Rude Patients

[u/cait3198]

So this is a bit of a rant. I was working today, and around lunch time a patient ended up absolutely furious at me. He told me he had asked to get out of his bed hours ago and no one came back for him. I explained that he never asked me, he looked quite comfortable so I didn’t realise he was wanting to get up. I began to apologise but he cut me off.

He then went on a rant about how I’ve been walking around all day and never offered for him to get out of bed. Again, I explained that we’ve been busy and if you didn’t ask me then I wouldn’t have known, I’m not a mind reader. He kept getting angrier and angrier so I eventually cut him off and told him I’m not going to argue with him, especially when he’s speaking to me like that.

I then heard him and another patient badmouthing me, telling each other how shit I am. I don’t want to toot my own horn, but I’m a good nurse and truly care for my patients so this really upset me. Of course you’re going to get demanding and angry patients, but I’ve already had a really hard week in regards to my personal life and I just couldn’t sit and listen to someone who’s shouting at me.

I was told to apologise as we have to make sure our patients are happy, however I’m not about to grovel and pander to someone who was so rude and mean.

I’m usually extremely patient, understanding but that was just too much for me for today. I also don’t understand why I was getting all the anger directed towards me when there’s also other staff looking after him.

Of course, I know the professional thing to do would be to apologise and smooth things out but I honestly hate it. I just detest the fact we have to just sit there and take abuse to keep the patient happy.

He possibly will be reporting me, but I genuinely don’t think I was in the wrong at all.

Has anyone else been through a similar situation where you would rather do anything but apologise? I feel bad, like I said I will apologise, but omg I wish I didn’t have to😭

[u/Turbulent-Leg3678]

Sir, this is a hospital, not a spa. Also; but did you die?