ER visit

[jadebox]

Day before yesterday my husband who had had an aortic valve replaced in May started to have a fast heart beat that was pounding. Did not stop so I took him to the Villages ER. He was taken in immediately and got a lot of attention. Everyone was friendly and professional. Throughout his long stay in the ER (6 hours) being observed there was a young lady in red pants sitting at the desk. She was doing next to nothing and was not watching monitors. I thought she was a ward clerk who was not busy. Rogers bed was next to the nurses station so I was not concerned that a nurse never came in after the initial assessment. When he was to be discharged red pants (turns out to be an RN)came in to discharge my husband. I was out of the room getting him some peanut butter crackers because he had not eaten all day. I was told that she got all bent out of shape that I was not there and wanted to know why I found a need to get food. From what my husband said she was not very nice. When we got to discharge she said something that made us believe we could leave but turns out that discharge needed to see him. Not a good exerience and we hope we get a survey from the hospital.
Husband will wear a heart monitor for 3 weeks. NOTE: Doctor, radiology, person who put in IV, housekeeping were all great--nurse in red pants needs replaced.

[Barefoot]

Day before yesterday my husband who had had an aortic valve replaced in May started to have a fast heart beat that was pounding. Did not stop so I took him to the Villages ER. He was taken in immediately and got a lot of attention. Everyone was friendly and professional. Throughout his long stay in the ER (6 hours) being observed there was a young lady in red pants sitting at the desk. She was doing next to nothing and was not watching monitors. I thought she was a ward clerk who was not busy. Rogers bed was next to the nurses station so I was not concerned that a nurse never came in after the initial assessment. When he was to be discharged red pants (turns out to be an RN)came in to discharge my husband. I was out of the room getting him some peanut butter crackers because he had not eaten all day. I was told that she got all bent out of shape that I was not there and wanted to know why I found a need to get food. From what my husband said she was not very nice. When we got to discharge she said something that made us believe we could leave but turns out that discharge needed to see him. Not a good exerience and we hope we get a survey from the hospital.
Husband will wear a heart monitor for 3 weeks. NOTE: Doctor, radiology, person who put in IV, housekeeping were all great--nurse in red pants needs replaced.

I'm glad to hear that your husband is OK and that the majority of the hospital staff were great.

[Shirleevee]

Jade,

Happy to read that your husband is well.

Have you thought about filing a complaint with the hospital administrator. We had a similar experience, (not in TV), and the administrator was thankful for our input. Things cannot change unless hospitals are made aware.

[rshoffer]

Jade,

Happy to read that your husband is well.

Have you thought about filing a complaint with the hospital administrator. We had a similar experience, (not in TV), and the administrator was thankful for our input. Things cannot change unless hospitals are made aware.Write a description of your experience to the head of nursing and cc the CEO of the hospital. Be sure to list the positives as well as the negatives.

[Russ_Boston]

You deserve and explanation from Red Pants manager. Discharges have become a cumbersome process but no excuse for bad behavior.

On another note Today's Sun has an interesting tidbit about heart health emergencies in and around TV:

http://www.thevillagesdailysun.com/articles/2008/09/26/news/news01.txt

[JohnN]

Survey provided or not, as suggested you should report what happened.
Way too much of that behavior going on these days.

[Bryant]

My experience in the ER, which resulted in a 2-day stay was just like yours minus the "red pants". Everyone couldn't have been nicer. :thumbup:

[Frangyomory]

Had that nurse when I fell about 5 weeks ago. I am diabetic and also take coumadin to prevent strokes. I had not eaten all day. The ambulance EMTs got me from the gurney to a wheel chair with a lot of effort because I had hurt my back. The nurse from the Joseph Mengle school of nursing expected me to "hop" up on the bed. When I could not move she yelled. When my husband told her I could not move she yelled again. Finally, when I tried to move and cried out loud from pain, she said, "oh, I guess you can't do it".

Then, since it was now 1 pm and I had not had any food that day, my husband asked for coffee or crackers explaining I was diabetic. Nurse from he.. told him I wasn't going to be there long enough to worry about food.

Two hours later and many requests later I got two graham crackers.

Everyone else was wonderful. Never saw a doctor. Had a CAT scan of my brain and had no bleeding, also x-ray of my back showing I had bruised the muscles in my back. Was sent home by a PA with pain meds and told to get bed rest and follow up with my doctor.

Cost about $4,000 and today got the final bill for the ambulance of $300. All this and I got to meet the number one graduate from the Mengle school of nursing.

Priceless!!

[Puterguru]

Day before yesterday my husband who had had an aortic valve replaced in May started to have a fast heart beat that was pounding. Did not stop so I took him to the Villages ER. He was taken in immediately and got a lot of attention. Everyone was friendly and professional. Throughout his long stay in the ER (6 hours) being observed there was a young lady in red pants sitting at the desk. She was doing next to nothing and was not watching monitors. I thought she was a ward clerk who was not busy. Rogers bed was next to the nurses station so I was not concerned that a nurse never came in after the initial assessment. When he was to be discharged red pants (turns out to be an RN)came in to discharge my husband. I was out of the room getting him some peanut butter crackers because he had not eaten all day. I was told that she got all bent out of shape that I was not there and wanted to know why I found a need to get food. From what my husband said she was not very nice. When we got to discharge she said something that made us believe we could leave but turns out that discharge needed to see him. Not a good exerience and we hope we get a survey from the hospital.
Husband will wear a heart monitor for 3 weeks. NOTE: Doctor, radiology, person who put in IV, housekeeping were all great--nurse in red pants needs replaced.

She was doing next to nothing and was not watching monitors. I thought she was a ward clerk who was not busy. Hmm, maybe she needed a break? Do you realize that most nurses work thru their measely little 30 minute lunch in a 12 hour shift?I was told that she got all bent out of shape - You're not really specific here, what happened?
When we got to discharge she said something that made us believe we could leave but turns out that discharge needed to see him - Again what was said to who and by whom?

nurse in red pants needs replaced. - No offense here but you have given three generalities, one of them because she was "not doing anything" and never gave any details on what if anything actually happened yet you feel the need to tell everyone on TOTV that she needs replaced.

Nurses work very long hours with almost no appreciation. They are suppose to get a 30 minute lunch but don't often have time to take one so they eat on the go. Most don't punch a clock right when it's there time to go, especially if they are busy and have lots of patients.

I might understand if there were something in this thread indicating "red pants" did something terrible but I don't see it. In my opinion you are being way too harsh.

[Peachie]

Puterguru, you're kidding, right? Most of us recognize those "diamonds", hardworking, dedicated nurses and then there are the others. Everyone else was professional and friendly per the poster. This does not sound like a hell bent complainer that wanted to be waited on hand and foot. Sounds like this nurse had a bee in her nursing bonnet. (Yeah, I know, they don't wear hats anymore.)

[Puterguru]

Puterguru, you're kidding, right? Most of us recognize those "diamonds", hardworking, dedicated nurses and then there are the others. Everyone else was professional and friendly per the poster. This does not sound like a hell bent complainer that wanted to be waited on hand and foot. Sounds like this nurse had a bee in her nursing bonnet. (Yeah, I know, they don't wear hats anymore.)

It certainly doesn't sound like they did anything wrong too me. And certainly not enough to get on a website telling everyone she needs to be fired!

Per the original posters own words.

She was doing next to nothing - AND?? So??? She doesn't deserve a break?

I was told she got all bent out of shape - If that isn't a huge generalization I don't know what is.

When we got to discharge she said something that made us believe we could leave - Well what was it? Maybe you misunderstood but somehow it's her fault?? Again no specifics.

Oh my god this lady needs to be fired! She took a break and wasn't clear on the discharge procedure!:rant-rave::rant-rave:

You are kidding right?

[Peachie]

Puterguru, I'm from a family loaded with RN's and also have worked with many RN's. I think you and I know the difference between someone with attitude and a competent, caring individual. I think Frangyomory was also extremely put off by this individual. The suggestion she be replaced, (not my suggestion), doesn't mean she has to be terminated. She could be reassigned to an area which requires less contact with the public or low stress. ER/ICU nurses need to be very specialized in the stress and situations they cover. One bad day can happen to anyone but it sounds as though this RN has had more than one occasion. I was also raised and worked in the era of customer service, attitude was not permissable and not excusable no matter how bad one's day was.

[jadebox]

[QUOTE=Puterguru;162066]She was doing next to nothing and was not watching monitors. I thought she was a ward clerk who was not busy. Hmm, maybe she needed a break? Do you realize that most nurses work thru their measely little 30 minute lunch in a 12 hour shift?I was told that she got all bent out of shape - You're not really specific here, what happened?
When we got to discharge she said something that made us believe we could leave but turns out that discharge needed to see him - Again what was said to who and by whom?

Next to NOTHING__USED COPIER ONCE IN 6 HOURS!!!!!! NOTHING ELSE. I worked as a nurse for many years and know what I am talking about. I know how long and hard nurses work and I quit because of the long hours so don't go telling me about nursing and how a nurse should act.

[Frangyomory]

Jade, it is good you got out of nursing. You are far too sensitive about criticism. No one said ALL nurses are no good. 99.9% of all nurses I have met or whom have treated me have been wonderful, bright and caring. Nurse Mengle was horrible and would be horrible regardless of what she did for a living. She simply had no people skills.

When I was discharged, she didn't even walk me out to the admin desk. First time I was discharged and sent off on my own. My husband had gone to get the car and I was sent off walking, and I had a rough time taking very small steps, went to the desk and signed out. Then had a heck of a time getting up from the chair and walking to the door with no one checking to make sure I didn't fall. Nurse Mengele was back I am sure, intimidating some other poor soul!

Don't defend all nurses based on your career. There are bad apples in most bunches. NO ONE said all nurses were the same and NO ONE said to fire this nurse.

She should however, be put on a night shift on a ward where people don't need sympathy or caring because she doesn't have that gene!

Now put that in your pipe and smoke it!

[jadebox]

Read my lips --- 99 and 9 % of the people working in the ER were great!!!!!! Wonderful!!!! AND I was a very good and caring nurse so I know how they should act. I did not ask that anyone be fired someone else said that. Just venting over incompetence. Sorry I cannot do that even though all I said was true.

[Puterguru]

I did not ask that anyone be fired someone else said that..

nurse in red pants needs replaced.
I certainly took this as meaning she be fired??

[Peachie]

Puterguru, Jadebox said "replaced", I believe you said "fired".

re·place [ ri pláyss ] (past and past participle re·placed, present participle re·plac·ing, 3rd person present singular re·plac·es)


transitive verb

Definition:

1. substitute for something: to take the place of or substitute for somebody or something

I think the suggestion was to place this person in a different position than where she was, due to her people skillls.

[graciegirl]

If I need a nurse, I want a PEACHIE flavored one. That Peachie, has anyone thought how lucky her kids and husband are? She is a thinker with an open mind and genuine compassion. Other than that, I sure hope she is gonna hang out with me when I get there in TWO WEEKS!

[SABRMnLgs]

My wife and I went to TV Hospital for the first time last evening to visit one of her friends who was laid up.
That being said, I have worked in the medical field for alomost 40 years now.
Almost 30 of them in a hospital, the last 10 doing mobile x-ray. So I kind of know what I'm saying here.
Iy took us almost 15 minutes to find her friends room. While the volunteers at the front desk gave us a floor, my wife had to call her friend twice on her cell because we could not find her. Believe it, THIS IS TRUE! There are NO names on the doors outside the patients rooms. Nothing to indicate oxygen in use, pts who are diabetics, pre-op or post-op, etc. (I did see one sign about precautionary issues for a pt who had vertigo, it looked like someone had printed it up on a Zerox). Then when we finally found her room, there was nothing in her room to indicate her friend's name (on the bed, wall, etc) or that she was a diabetic.
This is a recipe for a disaster in the making. Granted it has been 10-12 years since I worked at a hospital, but this disregard for lack of data to a visitor on a patient could have some serious side effects.
We we taught, no name, no exam no matter what the nurse said. Arm bands? Yes, some patients have them, so don't. Again, no ID, no exam.
The last hospital I worked at had patients names and room numbers on a pin-board, so you knew right where to find their room.
Now hippa is involved and hospitals get squirrley over things nobody cares about anyway.

:(

[Russ_Boston]

Now hippa is involved and hospitals get squirrley over things nobody cares about anyway.:(

You hit the nail on the head Jerry. HIPAA is to blame for almost everything you mentioned. I'm working at two hospitals in Boston right now and the only thing on the door is any precautionary notices (Infections, precautions to use etc.) for the protection of the staff and visitors. Every pt must have an ID band and in fact I think TVRH (like most new hospitals) now uses or will soon use barcode scanners to ID every pt prior to medication or transport etc. I wouldn't worry about the diabetic issue, all staff including food service know exactly what diet has been ordered for the pt. Can mistakes be made? Of course. Could mistakes happen in the old system? They did.

The main thing is that you found your friend's room and made her day a little brighter.

Russ

[The Great Fumar]

Your both out of line.... She was making a general statement about an experience she had and this is not the place for specifics ..specifics are for a letter of complaint submitted to the Director of Nursing ....She is responsible for the behavior of her nurses and will shape her up pronto..........Your prodding about specifics is really none of your business , Your defense of an ill mannered nurse makes you sound like a union chair which still no justification for your outrage ...You would do well to state your position instead of just picking apart her post ....You should be more declarative about your point (if you have one). Anyone can stand back and throw darts......

Married to a retired 30yr OB Supervisor Fumar

[Bogie Shooter]

This all sounds like something one would read in the Property Owners Association POA newsletter. They are still digging for any "bad" stories about the Villages hospital.

[Frangyomory]

Fumar, not the great as you may think you are....I never defended the nurse. If she was the same nurse I had, I said she went to the Joseph Mengele school of nursing in Nazi Germany during WWII !!!!!!!

That nurse in the ER at the Villages hospital is a horrible person and should NOT be in an ER. She treated me terribly and was outright nasty. I also said that regardless of what she did for a living she would likely be nasty. It had nothing to do with her being a nurse, I believe she is simply a nasty person.

Please don't direct your crappy responses to me unless you know what the heck you are talking about FUMAR!

Put that in YOUR pipe and smoke it!

[chuckinca]

My experience with Villages Hosp ER:

This past February my mother was in ER for a week. All the nursing staff I encountered seemed competent, friendly and helpful.

Again - just relating my experience.



.

[whartonjelly]

The red pants nurse is burned out. She has lost her desire to help people like she dreamed she would. She can no longer take the criticism from the doctors, patient families etc. She is now a Robot. She has lost faith in the system. I am so sorry you ran in to her. She needs a brake but probably cannot take a vacation because she is divorced and now stuck in the job. And the administration knows she is stuck.
They wont listen to her complaints , wont give her a raise, she is stuck.

Many Nurses are divorced because they seem to be co dependent to alcoholics, always trying to change someone for the better. It never works. But it is those same qualities that make good nurses. We have hope and great expectations for our patients.

She also could have some serious problems and is taking it out on the public. Most hospitals have a program to assist people with personal problems.

I was just thinking that there are red pant nurses everywhere beaten down by the system and there are soooooooo many divorced and single parents trying to make a living. Sometimes I would like to hear " Is there anything you need to make your job better" Supplies, linens, stethescopes, even forceps dissapear by the patients and their families. Clocks taken off the walls, once even a whole set of new furniture walked right out of the hospital. All the wheelchairs eventually disappeared over a year. The whole supply of pillows gets replaced annually because the pts sneak them out.

Do you know what it is like not to have paper towels to dry your hands 30 times a shift? Everything gets frustrating. WE should not talk about it. Just deal with the way society is and do your best.


No offense to anyone. Just wanted to give you food for thought.

:024:

[Cassie325]

This is indeed VERY sad EVERY way you look at it!

I suppose we can only send prayers and good thoughts to those that work and need to be treated at all hospitals.

This is just so sad....

[Puterguru]

Your both out of line.... She was making a general statement about an experience she had and this is not the place for specifics ..specifics are for a letter of complaint submitted to the Director of Nursing ....She is responsible for the behavior of her nurses and will shape her up pronto..........Your prodding about specifics is really none of your business , Your defense of an ill mannered nurse makes you sound like a union chair which still no justification for your outrage ...You would do well to state your position instead of just picking apart her post ....You should be more declarative about your point (if you have one). Anyone can stand back and throw darts......

Married to a retired 30yr OB Supervisor Fumar
I am no where near out of line but thank you for your opinion. I voiced mine as you have yours and simply stated that without giving any specifics they were being a little hard in my opinion on one particular nurse and I stand by that. This place certainly IS for specifics if the person who posted it chooses to do so. Without those specifics people will form their own opinon.

In this case:
A nurse sat down
There was a mis-communiction about being discharged.

Without specifics my opinion is that they are being a little hard on her.

Done.

[Russ_Boston]

Not to quote anyone above but in my three clinical assignments so far in Boston I have not run into these severe problems that others have noted. In fact, most of the time, we are overstaffed for current patient census and having students around to do the dirty work just exacerbates this.

Maybe I just so green that I don't notice or I'm just so 'glass half full' kind of guy to not lean that way.

[gnu]

She was doing next to nothing and was not watching monitors. I thought she was a ward clerk who was not busy. Hmm, maybe she needed a break? Do you realize that most nurses work thru their measely little 30 minute lunch in a 12 hour shift?I was told that she got all bent out of shape - You're not really specific here, what happened?
When we got to discharge she said something that made us believe we could leave but turns out that discharge needed to see him - Again what was said to who and by whom?

nurse in red pants needs replaced. - No offense here but you have given three generalities, one of them because she was "not doing anything" and never gave any details on what if anything actually happened yet you feel the need to tell everyone on TOTV that she needs replaced.

Nurses work very long hours with almost no appreciation. They are suppose to get a 30 minute lunch but don't often have time to take one so they eat on the go. Most don't punch a clock right when it's there time to go, especially if they are busy and have lots of patients.

I might understand if there were something in this thread indicating "red pants" did something terrible but I don't see it. In my opinion you are being way too harsh.

HOLD YOUR HORSES Peterguru! I too have spent MANY a day in the Hospital, due to 27 years of serious heart problems and have never had trouble identifying who was the hard working, dedicated and caring nurse from the HIGH HORSE egotists and goof offs.

No patient should be treated in anything less than a civil manor. It doesn't matter if the nurse missed lunch, worked long hours or stayed overtime. Those are issues to be worked out with the Hospital management and not to be taken out on the patients.

Nurses chose this line of work and for the most part love it. Those who are not happy, for any reason should, find a different line of work.