In my many years as a nurse I have had some of the absolute sweetest patients on this planet earth. Some of them have become dear friends, and have inspired me in ways I can’t begin to express. On the flip side, I have also been treated like a complete dog, and been made to feel completely worthless at the harsh, careless words of an angry patient. I typically let is slide like water off a duck’s back, but that doesn’t mean it’s enjoyable.
As a nurse you’re granted the position to care for people often times when they are at their worst, and in those moments they might not carry themselves in a pleasant manner. Hey, I get it. Nobody watches their manners when they’re feeling sick, but still; it’s not always the best gig caring for people in bad moods.
When an irritable patient takes out their anger on you it’s your job to grin and bear it. Just like any other customer service job out there you have to keep smiling when people are rude. It just so happens that folks are generally the most unpleasant when they don’t feel well. And I can understand that.
But it’s also human nature to get offended when someone is being offensive. You want to lash back when someone lashes out. You want to for a minute, but inevitably you don’t. After all, we’re professionals, and as such there’s certain things you just don’t say.
So here’s 30 things I am not allowed to say at work.
- Did you know you catch more flies with honey than vinegar?
- Your hands still work.
- There’s no way your pain is a 10/10 right now. You fell asleep while I was drawing up your pain medicine.
- You don’t want your blood drawn because you hate needles. So what about all those tattoos?!
- My five year old has a higher pain threshold than you do.
- I’m not your servant.
- I’m not your momma.
- I was just in here. Do you think you could have asked me for something when I questioned, “is there anything else I can get for you?”
- I have feelings too.
- Do you know the words “please” and “thank you?”
- This isn’t my idea of a fun day either.
- You’re pretty demanding, aren’t you?
- You know I get to pick the size of needles and tubes, right
- This isn’t Burger King.
- This isn’t the Ritz Carlton
- Don’t expect a mint on your pillow.
- I hope I don’t lose your call light.
- Is your brother named Lucifer
- We drew straws for patient assignments today. I lost.
- You make me doubt my career choice.
- I am administering your pain medicine now. It’s called Nor-Mal Salleen.
- I’ve seen you naked, and I wasn’t impressed.
- You need to go to sleep or I will put you to sleep.
- Someone needs some Ativan.
- Do you talk to your mother with that mouth?
- Don’t damn God. It’s not his fault you’re in a bad mood.
- Maybe you could breathe better if you’d stop smoking.
- Did you ever consider that your difficulty tolerating pain is related to your pain medication addiction?
- You’re a whiny baby. Just saying.
- Yes, yes. Please sign out AMA. You can use my pen.
The thing is, I don’t say any of these things. While I may occasionally get offended at rude treatment, the fact remains that I realize being sick is stressful. So I’ll cut them some slack. And no, while I might consider it, I would never hide a call light.
Melissa F. says
Sooo true! Love it ?
Matt H. says
30. Should include “Press hard, make three copies.”
Robin Thompson says
Well stated! I’d like to add “Why are you being so mean? I really stink at starting IV’s. Yours appears to be going bad-but I get three sticks! Do you understand?”
Seriously. I’ve just read several of your articles. You do have a gift putting on paper what we experience daily, and applying humorous tones to otherwise sensitive situations.
Thank you for for taking the time to share your busy life with us. May He bless you richly!
brieann.rn@gmail.com says
Thank you so much!
Heather says
I love this. And I have said a few of these things! Oops
josie says
Brie, thank you, God really sent you to speak for us who work so tirelessly in caring for our patients. For the first time I am thankful a classmate of mine got me started on Facebook. That’s how I came across one of your articles and now, I am a fateful follower of yours. You speak the truth. As a nurse, there were moments when I felt like hanging up my uniform for good… then after reading your article, I feel inspired and motivated again to push on. I am truly glad I am a nurse, not only for monetary gain, allowing me to help support my family but more importantly, for the satisfaction it brings knowing I have made a difference in someone’s life.
brieann.rn@gmail.com says
Thank you so much for sharing that!