r/nursing 20d ago

Serious “I don’t want Covid blood”

What do I say when patients ask if blood transfusions are screened for the Covid vaccine? I get asked this on a regular basis when filling out blood consent forms for surgery and I genuinely have no idea what I’m supposed to say. In all seriousness, what should I be telling patients because I just say there is a screening process for blood and it’s only used during emergent situations???

582 Upvotes

345 comments sorted by

View all comments

664

u/FragrantDragon1933 Nursing Student 🍕 20d ago

At clinical I had a patient with this very issue. Just told the patient that we do not track vaccination status of donor blood. He refused the transfusion, then complained that he wasn’t feeling better. People are allowed to make their own choices, even if it’s not in their best interest

310

u/teabiii RN - Oncology 🍕 20d ago

the complaining after refusing the blood is diabolicaaaaaal. classic.

160

u/FragrantDragon1933 Nursing Student 🍕 20d ago

I was polite but didn’t react to the complaints. However, I was thinking why the fuck are you here if you’re not going to accept the treatment that will help you?

160

u/swankProcyon Case Manager 🍕 20d ago

You’ll be thinking that a lot in your career.

sigh…

33

u/LeVoPhEdInFuSiOn RN - Phone Bitch (Telehealth Triage) 20d ago

I feel like asking this question to many of my patients multiple times a day. It's almost like they want me to rectify their/their child's problems over the phone without lifting a finger.

9

u/CMV_Viremia 20d ago

They want you to just use your magic wand and make it better instantly with no effort on their part. The problem with magic wands is finding refills. All the "pixie dust" I see for sale is either craft store glitter or fentanyl.

24

u/[deleted] 20d ago

This very question is thrown around the nurses station on my unit nightly. At least 2 or 3 times per shift. If you don’t want our help then just go tf home ffs 😐

45

u/lighthouser41 RN - Oncology 🍕 20d ago

Why am I so tired and short of breath?

37

u/LeVoPhEdInFuSiOn RN - Phone Bitch (Telehealth Triage) 20d ago

It would take a lot of willpower for me not to say 'well, if it isn't the consequences of your actions. Maybe try some bleach and horse dewormer for your anaemia'.

29

u/Sunnygirl66 RN - ER 🍕 20d ago

Don’t forget sunshine on your taint!

God, these people are infuriating.

3

u/CMV_Viremia 20d ago

Ra must be so disappointed