to be back at an approximate, but not absolute, time; "your medications are due between 9 and 10" is very different from "your nighttime meds are due at 9." Subtle, but I've found it helps with some patients. It's also good to practice saying some of the responses you've mentioned aloud so when the situation arises, you aren't fumbling for words. Great videos!!
I feel you did a good job telling the patient what you did because people can be very rude.
you delete your own comments ?>
I like how you worded that without being rude. But, being exact! 👍🏽
I feel like being a petit young lady get me more abuse than normally sized staff... Which i have no control over.
Dementia is a person's ONLY excuse for rudeness and nurses do need to be able to tell A&O patients and family members without fear of retaliation on their jobs.
Great video. I'm a nurse now but recently as a tech I had a patient that would yell out for the nurse and for me (their tech), other nurses passing in the hall, & would use their call light literally every minute for pain meds, juice, or just some company and it was very disruptive. I'm still a baby in the world of caregiving so I didn't have the heart to respectfully handle that situation, as you described in your example, but now that I'm starting my nursing career I know I'll have patients like that again. Thanks for a good example of how to handle this!
Great video! I think this is probably going to be one of my biggest issues entering nursing school.
Marinah Lucio you've got this! I just completed my first semester. It's a lot all at once, but you'll get used to it all! things will start getting more comfortable!
Haley Ann, Student Nurse thank you for this advice! I've been checking out your channel & I subbed 💗 I love nurse channels!
Marinah Lucio Are you in Nursing school already?
William James no I start the 21st
Marinah Lucio Alright, best of luck. I am currently taking Nursing pre-requisutes.
After many years as a nurse, much abuse, even found weapons brought in to use on staff, illegal drugs and NO management support,,,,,,I quit. Changed professions. Now no one yells screams, threatens, shoots illegal drugs up Pic lines. Never going back. Never.
I always thought that with me being a nurse I would be super respected and valued and that is so not the case
I once had a patient, who had a stroke and was paralyzed, curse at me with every word in the book. I blew it off.
jvolstad i think that’s why she specified if they are in control of their actions/words and are alert and oriented :)
That is exactly as some patients treat nurses no matter what: as their waitress or a cleaning lady. We have also been advised to never say that we have other patients to take care of because, as they put it, "it doesn't make that particular patient feel as important". Management always sides with difficult patients, as far as my experience had been.
When I was in the hospital, I noticed the nurses were excessively hands-on, I had to push their hands away when I felt that was enough I have the right of refusal, and I told them to get out of the room and take their student with them, the nurses felt this was rude I really didn’t care what they think it’s my body
Patients must realize they have the right of refusal. If things aren’t going well with the nurse you can tell her to leave you alone you have that right.
I really liked the part where you handled the situation with professionalism and you informed the family that there is a better way to use the time. Thank you for the advice
So far, the only time I've had patients say abusive/inappropriate things are those who aren't in control. I like the idea of rehearsing these things before you need to say them.
Getting information like this is exactly why I subscribe, so please... ramble on!
Lovely video!! Completely agree with being assertive with having more than 1 patient because some patients want you to themselves and not willing to share you 😁
I think it should be mandatory for people to work as a CNA for at least a year before they can enter nursing school. Because a lot of the time I think people don't know what they're getting themselves into and had they worked as a CNA most people would change their mind and get into a different career field. I think for a lot of girls going into nursing school just think it's about the $$ and just sitting at a nurses station looking cute in their scrubs .
Midwest Fam being a CNA beforehand definitely helps!
Midwest Fam I agree! I got my CNA 2 years ago and it has opened doors for me. I now work as a tech at the hospital that I hope to work in some day. I've heard from my coworkers that the new hires they sometimes orient for change they're mind about nursing after seeing what we really deal with at the hospital. It's not all fun and games but if you're truly passionate about being a nurse, this is the environment for you. I know I love it despite dealing with some rude patients. We all know that the hospital setting isn't fun. The sweet patients remind me why I love the work that I do.
Midwest Fam What does CNA stand for?
Midwest Fam agreeded 100 percent
I disagree. I have my first BA degree in communications and never used it. I worked retail for years. I'd say that's plenty enough experience on dealing with rude people and a hard work ethic. My program is all people who have prior degrees and none of them are healthcare related. We are in it because we want to and definitely know what we are getting into.
I love your videos. I am working toward nursing school and I will be able to apply really soon and your videos always give me extra encouragement. Thank you so much!
Jr Sullivan you'll do great!!!
You made some really good suggestions and no! your not rambling. Thumbs up
Nurses are some of the sweetest people ,
Had a patient as an extern who cussed and sweared and wanted her respiratory medication which was not even in her medication profile. She ended up screaming tying her IV lines and trying to get the nurse fired. The charge nurse did seem to want to help except maybe she got the Med she wanted which calmed the patient down.
Responding to a call button is just a joke, if the nurse doesn’t like you, she doesn’t respond.
As an NP I give the patient ONE chance to correct themselves. The majority of my patients are alert and oriented outpatients on telemedicine (some in clinic). I’m not paid to nor did I ever agree to be verbally, emotionally, or physically abused while on the clock. Considering my father is a convicted felon with ASPD/NPD I have zero qualms with confrontation. Best advice I can give other HC workers is don’t react, lower your voice, talk slowly, and maintain eye contact. Patient safety matters but your safety does too.
I totally agree with you!!
Thanks for sharing.. in nursing school... This will really help me in the future!! ☺️☺️☺️
LaDana Moore you've got this!
Haley Ann, Student Nurse thanks ☺️☺️☺️
I have same kind of story in my clinical. I am so glad that I told him hey! I am here to help you and no need to being rude so just tell me how can I help you?
My home care client always insult people when we go out. It's so frustrating
Thanks for talking about this Ashley :)
That's when us security guards come to play
Very good points I will try and remember these points as I look after difficult rude demanding and disrespectful patients.
YASSSS! I will use this. I work on a medsurg floor and they literally think they're at a hotel. I cannot. I had not even clocked in yet and a patient came walking up to nurses station with a gown on complaining about something I had no idea about.
Thanks Ashley I really needed this :)
Do you have any specific advice on how to talk to rude patients? Like, what you could actually say?
Lol. I had the same exact situation with a pt. screaming bloody murder for a back massage. In a perfect world, after setting the boundary, they’d maybe feel guilt, apologize and not do it again...Instead, this pt. called me a “prima donna” and complained that they needed 24/7 1:1 care. 🤦🏻♀️ I work on Med-Surg floor. 6-7 pts per nurse ratio...
I gave birth to my children at hospitals .Nurses don't do any back massages ever for laboring mothers .Just say that straight .If I call a mover he gives a list of set things he will and will not do .That goes with every job .
Lol definitely cannot check on patients every "half an hour" on a med surg unit. I am lucky if I can see them once an hour. It is hard to manage patients expectations with certain patients. Appreciate this video and for you speaking out!
You would think they'd want to be nice to the staff responsible for their health.
Can you do a video about scrubs in hot weather? What are some tricks you've picked up, because we obviously can't be sweating at work.
And it will end up becoming a shortage of Health Care If Some Of Them Rude Customers don't start acting right and treat Health Care Professionals with the respect and courtesy they deserve. I don't care who doesn't like it.
I think you did a good job with this video ! Thank you for the help
I learned 1 thing from my stay in the Icu never mess with the Leeds I lost my hearing for about 5 minutes. There's no sneaking out of the Icu.
Hi Ashley, how do you respond to patient's families who may push for narcotics? I recently had a patients family who suggested their loved one had a headache and needed a percocet and ativan (although they were sleeping) and kept requesting.
Hi, Im not a nurse yet, but I think you may be able to say something along the lines of "the doctor or health care provider decides which medications are appropriate for the patient and their condition. I can speak to them and see if they offer any alternatives."
often humor goes a long way to counter any misbehavior of a hospital patient.Remember patients are often frightened and in pain and loney.Hospitals can be scary places where one feels a loss of control.Nursing takes much grace and genuine love for ppl who are not at their best.And it never should become "us versus them"
The reason why patients are rude because they are reacting to the nurses rudeness. I am sick of nurses playing the victim not all but a lot of them their tones of voices are rude, demeaning, and they speak as though they don’t give a crap about u and then they wonder why people get angry. Perhaps they should look at their own behaviour instead of crying victim all the time
I agree 100%
Great Video.
I’m thinking of being an acute dialysis nurse. It is basically one on one and I believe a little less stressful.
At work today and this patient is. Just so rude to me today trying to belittle me I’m over it everyone’s like oh he’s having a bad day but he’s always rude to me and nice to the other girls
Absolutely agree. I'm still working on toooooo.
Great video!! Very helpful!
I love the way you speak and think~!!!
Some patients are extremely mean and disrespectful to cnas they think we are their slaves and that they are doing us a favor.
An unfortunately thats how you can tell a patient is getting better, when they start to become more demanding, and their attitude changes as time goes on... Sure, they have problems and bills, but the rude attitudes are uncalled for.
You did not ramble. We all feel that way
+Ashley Adkins, RN
what did those people do after you stood up for yourself? did they give you more problems anyway, or act better? I am starting my journey to become a nurse, so I appreciate the reply :)
and I may have a lot more questions for you! thanks, I love your videos. they're giving me a really good insight to being a nurse and I love them!
Very helpful video!!!
Excellent! Well stated.
same here in germany!
Yup - the "I do have other patients" usually works. But when they say "But I'm sicker than them or I need more help than they do" I'm like gurl bye!!!
Just kidding :P
Great Video ♡
Well said.
Nursing homes suck ...my dad never wanted to go in one and he never did...
Thank you so much for this. I agree this will be something pretty difficult for me. I'm quite a pushover.
What about patients rude to other patients not just to nurses, and doctors?
Are there ever any patients who are rude to other patients?
Disruptable?
How should patients handle rude medical staff though? Just curious. 🤔
great video!
Do you do video requests?
Ever have a patient spit at you?
jvolstad that is extremely rude.. I understand you and feel sorry for what you have experienced but some patients have animalistic behavior whenever they are in the hospital and we just need to keep our mouth shut in order to avoid escalation or put them right in their place through proper channels..
That's rude. I ever wonder if there are patients who are rude, and cause trouble towards to other patients?
@@ashleynave561 Oh yes! I have been an RN in a hospital and have had patients almost punch each over. It was a room with two male patients and the one wanted to take a nap and the other refused to turn his TV volume down. We had to move one of them to another room! Another time I again had two male patients in the same room and the twenty something year old daughter of the one patient was being loud and disruptive, the older daughter of the other patient kindly asked her to be quiet. Well the younger daughter got furious and the older daughter came up to me to see if the furious daughter could be asked to leave.
There was a confused, elderly lady that had a bowel movement and needed to be cleaned so I helped another nurse clean her. Well this lady was screaming, "leave me alone!" She was trying to scratch and spit at us. Luckily she had dry mouth so she didn't have much saliva. I put a surgical mask on her loosely so she couldn't spit at us until we were finished cleaning her. I felt so bad for her.
Nurses do like confrontation for some reason, I had one nurse call me a sissy, and I'm supposed to be calm, going to the administrator is a joke, tell the patient they understand, but nothing will said to the nurse,it's all a show, and doctors wonder why people refuse to go to the hospital for a necessary procedure............
There must be a reason why people are rude to nurses, did you ever think about it? there's a comfort zone that must be met, many men would feel more comfortable with more males in healthcare, hopefully someday nursing will be a downsized sport, right now all it is is bickering and complaining, BURN OUT is my favorite..............
You are a very beautiful and a very sexy nurse but there is a time and a place to do or say everything.but not while you are working and being professional taking care of your patients.some people are very disrespectful! I’m sorry that happens at times Mrs Adkins!
what type of nurse are you?
Lucero P. Santiago she’s an ICU nurse :)
I don’t that rude at all icu nurses have a tough job they can have like 4 paitents at once
👍
Good videos, but you should edit that apostrophe out of the title.
I posted a moment ago, but I’m rewriting for clarity.
The thing is, patients are never in control. You may believe that you have enough information to evaluate your patients and perhaps you do. Now though, you are posting in a vlog about your recommendations for nurses to stand up for themselves. The problem with that is that I cannot evaluate you and whether or not you are qualified to recommend any course of action to another nurse. As far as I know, UA-cam cannot identify you as an expert. Even if you are, your examples are atypical and your handling of those situations is wrong. For instance you should never say to a frustrated family member that you cannot teach them to be a nurse nix hours. As far as I can tell you are a troll, riling up frustrated nurses who can’t wait to get back to the hospital and tell off their patients, or worse, convincing patients that the hospital is the last place they’ll get any understanding care. I encourage you to reconsider what you are doing. Your hospital, in fact, and you, could be at risk for a lawsuit just for what you’ve posted. But it seems like you should have thought of that
Just wait until you have a child or parent in ICU and then talk to me about boundaries. You need to not take back to patients or their families.
Been there on both sides. I have been an RN for over fourteen years and have had parents and other family members in ICU. I believe there is NO excuse for verbal abuse by or to anyone as long as you are alert and oriented. As a nurse I chose to help people and do so with passion. However I will not accept abuse of any kind from anyone who is in control of their behavior. I am a pushover and need to learn to assert myself more. My problem is I hate any type of confrontation. If someone is standing in front of myself, cursing in my face I try to calm them down. If that doesn't work I say in a calm voice, "Excuse me" and walk away. That usually works. In extreme circumstances I have had to call security but I do that as a last resort as that can escalate the situation.
Chosen profession, all I hear from nurses is complaints, deal with it............
Yes being a nurse and working in healthcare is a chosen profession but they are human beings that are helping you that does not deserve be talked down too and treated like a servant! Would you wanna deal with that? I had one patient that went off on me because he was in the wrong department and I gave him directions! The level of disrespect at my hospital has gotten so bad that management put up signs stating verbal abuse is not tolerated at any kind from PATIENTS, VISITORS OR STAFF.
You're offended because you are an arseh*le to nurses
Please stop smacking your lips!
Maybe know your place and do your job , without talking back about how important your job is ;)
go crawl under a rock, you are what is wrong with the world
why ?
Ouch! I hope you find peace and happiness in your life.
like literally , watafak are we talkin baut
C- and what place is that according to you? That of a respected healthcare professional or a underappreciated healthcare professional?