I had a run in of the unpleasant kind with a patient's family member at work. Without getting into all the gory details, lets just say that a) this particular set of people is not unknown to us, and b) this guy came at me with claws out and foul mouth in overdrive the second he walked onto the unit. The very first words I exchanged with him were defensive ones on my own behalf.
A few minutes later the discussion was over. I wouldn't exactly say I won, but I sure as hell didn't lose either. It was a draw in that a) I was still standing and b) his sorry butt hadn't been hauled out of the building. I was describing the scene to the doc I was working with, and even though I was trying to make it funny, I know I still had a little tremble in my voice. I don't like conflict, especially when it's directed loudly and abusively toward me. On the other hand, if you can't stand the heat stay out of the kitchen, and the ER can be one hot kitchen. If you want calm and peaceful, this is not the place to be and I know that. I wanted to turn it into a good story - not look like a weenie.
He listened quietly as I ran through the saga, and when I was finished he stood up slowly, a nasty purple flush creeping up his face. He had only one thing to say, and it was,
"Where the f**k is he?"
Have I mentioned lately how much I love the people I work with??
Friday, April 25, 2008
TKO
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23 comments:
Glad you love the people you work with. It can make all the difference in a job. I am guessing this wasn't a plastic surgeon who said that.
I'd love to hear a man say that to me, that's so heroic and romantic.
working w people like that make a job worthwhile. i'm glad nothing too terrible came from the confrontation. xo
Its good to know that you are surrounded by working colleagues who give you so much support.
I wonder if the guy needed plastic surgery afterwards?!
Isn't that a great feeling when somebody puffs up their chest and expresses defensive bravado on your behalf? Love it!
such a bad idea to piss off health professionals - I wouldn't want to have been in that guy's shoes but would have paid good money to see the mauling he was given! Well done!
Isn't it nice to be loved? (Not that we didn't know you were loved, dear.)
1. God bless Dr. Knightinshiningarmor.
2. If admitted, assholes unfortunately leave ER and head to another unit. Usually or eventually once in withdrawal, ours. The kitchen as you know, can be hot on any floor of the hospital.
3. Sometimes, no one is likeable or lovable-even to their mother. I'm sure this guy is like that.
4. The next time some f-er kicks me in the face, I'll press assault charges. I saw stars. I'm over the abuse and simply won't accept it. My nursing admin can put that Press-Ganey score where the sun don't shine.
5. I'd like to go to some of these patients place of employment and give what they gave ala Seinfeld's heckler. However, I recognize that many, (probably like this jerk) only have the job of ER hopping for Vicodin.
6. Despite the tongue in cheek tone of your post, this kind of treatment can be demoralizing and frightening. The next time this f-er comes in, give him what he deserves-an IM injection of haldol.
Have a better day today.
Yes, but we thought the doctors were all miserable gits who treated the fabulous nurses like emotionless half-wits. This is a new angle.
I'm so glad he heard and got mad for you. That must be just the hardest most annoying part of the job RC. Gits.
That DR is AWESOME!!
Good colleagues are a blessing. That Dr. is a keeper!
snicker. i dont know of anyone that would stand up for me that way. i've always just been left to hang, even though one boss i had was the harrassment officer, she stood and listened for 20 minutes while i was harrassed by this guy. she wanted me to file charges on him, but it wasnt sexual harrassment, it was just him being an arse to me because i had no power and couldnt do anything back to him. i lost all respect for him that day. and i pretty much figured whenever the opportunity came to run, that i would take it. i'd already been abused plenty by another coworker there. i was so glad to leave there.
and i'm glad someone at least sticks up for you.
Hooray for that doctor. Can't tell you how many ED reports I've typed where "abusive behavior to staff" is dictated. If patients are totally uncontrollable, they get cotton or leather restraints, and/or sedation to make them shut up.
That doctor is a peach. He deserves virtual pats on the back....not only for taking action on your part, but for making your team stronger knowing you can depend on each other.
Sounds like you need the patience of a saint to work there. I think you do a great job. Supporting colleagues are a bonus.
CJ xx
Should I be reading between the lines?
Battered but still in the ring. That's my girl.
We all need our heroes! Hooray for him!
...but isn't it sad that some people feel the need to behave like that in the first place?
x
i really really suck at confrontation. I'm proud of you for standing up to him.
awesome. just awesome.
Fiona and I used to have this game. When they let her off the monitors in the PICU, she would ride the floor's trike. Since she was such a delinquent, she would jokingly try to run people over. She decided the doctors were 10 points and the poor social worker was only worth 3. I told her, do not run over the nurses...who else would empty your hat and bring you special treats. We never run over nurses!
I'm glad you came out standing.
I hope the security is close in situations such as that?
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