Dealing with sexual harrassment and verbal harrassment from patients?

Hi,
I was wondering how you nurses deal w sexual or verbal harrassment from patients on the job?
Ive only been an rn for 3 months but feel like im constantly having weird sexual comments said to me.
I know it happens to most of thr girls on my unit but idk how to respond to it.
Now the verbal harrassment hasnt happened to me as much but I anticipate it in the future.
Thanks for the advice
I just say "down boy" lol

Set limits. Tell them, "I'll return to your room when you're ready to behave properly, but I will not tolerate mistreatment." Then leave. Return to the unruly patient's room in a few minutes to see if any behaviors have been modified.

Quote from ksm23Hi,I was wondering how you nurses deal w sexual or verbal harrassment from patients on the job?Ive only been an rn for 3 months but feel like im constantly having weird sexual comments said to me.I know it happens to most of thr girls on my unit but idk how to respond to it.Now the verbal harrassment hasnt happened to me as much but I anticipate it in the future.Thanks for the advice

I encountered this a lot when I was working as a CNA in a nursing home. If the patient has dementia, then I usually just ignore the comments and redirect the conversation to something else. If the patient attempts to touch you inappropriately, I say, "please don't do that" move away and redirect. But if the person is A+O, you have to nip the behavior in the bud or the patient thinks it's okay. Just realize that everyone comes from different backgrounds. Some patients may have been raised making lude comments and assume it's okay with everyone. Likewise, some nurses might be more comfortable and tolerant of the comments and even laughing or joke with the patient. So the first time the patient makes any time of comment, say something along the lines of: "I'm not comfortable with language like that.""Please don't speak to me like that.""I know you may be used to talking like that, but please treat me like a professional."If this doesn't work:"Would you like me to get our security officer to come in here and speak to you?"If that doesn't work, call security. If it's verbal abuse, tell the patient:"I can tell that you're upset. I'm going to step out and close the door. When you can speak to me calmly, I'll come back."If necessary, repeat the blurb above about security.

I too am curious what type of unit/environment the OP works in where she is "constantly" encountering sexual comments verbalized to her. Definitely not the norm. Even in corrections settings, inmates are generally respectful of nurses ... if for no other reason than, you're not the CO.With a bit more info, maybe we can help.

I would definitely agree with Altra. If the offense was overt enough I would consider a lawsuit, but make sure you contact House Supervisor or Security first so the event is documented.

Quote from ksm23Ive only been an rn for 3 months but feel like im constantly having weird sexual comments said to me.I know it happens to most of thr girls on my unit but idk how to respond to it.

How does one "anticpate" verbal harrassment in the future??

I work in a county hospital w a very large mix of people from different backgrounds. For alot of people the hospital I work at is the only place they have to go for healthcare due to financial issues. Alot of my patientd are respectable and kind but there seems to be at least 1 a day that makes such comments. I anticipate verbal abuse in the future because I see that happening to my coworkers alot too. Anyways, I think ill just try to nip this stuff in the bud as you guys have stated.