WOW! The public really doesn't like us huh?

8 I recently read a news article in relation to call bell systems and posted it here. (I'm not sure if it's spamming if I mention the name of the article, until clarification I will just leave the title of the thread off). Anyhow, I just took the time out to read the 127 comments and only 6 of them were positive. A large majority (maybe 98%) of the negative commenters blamed the nurses. Many of them called us lazy, some said our only job is to pass meds so why can't we answer call lights. One lady was mad because it took 5 mins for her call bell to be answered. Another issue I think is that many patients believe that nurses are the only people responsible for the call light system, when in reality all healthcare professionals present on the floor can answer a call light. Some of the comments say we just stare at the computer or our cellphones all day, often laughing and gossiping with eachother. Nursing shortage was brought up a few times and followed by, it's not the shortage it's the laziness. A commenter said we should be checking on patients every 15 minutes. Upon the 127 comments, many people were "liking" these negative comments. I wasn't really shocked in the beginning but as I kept reading I became more and more shocked with disbelief. So what happened to Nurses being one of the most trusted professionals out there? GEEZ! I am not sure that this poor image of us will be changed, but I bet the hospital CEOs are happy they aren't the ones wearing the blame. I just wanted to vent. Feel free to vent here as well Last edit by Mrs. SnowStormRN on Jun 2, '11
Nurses - no good, lazy, bottom of the barrel ... When you're working with the public, expect the worst.

Well, I suppose they are not that far off. To an outsider it may look like all we do is look at the computer screen. But, what is going on when we are looking at the computer screen? We are going into pt medical records and charting their assessment, looking at radiology reports, labs, reading doctor's progress notes, looking up policies, looking up medications that may be new, etc. I feel like I spend a majority of my day on the computer. It's unfortunate. It makes us look lazy but that is clearly not true. Gee it would be nice not to spend so much time on the computer but there is so much charting to do on a pt.

Pfft, nothing new there then. Think yourself lucky you don't have the shrill, nurse-hating Daily Mail (a UK national newspaper) to contend with.Hardly a day goes by but we are not treated to articles branding nurses as lazy ***** too posh to wash patients and a deal too book-larned' to wipe a bottom.

Quote from Mrs. SnowStormRNI recently read a news article in relation to call bell systems and posted it here. (I'm not sure if it's spamming if I mention the name of the article, until clarification I will just leave the title of the thread off). Anyhow, I just took the time out to read the 127 comments and only 6 of them were positive. A large majority (maybe 98%) of the negative commenters blamed the nurses. Many of them called us lazy, some said our only job is to pass meds so why can't we answer call lights. One lady was mad because it took 5 mins for her call bell to be answered. Another issue I think is that many patients believe that nurses are the only people responsible for the call light system, when in reality all healthcare professionals present on the floor can answer a call light. Some of the comments say we just stare at the computer or our cellphones all day, often laughing and gossiping with eachother. Nursing shortage was brought up a few times and followed by, it's not the shortage it's the laziness. A commenter said we should be checking on patients every 15 minutes. Upon the 127 comments, many people were "liking" these negative comments. I wasn't really shocked in the beginning but as I kept reading I became more and more shocked with disbelief. So what happened to Nurses being one of the most trusted professionals out there? GEEZ! I am not sure that this poor image of us will be changed, but I bet the hospital CEOs are happy they aren't the ones wearing the blame. I just wanted to vent. Feel free to vent here as well

Another problem you will find (or at least I have noticed while reading comments on local newspaper blogs) is the trolls really seem to come out with some subjects. They may no nothing about the subject, but they have to say something. I tend to believe all the polls saying nurses are the most trusted profession.

People have been given unrealistic expectations of healthcare, both by mass media and hospitals own marketing machines. The public now expects a hospital stay to be something like a vacation with some personalized attention from the staff. Forget discomfort, odd hours, feeling bad, ect. I've seen this over and over from my own family no less. You can provide the best HEALTHCARE possible, and it is less important than the "service" you provide to the general public. Welcome to the brave new world of modern medicine....

I read that too and was oddly fascinated with the comments as well. I think the people brought out of the woodwork are the tall tale tellers and 5%ers, (the small margin who will never be satisfied, even with great outcomes and care.)The lady saying she dragged herself on hands and knees down the hallway and the nurses told her to 'go back to bed, someone will help you in the morning'? C'mon. Talk about drama. I think many people feel entitled - they think of nurse as handmaiden and gopher - and exaggerate their actual situation or complaint. How many patients have you had who told you, "I've been calling *forever*!", (it's really been 5 minutes), or - one of my favorites - "no one's been in here all night to help me!", (then how did we adjust your heparin drip, hang a new bag of NS, tidy up the room, etc?).I've had some poor experiences as a patient and family member too, but I hardly felt the need to register and crow about them on blog comments. It says a certain something about those folks who do, you know?

Quote from amarillaI read that too and was oddly fascinated with the comments as well. I think the people brought out of the woodwork are the tall tale tellers and 5%ers, (the small margin who will never be satisfied, even with great outcomes and care.)The lady saying she dragged herself on hands and knees down the hallway and the nurses told her to 'go back to bed, someone will help you in the morning'? C'mon. Talk about drama. I think many people feel entitled - they think of nurse as handmaiden and gopher - and exaggerate their actual situation or complaint. How many patients have you had who told you, "I've been calling *forever*!", (it's really been 5 minutes), or - one of my favorites - "no one's been in here all night to help me!", (then how did we adjust your heparin drip, hang a new bag of NS, tidy up the room, etc?).I've had some poor experiences as a patient and family member too, but I hardly felt the need to register and crow about them on blog comments. It says a certain something about those folks who do, you know?

Quote from Esme12I too believe it is the barrel of malcontents that have nothing else better to do than complain and complain abput everything. Out of all the patients cared for every day there will always be thode who cannot be pleased. I also believe that the public has been led to believe that a hospital is a 5 star hotel and should demand as such. Well personallly I have never stayed at the Waldorf Astoria but I know I wouldn't have open heart there......Now with Press Gainey and the others dictating reimbursement and care......I'm afraid for our future.......

Quote from iNurseUKPfft, nothing new there then. Think yourself lucky you don't have the shrill, nurse-hating Daily Mail (a UK national newspaper) to contend with.Hardly a day goes by but we are not treated to articles branding nurses as lazy ***** too posh to wash patients and a deal too book-larned' to wipe a bottom.

Well, nurses are consistently ranked among the most trusted professionals. However, trust and respect are two very different things, as illustrated by the comments after the article.

Ah please, some folks want blood out of a turnip. If you get your self-esteem from this job then you're in big trouble because there are many people who will NEVER be satisfied with the "service." Patients think that if you aren't attending them directly every minute of your shift then you're doing nothing. Even when they can see you doing something for someone else if it's not for them you're doing nothing. I self assess when a patient or family member complains. Did I forget to get something I promised? Did I not come check on the patient as frequently as I should have? Etc. If the answer is yes I've been busy and forgetful then I will try to smooth things over and do a little bit better. If I know that I've been running my behind off and they are being manipulative then their complaints go in one ear and come right out of my rear!