New Nurse
By Gabs
@gabs8513 (48686)
United Kingdom
April 1, 2010 5:37pm CST
Well as most of you know I get home visits by Nurses when I get in a bad way with my Lungs
My Nurses in the last Place where I lived where wonderful
I moved here 1st March 2010 and last week got very bad with my Lungs, as no Nurse here had contacted me, I rang my previous Nurse, who got on to the Phone, told them to get out to me, as she was very concerned with the Symptoms I was having, also that they should have contacted me, as I am a Patient who needs to be seen to as soon as the Problems start
This was the Monday last week, the Tuesday I got a call asking me about the Symptoms I was having, I got told that I was to start my Steroids and my Antibiotics straight away (I have to have back up medicine in the Flat all the time) and they would come and see me Thursday, ok why Thursday, I was to Ill to argue, the Antibiotics I have to take are also very strong
So I started the Medicine, which of course knocks me totally, for 2 Days I got out of Bed took Gissi out, fed Gissi, went back to bed, got back up took Gissi out, watched a bit of TV then back to bed
Thursday the Nurses came, one was ok but the other one which I guess is my regular Nurse, I was not to sure
It turns out my Blood Pressure was to High, my Oxygen lower then Normal, the right Lung was crackling badly, which meant a bad infection, so they then told me that to stay on the Meds and that the regular will be back in a week
Ok, so that was it, I have had this Illness for 6 years now, for 3 Years Nurse home visits, the procedure always included, Sputum Test, this Nurse did not think it was necessary
She came back yesterday, quick listen to the Lungs and I mean quick, she said they where clear, I know they are not 100% as there is still Pain, quick touch of the Oxygen Measure, first reading she wrote down, no Blood Pressure check, even though it had been high, no Folder to write to my Records going on, telling me they will call me into the Clinic to do breathing test
Ok I am not a Nurse I am not a Doctor but I have had this Illness 6 years and I know the routine and I know the Pain and I have never had Blood Pressure Problems on the High Side
I know that the Oxygen reading should be left longer on my Finger then a second and basically this Nurse did not follow the routine she should
I bit my Lip and said nothing
When I eventually get the appointment for the Clinic I will see how things go there and if it is like this I will be taking action, as I am not being put at risk by a Nurse who either has no Interest or is not well trained on her Job
What would you do if this happened to you and you knew it is wrong?
2 people like this
22 responses
@hofferp (4734)
• United States
1 Apr 10
I think you have a good plan of action. Have you made the appointment with the Clinic yet? I wouldn't wait too long, since you don't think you're 100%. I'd also let the Clinic know what happened with the nurse; particularly, if you're not better.
2 people like this
@gabs8513 (48686)
• United Kingdom
2 Apr 10
Hi Hofferp
They make the appointment not me I have to wait for it to be sent and it will be with the same Nurse so I have to wait for it but its ok if I have nothing by the end of next week I shall be on to them
I feel better then what I did but I know there is still some there as I can feel it with the Pain and also the lung is still not right
The right lung is the worse one anyway it is the one where it started
But I will see after the Holidays what happens
@whiteheather39 (24403)
• United States
2 Apr 10
When it come to my health and I am not satisfied by the treatment or procedures then I waste no time in contacting a supervisor or my doctor. Obviously you are really experienced with the procedures after all these years. So get in touch with someone and explain the problems you are having!
1 person likes this
@gabs8513 (48686)
• United Kingdom
4 Apr 10
Hi Heather
I will be going to the Doctor this week to find out what is going on at the moment as I just do not feel right at all and I do not think it is my Lungs as such either but I do believe the Blood pressure has something to do with it when we spoke on the Phone you where right I was not ok but I brush it under the Table lol
@whiteheather39 (24403)
• United States
4 Apr 10
Your blood pressure is not something to be taken lightly, you need to get it checked and get a new nurse!!!
1 person likes this
@MsTickle (25180)
• Australia
11 Apr 10
I'm seeing a few things here.
I'm seeing nurses too busy to come visit you when you first move in, to see how you are, set up your visits and get to know you and become friends with you. I believe nurses need to have the ability to set a rapport with their patients, especially those who are going to be regulars.
As for your "regular nurse"...from the way you tell what happened and I don't think you have exaggerated or embellished things..I reckon you repeated to us basically, exactly what happened.
To me, it sounds like this nurse resents you, whether the reason is real or imagined I don't know. It could be that she already has more patients to call on than she can handle...not her fault. It means though that NONE of her patients are getting the proper care. If her workload is more than she can handle she might be suffering from stress, again, this is not her fault. But the fact is...it's not your fault either and she should NEVER take things out on a client/patient.
Please keep records gabs as you say, this person could need to be retrained or placed in another area where she has less problems, whatever the problem you will need to see your case manager and present some actual facts Maybe have a friend there to back you up if possible. It may be necessary sometime down the road.
In any case, you have been made to feel like you are a bother to them in one way and another and that means there is something quite wrong here. Itg sounds like this nurse is not doing her job properly and it seems she may have been getting away with it for some time. Sadly, some people take their jobs for granted if they've been doing the same thing for a while. This lady may just need a wake-up call and I reckon you and Gissi are just the people to do it gabs. 
1 person likes this
@gabs8513 (48686)
• United Kingdom
11 Apr 10
yes we are just like the Landlord got his wake up call yesterday and found out even though I am a Woman, blond and little he will NOT get away with talking to me like someone stupid and he found out to that I have Tenants rights downloaded and read them, he will not grind me down, I even told him that I will be moving out, he soon changed his tune, I told him to never bother me again over something stupid by Phone, to never talk to me again like I am stupid and to get his act in gear or I shall be taking further steps
Guess what? He shut up, after trying once more to talk to me like I have not spoken, so I told him, it is Saturday Morning I do not want to put up with his Cr*p to back of, he did and I put the Phone down, well the Nurse will find out to, if she can not cope then she should have word with her Manager instead of putting Peoples Life's at risk1 person likes this
@ANTIQUELADY (36440)
• United States
2 Apr 10
Report her butte, no excuse for people being so incompetent . They are the same way around here. we don't have a decent dr. in town. They are glad to take your money tho. DISGUSTING!
1 person likes this
@ANTIQUELADY (36440)
• United States
2 Apr 10
tHERE IS SOMEONE ALWAYS AROUND THAT MAKES YOUR LIFE MORE COMPLICATED. dO U THINK IT EVER STOPS?
@quita88 (3715)
• United States
2 Apr 10
Hi Gabs, I am a nurse myself and I know this lax treatment happens.
Your best bet it to report her to the agency she is employed with. Keep a record of all the things she did right and all the things she did wrong--in your opinion.
I say your opinion cuz it's your word against hers unless you have a witness.
Nurses can get in a hurry and they are usually covered up with patients and tho it isn't right they do make mistakes as they too are only human.
Just report the incident and how it was done and see what happens.
You might have to contact your nursing organizaton there or a medical association.
This person is endangering your life and you need to take action.
I hope this works for you.
hugs, quita
@gabs8513 (48686)
• United Kingdom
4 Apr 10
Hi Quita
I am going to the Doctor this week as I am not feeling right and that is why I am so angry she never checked the Blood Pressure again
I am getting pains in the lungs still but also I am suffering with severe Indigestion, which I never suffer with my Gall Bladder is gone so it is not that but it hurts nearly as bad it always starts in my lungs then chest and it is starting to scare me a bit so I will be going to the Doctor
Big Hugs and love to you
@quita88 (3715)
• United States
5 Apr 10
You had better find a way to get to that dr. and quick. Did you report that nurse??
I'd be madder than you know what if she didn't check my BP again !
That indigeston worries me too.
YOu really need to see a dr and soon.
Do you have a phone to call? and do you all have like our 911 to call for an emergency???
Do not take anything for granted, go and get help if this pain continues.
I'll be praying for you.
hugs and love ya,
quita
1 person likes this
@sulsisels (1685)
• United States
9 Apr 10
Hi Gaby..If I were you, I wouldn't wait for the clinic appointment. I'd be on the phone calling who ever is in charge of that nurse and/or the orginazation. This is your lungs we're talking about, certainly nothing to take lightly. Blood pressure is so very important. She should be taking it every time. Definately do some complaining and see if you can't get the attention you so deserve..We need you to stay around girl...get on that phone
1 person likes this
@BarBaraPrz (51811)
• St. Catharines, Ontario
2 Apr 10
I would complain, too.
Go for it! and good luck.
1 person likes this
@sid556 (30953)
• United States
2 Apr 10
My mom had nurses coming into the house routinely to check on her. There was one in particular that my mom did not trust and did not like at all. She would get all wound up whenever she knew this woman was coming to the house and she never ever trusted that she was doing her job right. You have a right to have a nurse that makes you feel comfortable and reassured. If this nurse does not then you should ask your doctor to reassign someone else to be your regular nurse and tell him why.
1 person likes this
@p1kef1sh (45681)
•
2 Apr 10
You MUST get a clinic appointment as soon as possible Gabs. I would also make it clear that you are dissatisfied with the nurse's attention to you. But do that at the clinic. She may not have had a lot of time, but she should still have done her job properly. If she is to be your key nurse ask that she is made properly aware of all your details. If she continues to be slap dash then formally complain and ask for another nurse. Your health is too important!!
1 person likes this
@gabs8513 (48686)
• United Kingdom
2 Apr 10
Hi P1ke
I have to wait for them to send me the appointment and it will be her I am seeing so if it is the same I will be taking action as I am not going back to square 1 and then have to have all the tests done again like it happened 2 years ago when the Doctor neglected me
Hugs xxx
@sanjana_aslam (4187)
• Malaysia
2 Apr 10
dont wait too long .. if you feel the need to look for 2nd opinion act fast do not allow your health to get worse as you stay alone with gissi .. make sure you get your medication i mean the right medication ~ you can take action against this nurse later ..
once you got the proper medication ... just provide the records to the current one for verification on her mistakes ..
Sometimes it is not wrong to point out to this nurses that you know the actual procedure, you can question her on her wrong procedures
take care
1 person likes this
@gabs8513 (48686)
• United Kingdom
4 Apr 10
Hi Sanjana
I am going to the Doctor this week and will take it from there as something is not right the way I am feeling, it might not be the Lungs but the Blood Pressure might have something to do with it which is why I am so angry that she did not check it
@paula27661 (15811)
• Australia
4 Apr 10
I would definitely mention that the care is not adequate for your condition. As you say, you’ve had this condition for long enough to know what is required. You need to feel secure that no matter what happens in regards to your health you will have the best care available and that your nurse should know you and do everything that is required to the best of her ability.
1 person likes this
@machivado (528)
• Indonesia
2 Apr 10
I would get a new nurse if I were you...I believe in my own experience and of course for the main reason it is my own body so I should be the one who know the most about my body condition unless my disease is not there yet...
@GardenGerty (169439)
• United States
2 Apr 10
I am not sure how things go there, but I would ask to speak to either the nurse manager or a physician. It is too bad that you moved so far from the nurses that were good. I am just concerned that if you "tell" on them you will never get good care. It does not take much to do that little extra bit to make sure things are okay. She maybe figures that you are on meds and what will be will be, they will either fix it or they won't. How is the new place, are you warm? Are you okay with it?
1 person likes this
@gabs8513 (48686)
• United Kingdom
2 Apr 10
Hi Gerty
It will not come to that as the Consultant will get involved
She will be told her Job it is not just about me, there are no doubt People she sees who are older and much worse then me, so if she does not do her job properly then these People will suffer
The Place is nice, the Landlord is an A** but it is ok I have it in hand, he thinks I am a silly Woman that he can mess about well he is wrong, but yes I am warm and easier to cope with the Flat being smaller
@AmbiePam (120585)
• United States
2 Apr 10
I fear this will be something common here in America when Obama gets us national healthcare. But about you, I don't know what I would do. I'd be frustrated and probably scared. You are your only advocate, and sometimes medical professionals just don't listen. Is there a way you could file a complaint?
1 person likes this
@gabs8513 (48686)
• United Kingdom
2 Apr 10
Hi Ambie do not fear that
No matter what you will always get it
I am not scared because I know the signs and if anything goes wrong I would grab my Med Folder and get to the Hospital
I will eventually do something but will give this Nurse a chance I will see next time I see her how things go and if no better I shall be taking action
@Hatley (163772)
• Garden Grove, California
1 Apr 10
hi gabs after six years you know your body and know that that nurse was not doing her job for whatever reason. So I wou ld really protest
if I were in your shoes, and maked my needs known as ask to be
taken care of properly. she did not do her job. NO you must take
action as it is your health.Some nurses get so lackadasical they
just think noones going to know they are not really doing their
job. thats awful. if she cannot do it right she should not be there,
as there are nurses who do do things right.good luck and God bless
do take care of yourself. gabs. love ya hugs.
1 person likes this
@gabs8513 (48686)
• United Kingdom
2 Apr 10
Hi Sweet
Well I will see what happens if I end up in the Emergency (which I do not think I will) then she will be in trouble believe me, I shall give her the chance to rectify herself and that it might have been a one of
She was here no more then 10 Minutes, she never looked at the Folder which holds all the History of my last 3 years
I will see what happens after the Holidays
Love you to Sweet
@spalladino (17891)
• United States
2 Apr 10
Hi gabs!
I have to agree with everyone else...you know your body and you know how you are supposed to be cared for by the visiting nurses. You need to be your own advocate and speak up about this. This nurse didn't do what she was hired to do and, if she shorted you on care, you can bet your boots that she shorted others, too.
@tamarafireheart (15384)
•
2 Apr 10
Hi gabs,
Sweet, I know ho you have been and if I were you, I would complain about it if they continue treating you with lack of interest, as far as I can tell, they just doing a quick check so they can get going to where ever they have to go, not care and interest, that really riles me no end, you take sweet and rest PLEASE!!! love and hugs.
Tamara
xxxxx
@gabs8513 (48686)
• United Kingdom
2 Apr 10
Hi Sweetie
Well I shall see how things go
I will see how long it takes for the appointment to come through also if it gets bad again they will get another call and they do not need to ask me to go to the clinic even though it is only 5 Minute drive, they will come here
This Nurse seemed so laid back and it seemed she just wanted to get going
My other Nurse used to be with me for 20-30 Minutes as she used to write everything in my folder, do the Blood Pressure, just basically do everything that needed to be done they would check the Lungs over and over specially the bad area but what this one did I could have done myself to be honest
Big Hugs to you and much Love xxx
