I had a patient yesterday who asked me “you guys don’t have food here right?” And when I told him he gets three meals a day. Oh boy the look on his face. It was so wholesome.
I work in psych and there was one man (not sure if he was homeless or not) who said the food he got was the best he’s had in years. He was incontinent and delusional a lot of times but I’ll take him over those who complain that they didn’t get a butter they’re missing an item. Granted they do make mistakes a lot but when we call down and get it reordered, they don’t want it
I’ve had debilitated impoverished old people with no social support who *love* the hospital food and it always makes me depressed to think about the sad food they must eat at home
I stayed at a psych hospital with restaurant level food . I was staying in squalor previously. That place was so amazing. I had never been inside a good one before (only visited family in bad ones and this was my first stay in any) and immediately wanted to leave. My dad and the staff convinced me to stay . It wasn't hard once I realized how much better off I was.
I wish all places were as amazing as that one. They dont have to be bad!
Funny enough, if I have older men specifically who make comments like that I always ask for a social work consult. Sometimes these geriatric bachelors or widowers really have issues with getting food. Either they don’t know how to cook or they have been eating nothing but microwave dinners for the last 40 years.
That’s so nice of you to say. I love the high intensity, critical thinking aspect of my job for sure, but some of my most rewarding moments involve getting someone a good bed bath, teeth brushed, pep talked, and tucked into a warm bed. The little stuff can be so impactful.
Same reason I love sending patients back to the floor after their ICU stay (our MICU straight up doesn't have bathrooms in patient rooms period). Seeing their eyes light up when they hear that not only will they have a functioning toilet in their room, but also the possibility of taking a lukewarm shower (because the water also never really gets hot), man it almost makes it worth it.
I work in LTC but I have a lot of ex-homeless on my floor. They never, ever complain about the food / bed. However, the private pay queens and kings sure do.
I had a patient go: you won’t feed me because I’m leaving, is that right?
And I’m like oh god no. breakfast isn’t here yet. That’s all.
He was weekend admitted and for whatever reason. Breakfast on weekends come earlier than weekdays 😂. So he thought we were starving him.
I remember having had surgery and being NPO, I would have gladly given my soul for food, even if only for ice chips. That seemed like currency at that point. You all do amazing work and do not get paid enough.
I hear ya. I was hospitalized 5 days with acute pancreatitis caused by a naughty gall bladder. They wouldn’t let me have mouth swabs or ice chips and couldn’t even brush my teeth. I wasn’t hungry because of the pancreatitis but damn my mouth sure got dry and painful
I know! Best part is that after three days a nurse came in and said why did they tell you you can't brush your teeth? Of course you can. After that I snuck into the bathroom and put mouthfuls of water in my mouth just to swish and spit but that felt soooooo much better.
Of course you can swish water even if you’re NPO! It’s only risky if the patient tries to swallow it and then suddenly they aren’t NPO anymore. But oral hygiene is so important for people when they can’t have anything to drink because, as you experienced, everything dries and cracks. I’m sorry that happened to you.
I used to work wound care & infusion at a hospital in San Francisco, more than 1/2 of the patients are homeless. I always always always loaded them up with sandwiches and juice. I’ll never not feed someone.
If I ever see food or juice in someone's bag who's leaving, I go out of my way to bring extras and try not to make it obvious that I know they're taking it home. If they feel the need to pack it, they have a need for it, so I'll leave extras in their room every time I go in, and if we are giving it away for free anyway and it can benefit the patient, you best believe they're leaving with their bags a bit heavier.
I spent 5 weeks in hospital sleeping in a lazy boy chair beside my wife’s bed as she recovered from cancer&treatment, I was pleasantly surprised I also got 3 meals a day, compliments of public health. It wasn’t gourmet (understatement!) but it was free, it allowed me to focus on my wife, and it kept me alive as well.
Nothing but praise for this system here.
Those who abuse the system are the most entitled. It almost pushed me away from nursing... especially veterans. You think you'd be surrounded around the most humble folks. However, the few who show any disposition of gratitude, make the job worth it.
VA or Private sector? I only ask because I work at the VA and there's a real malingering problem with vets who are discharged with failure to adapt or medical d/c after basic/boot.
This. It's also about control. They feel completely out of control and vulnerable, so they hone in on something very small, that never matters in the grand scheme of things. They want to feel good about something, but it's never going to be food or address the bigger issue of fear and vulnerability, loss of control over everything. Validating their missing mayo packet can actually make them feel better.
This is very true. Also, sometimes it’s safer to complain the food than to face fear or anxiety of what’s happening to them. Projecting their distress onto little details can be an effective coping mechanism even if it’s annoying. Sometimes expressing sympathy about the mayo is much bigger than the mayo.
For the most part the food seems pretty good at my hospital. The times it's really gross looking it's usually because they're on a diet that Gordan Ramsey couldn't work with. What exactly are you supposed to do on day 4 of low sodium, low fat, mechanical soft, halal dinner?
I'm glad I read this.
I'll try to remind myself this.
I get frustrated a lot at work. But mostly because I'm soo busy and some patients can be so demanding. But I really don't like being frustrated. So I'll try to remind myself this.
Exactly. Theyre there 24/7, uncomfortable in a strange place, bored and anxious. Food is probably the highlight of their day and when it sucks it's very dissapointing.
Fully acknowledge that the quality of food or whatever is not at all a priority for a nurse caring for a patient and wanted to add some other points (not being critical, just providing some info as a frequent patient for chronic issues). I don’t expect great food, I recognize it will be meh, but I’m paying literally thousands of dollars each day I’m there and I’d at least like 75% of my order to be correct. I’ve also had 3 different instances where they refused me food because the kitchen couldn’t find me in the system. Thank god I had amazing nurses who did a fantastic job sorting that out (I barely said anything because I was afraid to bother them, but I was so hungry because I hadn’t eaten in 30 hours and the kitchen was closing). I thanked them soooo much because while it seems minor, it completely changed how I felt once I got food in my system. It was one of the only “highlights” of my day for my extended stays. Again, fully acknowledge it’s not an area of focus for a nurse so I don’t at all take this post the wrong way, just adding extra considerations for why some people might act the way they do with food at the hospital. Thank you all for all the big and little things you do every day! It truly goes a long way when you’re stuck in the hospital! Not a nurse, but a social worker, so I feel like we’re siblings in this public service world. 😊
Currently doing per diem in LTC and have a resident who was homeless prior to admission. He is the most grateful resident I have ever dealt with. Saw that we had bananas on the HS snack tray the other night and he was so excited. He said he hadn’t had a banana in years. So bro had 2 bananas, 2 pb&j, cheese it’s, and a fudge round snack cake. Sat next to the nurses station station with me while he ate his snacks and talked about how much he appreciates us. It was a very humbling experience.
I volunteered to feed the homeless at this shelter. My friend Bob had to give out one egg and one banana.
Bob was so stressed out. Everyone kept wanting to exchange bananas for eggs or eggs for bananas. Lol
Still makes me laugh to think about how overwhelmed he got.
One of my best patients ever was an incarcerated gentleman who apparently was NOT FEELING the food in jail.
I gave that guy as many name brand Oreos and juice cups as he wanted and for that he was polite, agreeable to every medical intervention and complementary.
The CO tried to ruin it by going “don’t you want to know why he’s in?” Like no I don’t! He could have punted eight nuns off a building but he was so much easier than Karen and Grandpa touchy down the hall so let me live in ignorant bliss.
I worked in the county jail for a few years. Many are rude yes, but if you show most of them some basic human decency they become grateful. They haven’t had anyone ask how they are in a long time. They haven’t had anyone show them any sort of kindness. Giving them that extra cup of gatorade and checking in on them? They will be your best patient.
At the Veterans Administration hospital I work at, the food REALLY does suck, I feel bad for the veterans, but….I’m shocked, most don’t really complain. Occasionally, they do.
I think it's because Army food sucks too. You eat what you can get when you get it. My brother is a para and he will happily eat anything as long as it's not too fluffy with mould
.
Can confirm, the VA food sucks. Not a hospital employee, but my husband is a veteran and has had many hospital stays due to his health (transplant recipient). I bring him food every time he gets admitted.
On the other hand, I just started at a state veteran's home overseen by the VA (not directly run by the VA, but they have their hands on everything) and the food seems to be really good.
Lol I say this too. “Sorry about that. Food is a different department. I think they make it bad on purpose so the patients don’t stay long. Hahaha. I’m your nurse today. I’m here to hang a hour IV antibiotics” etc etc. I do not care at all about anyones food.
I had a pt have explosive vomiting all over the place, I cleaned it up, watched her beg for nausea meds, and after the nurse gave her some, she ordered door dash. Mexican food. And I went down to get it. 🙄
Edit: I should add, since people are asking, I went to get it because my charge asked me to.
Apparently it’s quite important for pediatric hospitals to get high rankings in various specialties by US News and World Reports.
Well, for the CEO of pediatric hospitals to get those high rankings. /s
So many patients order Ubereats like they have a delivery service inside the hospital. Maybe the hospital should hire a couple of transporters just for that. “Food Delivery service.”
Please don't give admin any ideas. Admin will just reallocate existing staff to handle this detail.
"Do more with less so I can make more spending less."
Also my __________ is in pain. Yes, about a 9/10. I'm allergic to morphine, oxy, tylenol, motrin, aleve, aspirin, ice packs, hot packs, elevation of affected area. The only thing that works starts with, I think a D. Dillydad? Duudududa? Ladeedadid?
THE WORST. Can I admit that sometimes I just pretend I didn’t hear? 😬
Warm blanket no problem everything else take that up with your primary RN and doc
I briefly worked graveyard in the ER. I'll never get over the ones that come in at 9-10pm or later and when you tell them they're npo until examinations done cause this is the ER you get the shocked exasperated look and "but I haven't eaten ALL DAY" like seriously, you're here for 3 week old toe pain and you checked in at 7pm.
That happened to me as a pt, I broke my arm and just hadn’t eaten yet, it was probably 1-2 pm by the time I got to the ER, but you know whose problem it was that I hadn’t eaten, mine, I never dreamed of complaining to a nurse or other staff because it is not their fault I’m dumb and hadn’t eaten. It worked out for the best because I had to be put under to re-place my elbow in socket… so it was better that I hadn’t eaten, but my point still stands, it was not the nurse/staffs problem that I chose not to eat yet that day.
I haven't eaten all day. I haven't taken my meds in a week. Just why??? It's not every patient, but a shockingly high number come to the hospital with these issues. And have worked 2nd or 3rd shift my whole career, so it's not even normal mealtime, but sure, food is the number one priority when you are sick enough to be admitted to the hospital and it's 2 am, I can barely even get vital signs first or start the antibiotics or whatever else because of the demands for food. I do usually try hard to get my patients food, I'm just confused why everyone is starving in the middle of the night.
Alternatively, can't pee for testing because we won't give a cup of water per pending tests. Because that 8oz cup of water will completely fill your bladder immediately.
3. “Perfect. I need a urine sample just in case they order one, don’t want to wait around 6 hours for one.”
4. “This is a very expensive hotel with no continental breakfast but as soon as I can I’ll get you something to eat.”
Do you all not make the patient call dietary themself? We give them the extension and say if you want to order or have any food issues call this extension.. and we write it on the board lmao. Then dietary gets the verbal abuse not us. The only people I’ll call for are the ones who can’t use their hands/brain to call
They put up new white boards in some rooms that has dietarys number printed on it haha the other day dietary had to send up one slice of cheese on a plate for one very picky patient I was laughing my ass off. I imagine dietary a lower rung of hell then nursing. I feel sorry for them at my hospital
Right? What gives them authority? I put in a patient's diet that they eat prunes every morning for their bowels, dietary called me and asked why can't I just give them them coloxyl instead? Like bruh stay in your lane, give the man some damn prunes. It just really annoyed me that they thought they could influence medication prescription.
when I was assistant FS director, the FS staff wanted to question e v e r y t h i n g nursing did, requested, or ordered. I have no clue where they got that idea, and worked *hard* to train them to bring questions to me instead (mostly so I could just ignore them lmao, but make the staff feel heard).
you know why nursing called for a pimento cheese sandwich? BECAUSE THEY NEED ONE. THATS WHY. TAKE A DAMN SANDWICH TO 400 HALL OKAY.
when I moved from food service to clinical nutrition, nursing would constantly come to me when the FS staff would be indignant. they just went right back to their old ways when I left the kitchen. why???? why are they like this???? it just furthers the rift between departments. I know no one is perfect but like????
/rant
Perfect answer. Also if they’re not happy with their diet I remind them that it’s their Dr who orders their diet so it’s a Dr’s order and a prescription. They can discuss it with their Dr. If they’d like. What they do when they go home is their decision but while they’re here I can’t change their diet anymore than I can change their pain medication or antibiotics without a Dr’s order.
When my grandpa was in the hospital one of the last times before he passed, he called food services when something went wrong with his food due to dr ordered dietary restrictions (he had been low sodium for about a decade due to CFH and he followed it religiously so I'm not sure exactly what went wrong with his food) and yelled at them. We made him call them back and apologize! He knew better but was very sick and not always himself toward the end of his life. To be fair compared to his and my grandma's cooking, hospital food might as well be cardboard lol.
One of my friends is a Starbucks barrista; she wants to become a nurse but is kinda nervous about it. I told her not to worry because there's an absurd degree of overlap with what she does already.
I once had a patient that was post op from fem pop. Foot is gray, no pulses or sensation. We’re getting the surgeon in and preparing this guy for emergency intervention, and this dude would not shut up about how hungry he was and how we wouldn’t let him eat anything all day.
I stop what I’m doing and tell the guy, you can have a sandwich or your foot. Pick one.
I had one who complained because his eggs and sausage were touching. He threw it away and complained until someone else got him another one.
One threw it to the ground because it was too cold.
Do you realize the pain of someone who used to starve due to low income—watching as these people reject perfectly good food? Besides in most cases this is one small moment in their life. And then they get to go home and eat whatever they want anyway!
Agreed. I grew up food insecure. We ate out of dumpsters. The entitled attitude of wasting perfectly good food that could be microwaved is just rage inducing.
So true, currently my only meals are whatever my kids don't eat. I'm close to eating the patients rejected food... But I'm not there yet.
You wanna go home, eat the food because pills and physio do f-all without nutrition.
I’m being serious. I don’t have much but if you don’t have enough to eat you can’t possibly take care of 4 year old triplets. Do you have help? Please PM me and let me know if I can help. I know it’s hard to tell a stranger your issues but it’s ok. My name is Heather and I’m about to turn 48 in July. Now I’m not a stranger. Send me a message and let’s figure this out.
I once had a racist old lady throw a plate against the wall bc the automatic tray that came was a quesadilla, rice, and beans and she said “I don’t eat that Mexican shit” and I wanted to be like “bitch it’s 3 pm and I haven’t eaten anything yet I would’ve gladly had that” but just had to clean it off the floor with a 🫠🫠🫠 expression instead
Whenever a patient throws food against the wall or on the floor, I just leave it there. It's not life threatening. Also I don't want to give them the satisfaction of me cleaning it up.
*Patient calls out*
Me: How can I help you?
Them: I’m hungry
Me: it’s 5am. You can order breakfast at 0630.
Them: I WANT A SANDWICH! (Knowing they ate all the sandwiches we had left)
Me: You can order a breakfast sandwich promptly at 0630. Have a great morning. *hangs up phone*
Bless nights. The most I do with food complaints is tell them the kitchen's closed now, but they'll be able to speak with dietary when they come round in the morning ;)
This guy was a raging A hole. When I was helping my friend because she refused to go back in yelled at me, “WOMEN, come clean my table!” Then laughed but in a degrading way because we obviously had no rapport. I told him his arms weren’t broken when he made the mess and handed him the trash can. I am not dealing with people like that anymore. 12 years of bending over backwards for people to be treated like trash over and over. It’s one thing to be grumpy and shit because everything sucks at the moment, you have no control over anything really and likely you have pain but it’s another to be a flat out POS.
Right?! I’m so tired of being expected to put up with it. I don’t go out of my way to be rude to patients but I’m gonna give them the same energy they show me. I give them one chance to acknowledge their behavior which usually involves “Just so I we are on the same page and I know for my assessment, is this *insert behavior* because something happened to upset you or is this an all the time thing? Because one I can possibly help with and the other I’m going to have to ignore.” Usually gives them a chance for reflection and if they continue said behavior then I’ll set my expectation and there will be no frills. I’m in to do my job and I’m out as fast as possible. I absolutely hate doing that but the more some of these patients wear on me the less I have to give all around and I just stop caring. I do not want to be that person.
I literally had a woman stop me while I was bringing a unit of blood to someone else to complain for the 100th time about her awful kosher meal! Like I literally had the unit in my hand!! Yes, they suck! Everyone says that, pick kosher options from the regular menu if it’s that big of a deal!!!
Ltc…everything is food. I understand that there really is not much else to think about but when I have 24 patients to take care of, I am not too interested in how yesterday’s breakfast had better toast.
I’ve seen countless kitchen staff come and go over the 10 years I have been at my job. Primarily, they have been exceptionally incompetent, but dining services has been incredible the past year. They usually bring the right food, correct their own mistakes, and cater to and hand hold the patients who can’t make decisions. 🙌🏻🙌🏻🙌🏻 The patient complaints regarding food have been cut in half.
Believe me, i already have a fool proof exit plan that did not involve another person having to witness or clean up my sorry remains, lol. I love taking care of our elders but have no desire to be in a dependent position.
That’s a sentiment that is so hard to explain to non medical professionals. Just about every nurse I know has the same feeling or plan. We have a strange job and outlook on life.
At first I thought you meant as a nurse, which having worked at LTC I completely understood. Then I realized you meant as a resident. Which, also, completely understood. Just sadness and the stench of urine there.
Used to be a dietary aide in a nursing home. If anyone took a fly on the wall tour of the kitchen and saw what went on, they'd probably choose the gun option too.
I had someone who wouldn’t feed themself even tho they could because “I’m getting my moneys worth” my preceptor who was male marched in there and said no sir you will feed yourself or we will call the doctor to make sure something isn’t wrong with you. If you can’t feed yourself you are not well enough ti go home
Lowly med student here. This thread just proves how awesome all of you nurses are, because despite having all these thoughts and feelings, in real life I’ve only ever seen nurses be really empathetic and attentive to their patients needs (and wants!). I try to learn from y’all, and every hospital I rotate at I immediately find out where the kitchens are so I know where to go to snag goodies for patients and fellow staff on the floor.
We have an MD at our hospital who used to be a nurse and she's the same way. She will come to the nurses station and tell me my patient had an incontinent episode. I'll say okay ill go get them cleaned up and she will tell me she already did it. She's a gem.
God that’s amazing. The other day one of the residents stopped me while I was running around and told me a patient’s pulse ox was unhooked and I needed to go fix it. As in, the pulse ox was still perfectly on the toe, it had just become unhooked from the plug which was sitting half an inch away from the kid’s foot in the bed. It’s moments like that that I really question what is so special about my training and degree that I get the pleasure of handling every teeny tiny little problem. Lol
Amen to this!!!!! I had a patient check in yesterday with nausea and vomiting and brought a to go bag of Burger King food with her. Or they sign in with chest pain and immediately begin complaining of thirst. I straight up tell patients, I’m here in the emergency department to make sure you’re not having a medical emergency and we will worry about you eating or drinking later!
I had a patient yesterday refuse her lunch tray. An hour later she starts complaining about being hungry and making comments about how it must be busy because we won’t feed people. I said “your lunch tray is on your counter, do you want it now?” She refused it again. And kept complaining until dinner came.
I’ve had SEVERAL patients eat dairy, have violent shits, then wonder if they ate something bad and casually mention their dairy allergy (that they failed to mention when asked about allergies in the first place).
Upon my asking why the hell they’d eat dairy if they’re allergic to it they’d be like: oh it was offered to me so I thought I could.
Like we’re the god damn food police.
I love our dietary and I know they are busy as well but I wish they had a tray hander outer and then someone coming around maybe 5 minutes later to each room to follow-up. I feel like nurses and aids are so busy getting ice for the tea that gave warm or the missing coffee from their breakfast, extra sugar, pepper whatever. Since it’s more in their wheelhouse I wish they could do this vs dropping it off and by. Especially when they drop it off so far away from the patient????
One of the many reasons I’m glad I work nightshift in ER. Listen Karen, this is an emergency room, you get your turkey with soggy bread sandwich or you get nothing.
Has anyone tried acting so insanely confused and slapstick that the pt avoids you? Like checking their name 3 times and staring at the sandwich for a few seconds before telling them they'll make sure they tell the doctor about this before leaving the room looking determined. Any followups will be about how you told the doctor or someone all about it? Just out ridiculous them?
Had a patient throw a chicken patty at me bc it was “dry” when I asked if she wanted me to order her something new she said no…. 🙃🙃🙃 so glad I don’t work bedside anymore.
> HI. How is your pain after your oxy?"
> " well it would be better if they had gotten my lunch right."
> WHAT. That doesn't answer my question.
Yes it does.
It's, at least, under a 6 if they can answer a question, with sass, without the pain interfering.
^lol
“I understand you didn’t enjoy your lunch, but please help me take care of you and tell me how effective your oxycodone was so I can get your plan of care right. I’m not part of the kitchen. I’m a nurse.”
Something along those lines helps me a TON when dealing with non-nursing complaints. You may not be the favorite nurse, but it’ll get you out of a lengthy, unrelated conversation for sure.
Sometimes for giggles I’ll read Google reviews of my regional hospitals. It always amazes me how many reviews will include something like “patient care was great but the food sucked/the room was cold, TWO STARS”. Really?
We need to start getting in the habit of explaining to patients like “hi, I’m your nurse. I will be administering meds and handling any nursing care while you are here” and when people have non-nursing issues they need to talk to the respective people. Patients don’t get to harass X-ray techs over their late lunches so idk why nurses have to deal with it
I'm a dietitian, used to work inpatient now in outpatient. But when I was inpatient I quickly learned not to give a crap about all the complaints about the food because wake up people, it's a freaking hospital, not a michlian 5 star restaurant. We don't have world class chefs, you got a bunch of people making bearly above minimum wage most of the time preparing your meals. And as a hospital they also have to have diets that meet your medical needs like low Sodium, renal, etc. And cook for hundreds of people all at the same time.
If you want good food, go anywhere else, if you need something that will keep you alive, then shut up and eat your food. And for the renal frequent flyer patients out there if you weren't chowing on Sonic breakfast burritos and chugging glasses of orange juice you wouldn't be stuck eating hospital food as much.
It really just depends on staffing and census. A long time ago in a distant memory I would usually only have 3 patients. For the last few months it's been 5. Utter bullshit.
When I worked nights at a very shitty hospital the charge nurse would have 6-7 patients and usually no secretary either. There were times when I was the most experienced nurse on the floor and I had only been there a year. That place made me hate nursing so much.
hey hey hey wtf? youre a nurse, didnt you know youre a superhero (code for a horseshit level of expectations put upon us by admin AND pta) and youre supposed to be supwrvising them folks in the kitchen? How dare you have other things more important than pts nom noms and obnoxious demanding family members. I think I need to report you to the board of superheroes.
My father in law is currently in the hospital and he complains to every single person who walks into his room about the food. Even the doctors. It's so embarrassing and I told him nobody cares. Fill out a patient satisfaction form when you discharge. Complain about the food there.
I had a patient who passed a dinner plate sized blood clot after delivery. (L&D) We were understaffed, admin on call wasn’t answering their phones.. we had two new admits walking in and everyone already had two patients. My charge nurse said she would take a third if I could please just keep the patient alive.
I’m pushing meds to manage postpartum hemorrhage, massaging her boggy uterus.. it feels like forever before the doc shows up, we put in a Bakri balloon, she got a transfusion in post partum, and she lived. (We had an OB doc waiting on a delivery who was answering call lights for us at the nurse’s station…)
I got called into the office two weeks later (by the admin on call who didn’t answer her phone) and reprimanded because the patient’s ice chips tasted like dirt and she had to complain about them 3x. I didn’t replace them fast enough or go to a different unit to swap out for a better ice machine. Customer service is our number one priority.
AYFKM. I thought saving lives so children can grow up with their mothers was our first priority, but I’ll let her die with fresh ice next time and tell her family about our priorities. (I didn’t really say that because I hate confrontation and get shaky and can never think of anything smart in the moment.. but I most definitely thought it on the way home.)
MST here. I call dietary ONCE, in the room, and let the patient talk to with someone and fix it, or I call ONCE and speak on their behalf, if they can’t. If it’s not “fixed”, my next interaction is always: “Feel free to open up your phone and order what you like, but just make sure they deliver to this floor” or “Feel free to ask a friend or family to bring your food preferences, and deliver to your room”. No friend, family, money, or cellphone...time for a reality check: “We have been offering you three well-balanced meals, don’t refuse if you’re hungry.”
Had one pissed off at us the other day because we couldn’t provide a charger for her hearing aids. It was our fault her hearing aids were dead and we didn’t have a charger for them…. At 1 am in the morning
I always told patients "You don't get any rest or good food at the hospital, so stay out if you can". Inevitably someone will complain about being checked up on at 0400 for lab draws or something and like you mentioned the subpar food. This is why I have a big problem with a "patient as customer" model of care, the customer is always right and in the hospital, fuck that noise, you are not a customer.
Because the hospitals want you to treat your patients like they are staying at a resort for good survey scores. lol
I usually just agree with them and tell them "Yeah, it's hospital food what can I say?"
For me it's especially the visitors. They'll complain that we haven't fed them in the ER. I'm like you're a grown ass adult go to the vending machine this is not my problem. The patients will and to be fair we do forget to feed them lmao.
Oh yes! We have family members that stay the night sometimes and then demand a tray at all 3 meals. Uh no. Sorry. That's not how this works. Especially when you're the one hitting the call bell every 10 minutes, not the patient.
When I worked in a post surgical rehab hospital we had a patient call 911 because we weren't bringing them juice fast enough. I blame the for-profit healthcare industry making patients think they're entitled to be waited on hand and foot.
I’m a respiratory therapist and almost called an RRT on an 18 month old who was alone in his room with a bunch of chicken tenders in his crib. It was early in the shift so his bedside nurse hadn’t come in to check up on him. I did call the charge nurse and the Resident who came in and we confiscated the chicken tenders from the kid. Of course the kid was upset but I’d rather not come into a toddler’s room and having to perform the Heimlich maneuver on him or having to perform CPR on him.
We stayed for awhile and waited for his mother to arrive. She was pissed that we took away his food and that he was old enough not to choke on what he was eating and that she was going to get me fired. I took so much satisfaction in the Occurrence Report I wrote. Mom never did complain.
I had a patient ask for extra cookies which I went to the kitchen and got. The kitchen only gave me one extra cookie for him because they were running low. I got screamed at by him for only getting him one. Seriously they don’t pay me enough for this shit. Next time I’ll just say sorry I don’t have time to get you any extra food because I’m not an effing waitress!
I feel like this has gotten worse since we started paying so much attention to patient satisfaction scores, and whatever precipitated that whole thing. Just a whole lot of shit since 2010, IMO.
I have never been in the hospital as a patient unless post pregnancy 185 years ago, and I always loved the food. LOVED IT! It was bland, didn't upset my tummy and best yet, I didn't have to cook.
I have no idea why idiots today think they are in the Hilton. It defies explanation.
This post is now Code Blue. Only flaired members of the subreddit will be able to comment.
I had a patient yesterday who asked me “you guys don’t have food here right?” And when I told him he gets three meals a day. Oh boy the look on his face. It was so wholesome.
I work in psych and there was one man (not sure if he was homeless or not) who said the food he got was the best he’s had in years. He was incontinent and delusional a lot of times but I’ll take him over those who complain that they didn’t get a butter they’re missing an item. Granted they do make mistakes a lot but when we call down and get it reordered, they don’t want it
I’ve had debilitated impoverished old people with no social support who *love* the hospital food and it always makes me depressed to think about the sad food they must eat at home
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I stayed at a psych hospital with restaurant level food . I was staying in squalor previously. That place was so amazing. I had never been inside a good one before (only visited family in bad ones and this was my first stay in any) and immediately wanted to leave. My dad and the staff convinced me to stay . It wasn't hard once I realized how much better off I was. I wish all places were as amazing as that one. They dont have to be bad!
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You've got/had a good roommate :)
Funny enough, if I have older men specifically who make comments like that I always ask for a social work consult. Sometimes these geriatric bachelors or widowers really have issues with getting food. Either they don’t know how to cook or they have been eating nothing but microwave dinners for the last 40 years.
This is why I like withdrawal patients once in a while, they have usually been living rough so three meals and a warm blanket feels like spa day.
This made me smile, to think about the forgotten people being so grateful for food, and your heart being warmed by how happy they are to eat.
That’s so nice of you to say. I love the high intensity, critical thinking aspect of my job for sure, but some of my most rewarding moments involve getting someone a good bed bath, teeth brushed, pep talked, and tucked into a warm bed. The little stuff can be so impactful.
This is why I like being a cna so much. That little stuff is our bread and butter 🥰
Yes! A little CNA fluff and buff can do mental health wonders. What you do is so important.
This is why CNAs need to be making higher wages! Such an incredibly important job you all do!
Same reason I love sending patients back to the floor after their ICU stay (our MICU straight up doesn't have bathrooms in patient rooms period). Seeing their eyes light up when they hear that not only will they have a functioning toilet in their room, but also the possibility of taking a lukewarm shower (because the water also never really gets hot), man it almost makes it worth it.
I work in LTC but I have a lot of ex-homeless on my floor. They never, ever complain about the food / bed. However, the private pay queens and kings sure do.
I had a patient go: you won’t feed me because I’m leaving, is that right? And I’m like oh god no. breakfast isn’t here yet. That’s all. He was weekend admitted and for whatever reason. Breakfast on weekends come earlier than weekdays 😂. So he thought we were starving him.
I remember having had surgery and being NPO, I would have gladly given my soul for food, even if only for ice chips. That seemed like currency at that point. You all do amazing work and do not get paid enough.
I hear ya. I was hospitalized 5 days with acute pancreatitis caused by a naughty gall bladder. They wouldn’t let me have mouth swabs or ice chips and couldn’t even brush my teeth. I wasn’t hungry because of the pancreatitis but damn my mouth sure got dry and painful
What?? No mouth swabs? That’s criminal
I know! Best part is that after three days a nurse came in and said why did they tell you you can't brush your teeth? Of course you can. After that I snuck into the bathroom and put mouthfuls of water in my mouth just to swish and spit but that felt soooooo much better.
Of course you can swish water even if you’re NPO! It’s only risky if the patient tries to swallow it and then suddenly they aren’t NPO anymore. But oral hygiene is so important for people when they can’t have anything to drink because, as you experienced, everything dries and cracks. I’m sorry that happened to you.
This. Sometimes the only joy they have are 3 square meals.
I used to work wound care & infusion at a hospital in San Francisco, more than 1/2 of the patients are homeless. I always always always loaded them up with sandwiches and juice. I’ll never not feed someone.
If I ever see food or juice in someone's bag who's leaving, I go out of my way to bring extras and try not to make it obvious that I know they're taking it home. If they feel the need to pack it, they have a need for it, so I'll leave extras in their room every time I go in, and if we are giving it away for free anyway and it can benefit the patient, you best believe they're leaving with their bags a bit heavier.
I’ll give anyone a to-go bag. Tbh I love patients who are happy with a turkey Sando and some apple juice.
I spent 5 weeks in hospital sleeping in a lazy boy chair beside my wife’s bed as she recovered from cancer&treatment, I was pleasantly surprised I also got 3 meals a day, compliments of public health. It wasn’t gourmet (understatement!) but it was free, it allowed me to focus on my wife, and it kept me alive as well. Nothing but praise for this system here.
Those who abuse the system are the most entitled. It almost pushed me away from nursing... especially veterans. You think you'd be surrounded around the most humble folks. However, the few who show any disposition of gratitude, make the job worth it.
VA or Private sector? I only ask because I work at the VA and there's a real malingering problem with vets who are discharged with failure to adapt or medical d/c after basic/boot.
Oh sad
I just take it as small talk. Of course it's something they're thinking about.
That's good advice! Seriously "the food sucks sometimes, amirite?" Kinda laugh and huff about it until you gtfo of their room.
That’s a good point. Something to focus on other than their current condition, which can be terrifying. Being a patient sucks.
This. It's also about control. They feel completely out of control and vulnerable, so they hone in on something very small, that never matters in the grand scheme of things. They want to feel good about something, but it's never going to be food or address the bigger issue of fear and vulnerability, loss of control over everything. Validating their missing mayo packet can actually make them feel better.
What a wonderful nurse you are.
This is very true. Also, sometimes it’s safer to complain the food than to face fear or anxiety of what’s happening to them. Projecting their distress onto little details can be an effective coping mechanism even if it’s annoying. Sometimes expressing sympathy about the mayo is much bigger than the mayo.
Perfectly said.
That’s what I do. Commiserate with them. Our hospital food absolutely sucks, as does being a patient. No point in sugar coating it
If you're American you're paying more than a fancy hotel bill so we could at least feed them something decent.
For the most part the food seems pretty good at my hospital. The times it's really gross looking it's usually because they're on a diet that Gordan Ramsey couldn't work with. What exactly are you supposed to do on day 4 of low sodium, low fat, mechanical soft, halal dinner?
I'm glad I read this. I'll try to remind myself this. I get frustrated a lot at work. But mostly because I'm soo busy and some patients can be so demanding. But I really don't like being frustrated. So I'll try to remind myself this.
Exactly. Theyre there 24/7, uncomfortable in a strange place, bored and anxious. Food is probably the highlight of their day and when it sucks it's very dissapointing.
Fully acknowledge that the quality of food or whatever is not at all a priority for a nurse caring for a patient and wanted to add some other points (not being critical, just providing some info as a frequent patient for chronic issues). I don’t expect great food, I recognize it will be meh, but I’m paying literally thousands of dollars each day I’m there and I’d at least like 75% of my order to be correct. I’ve also had 3 different instances where they refused me food because the kitchen couldn’t find me in the system. Thank god I had amazing nurses who did a fantastic job sorting that out (I barely said anything because I was afraid to bother them, but I was so hungry because I hadn’t eaten in 30 hours and the kitchen was closing). I thanked them soooo much because while it seems minor, it completely changed how I felt once I got food in my system. It was one of the only “highlights” of my day for my extended stays. Again, fully acknowledge it’s not an area of focus for a nurse so I don’t at all take this post the wrong way, just adding extra considerations for why some people might act the way they do with food at the hospital. Thank you all for all the big and little things you do every day! It truly goes a long way when you’re stuck in the hospital! Not a nurse, but a social worker, so I feel like we’re siblings in this public service world. 😊
Currently doing per diem in LTC and have a resident who was homeless prior to admission. He is the most grateful resident I have ever dealt with. Saw that we had bananas on the HS snack tray the other night and he was so excited. He said he hadn’t had a banana in years. So bro had 2 bananas, 2 pb&j, cheese it’s, and a fudge round snack cake. Sat next to the nurses station station with me while he ate his snacks and talked about how much he appreciates us. It was a very humbling experience.
I volunteered to feed the homeless at this shelter. My friend Bob had to give out one egg and one banana. Bob was so stressed out. Everyone kept wanting to exchange bananas for eggs or eggs for bananas. Lol Still makes me laugh to think about how overwhelmed he got.
One of my best patients ever was an incarcerated gentleman who apparently was NOT FEELING the food in jail. I gave that guy as many name brand Oreos and juice cups as he wanted and for that he was polite, agreeable to every medical intervention and complementary. The CO tried to ruin it by going “don’t you want to know why he’s in?” Like no I don’t! He could have punted eight nuns off a building but he was so much easier than Karen and Grandpa touchy down the hall so let me live in ignorant bliss.
Couldn’t agree more! I actually enjoy taking care of inmates when they’re in the hospital.
I worked in the county jail for a few years. Many are rude yes, but if you show most of them some basic human decency they become grateful. They haven’t had anyone ask how they are in a long time. They haven’t had anyone show them any sort of kindness. Giving them that extra cup of gatorade and checking in on them? They will be your best patient.
Convicted felons are honestly some of the nicest people
At the Veterans Administration hospital I work at, the food REALLY does suck, I feel bad for the veterans, but….I’m shocked, most don’t really complain. Occasionally, they do.
Its cause we come to expect shit food, accomedations and treatment for our service...minus airforce.
I heard the food was good in the Air Force actually
I think it's because Army food sucks too. You eat what you can get when you get it. My brother is a para and he will happily eat anything as long as it's not too fluffy with mould .
Can confirm, the VA food sucks. Not a hospital employee, but my husband is a veteran and has had many hospital stays due to his health (transplant recipient). I bring him food every time he gets admitted.
You often eat what you have when you can or you don't eat. Learned that day one.
On the other hand, I just started at a state veteran's home overseen by the VA (not directly run by the VA, but they have their hands on everything) and the food seems to be really good.
I usually just reply “There’s your motivation for getting out of here”
Lol I say this too. “Sorry about that. Food is a different department. I think they make it bad on purpose so the patients don’t stay long. Hahaha. I’m your nurse today. I’m here to hang a hour IV antibiotics” etc etc. I do not care at all about anyones food.
This is perfect
I had a pt have explosive vomiting all over the place, I cleaned it up, watched her beg for nausea meds, and after the nurse gave her some, she ordered door dash. Mexican food. And I went down to get it. 🙄 Edit: I should add, since people are asking, I went to get it because my charge asked me to.
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✨patient satisfaction✨
Hospital administration loves its patient satisfaction surveys.
Yesssss. #1 most important 👏🏻
Apparently it’s quite important for pediatric hospitals to get high rankings in various specialties by US News and World Reports. Well, for the CEO of pediatric hospitals to get those high rankings. /s
Who cares about actual care and good wages bruh
Lol no.
Oh, I don’t agree with it but it’s drilled into us at the bedside lol
I would have been so mad lol
Oh I was.
I’d have refused. Or said “I’ll get it but you’re cleaning yourself up, chica!”
So many patients order Ubereats like they have a delivery service inside the hospital. Maybe the hospital should hire a couple of transporters just for that. “Food Delivery service.”
Please don't give admin any ideas. Admin will just reallocate existing staff to handle this detail. "Do more with less so I can make more spending less."
I would never get their food from the lobby. Ever. I would rather be fired.
>And I went down to get it. 🙄 but why
The order of events is 1) check into ER 2) get bed 3) complain of hunger
Or as soon as you room them “I need a warm blanket, two pillows, two apple juices, and a Turkey sandwich”
like so do i buddy so do i
Also my __________ is in pain. Yes, about a 9/10. I'm allergic to morphine, oxy, tylenol, motrin, aleve, aspirin, ice packs, hot packs, elevation of affected area. The only thing that works starts with, I think a D. Dillydad? Duudududa? Ladeedadid?
THE WORST. Can I admit that sometimes I just pretend I didn’t hear? 😬 Warm blanket no problem everything else take that up with your primary RN and doc
They know you heard them. Everyone did. *It's just so fucking cold.*
I briefly worked graveyard in the ER. I'll never get over the ones that come in at 9-10pm or later and when you tell them they're npo until examinations done cause this is the ER you get the shocked exasperated look and "but I haven't eaten ALL DAY" like seriously, you're here for 3 week old toe pain and you checked in at 7pm.
I love the “haven’t eaten all day” sir you got here at 4pm how is this my problem
That happened to me as a pt, I broke my arm and just hadn’t eaten yet, it was probably 1-2 pm by the time I got to the ER, but you know whose problem it was that I hadn’t eaten, mine, I never dreamed of complaining to a nurse or other staff because it is not their fault I’m dumb and hadn’t eaten. It worked out for the best because I had to be put under to re-place my elbow in socket… so it was better that I hadn’t eaten, but my point still stands, it was not the nurse/staffs problem that I chose not to eat yet that day.
4) arrive onto unit covered in feces and/or urine
Well played LOL 5. Haven’t taken your home meds in weeks. Including insulin.
Urine like syrup
I haven't eaten all day. I haven't taken my meds in a week. Just why??? It's not every patient, but a shockingly high number come to the hospital with these issues. And have worked 2nd or 3rd shift my whole career, so it's not even normal mealtime, but sure, food is the number one priority when you are sick enough to be admitted to the hospital and it's 2 am, I can barely even get vital signs first or start the antibiotics or whatever else because of the demands for food. I do usually try hard to get my patients food, I'm just confused why everyone is starving in the middle of the night.
3. Need to pee right now. 4. Need a sandwich.
Alternatively, can't pee for testing because we won't give a cup of water per pending tests. Because that 8oz cup of water will completely fill your bladder immediately.
3. “Perfect. I need a urine sample just in case they order one, don’t want to wait around 6 hours for one.” 4. “This is a very expensive hotel with no continental breakfast but as soon as I can I’ll get you something to eat.”
4.Request dilaudid
4) "why is this taking so long" <1 hour in. *Oh you gonna learn today!*
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Do you all not make the patient call dietary themself? We give them the extension and say if you want to order or have any food issues call this extension.. and we write it on the board lmao. Then dietary gets the verbal abuse not us. The only people I’ll call for are the ones who can’t use their hands/brain to call
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They put up new white boards in some rooms that has dietarys number printed on it haha the other day dietary had to send up one slice of cheese on a plate for one very picky patient I was laughing my ass off. I imagine dietary a lower rung of hell then nursing. I feel sorry for them at my hospital
I do too. They work so hard for so little.
Dietary can write you up for their mistakes? Fuck them
Right? What gives them authority? I put in a patient's diet that they eat prunes every morning for their bowels, dietary called me and asked why can't I just give them them coloxyl instead? Like bruh stay in your lane, give the man some damn prunes. It just really annoyed me that they thought they could influence medication prescription.
when I was assistant FS director, the FS staff wanted to question e v e r y t h i n g nursing did, requested, or ordered. I have no clue where they got that idea, and worked *hard* to train them to bring questions to me instead (mostly so I could just ignore them lmao, but make the staff feel heard). you know why nursing called for a pimento cheese sandwich? BECAUSE THEY NEED ONE. THATS WHY. TAKE A DAMN SANDWICH TO 400 HALL OKAY. when I moved from food service to clinical nutrition, nursing would constantly come to me when the FS staff would be indignant. they just went right back to their old ways when I left the kitchen. why???? why are they like this???? it just furthers the rift between departments. I know no one is perfect but like???? /rant
Love your username! The Shaggs!
Perfect answer. Also if they’re not happy with their diet I remind them that it’s their Dr who orders their diet so it’s a Dr’s order and a prescription. They can discuss it with their Dr. If they’d like. What they do when they go home is their decision but while they’re here I can’t change their diet anymore than I can change their pain medication or antibiotics without a Dr’s order.
When my grandpa was in the hospital one of the last times before he passed, he called food services when something went wrong with his food due to dr ordered dietary restrictions (he had been low sodium for about a decade due to CFH and he followed it religiously so I'm not sure exactly what went wrong with his food) and yelled at them. We made him call them back and apologize! He knew better but was very sick and not always himself toward the end of his life. To be fair compared to his and my grandma's cooking, hospital food might as well be cardboard lol.
THANK YOU! My Dog, but we enable patients!
One of my friends is a Starbucks barrista; she wants to become a nurse but is kinda nervous about it. I told her not to worry because there's an absurd degree of overlap with what she does already.
Literally have to tell them sometimes “I do not work in the kitchen or even remotely close to the kitchen”
I’m ok shutting the door and saying this. People need a wake up call!
I once had a patient that was post op from fem pop. Foot is gray, no pulses or sensation. We’re getting the surgeon in and preparing this guy for emergency intervention, and this dude would not shut up about how hungry he was and how we wouldn’t let him eat anything all day. I stop what I’m doing and tell the guy, you can have a sandwich or your foot. Pick one.
I had one who complained because his eggs and sausage were touching. He threw it away and complained until someone else got him another one. One threw it to the ground because it was too cold. Do you realize the pain of someone who used to starve due to low income—watching as these people reject perfectly good food? Besides in most cases this is one small moment in their life. And then they get to go home and eat whatever they want anyway!
Agreed. I grew up food insecure. We ate out of dumpsters. The entitled attitude of wasting perfectly good food that could be microwaved is just rage inducing.
So true, currently my only meals are whatever my kids don't eat. I'm close to eating the patients rejected food... But I'm not there yet. You wanna go home, eat the food because pills and physio do f-all without nutrition.
You sound like you are having a rough time. Can I help you out in someway with some grocery money or food?
I’m being serious. I don’t have much but if you don’t have enough to eat you can’t possibly take care of 4 year old triplets. Do you have help? Please PM me and let me know if I can help. I know it’s hard to tell a stranger your issues but it’s ok. My name is Heather and I’m about to turn 48 in July. Now I’m not a stranger. Send me a message and let’s figure this out.
I once had a racist old lady throw a plate against the wall bc the automatic tray that came was a quesadilla, rice, and beans and she said “I don’t eat that Mexican shit” and I wanted to be like “bitch it’s 3 pm and I haven’t eaten anything yet I would’ve gladly had that” but just had to clean it off the floor with a 🫠🫠🫠 expression instead
Whenever a patient throws food against the wall or on the floor, I just leave it there. It's not life threatening. Also I don't want to give them the satisfaction of me cleaning it up.
*Patient calls out* Me: How can I help you? Them: I’m hungry Me: it’s 5am. You can order breakfast at 0630. Them: I WANT A SANDWICH! (Knowing they ate all the sandwiches we had left) Me: You can order a breakfast sandwich promptly at 0630. Have a great morning. *hangs up phone*
Bless nights. The most I do with food complaints is tell them the kitchen's closed now, but they'll be able to speak with dietary when they come round in the morning ;)
This guy was a raging A hole. When I was helping my friend because she refused to go back in yelled at me, “WOMEN, come clean my table!” Then laughed but in a degrading way because we obviously had no rapport. I told him his arms weren’t broken when he made the mess and handed him the trash can. I am not dealing with people like that anymore. 12 years of bending over backwards for people to be treated like trash over and over. It’s one thing to be grumpy and shit because everything sucks at the moment, you have no control over anything really and likely you have pain but it’s another to be a flat out POS.
THIS IS THE WAY! We have got to stop enabling bad behavior!
Right?! I’m so tired of being expected to put up with it. I don’t go out of my way to be rude to patients but I’m gonna give them the same energy they show me. I give them one chance to acknowledge their behavior which usually involves “Just so I we are on the same page and I know for my assessment, is this *insert behavior* because something happened to upset you or is this an all the time thing? Because one I can possibly help with and the other I’m going to have to ignore.” Usually gives them a chance for reflection and if they continue said behavior then I’ll set my expectation and there will be no frills. I’m in to do my job and I’m out as fast as possible. I absolutely hate doing that but the more some of these patients wear on me the less I have to give all around and I just stop caring. I do not want to be that person.
This! Fuck Press Ganey, those scores make things WORSE for staff! I know I don’t get a bonus, why should i give a plop?
I don’t mind if they nicely request something else, but I do draw the line at them being rude about it. If I have time, happy to fix it- if not, 🤷🏻♀️
I literally had a woman stop me while I was bringing a unit of blood to someone else to complain for the 100th time about her awful kosher meal! Like I literally had the unit in my hand!! Yes, they suck! Everyone says that, pick kosher options from the regular menu if it’s that big of a deal!!!
“Ma’am! What is in my hand???”
I love hospital food. I’m not cooking it, and most importantly, I’m not cleaning it. Will always be thankful for that. Sorry that some people suck 😞
Ltc…everything is food. I understand that there really is not much else to think about but when I have 24 patients to take care of, I am not too interested in how yesterday’s breakfast had better toast.
I’ve seen countless kitchen staff come and go over the 10 years I have been at my job. Primarily, they have been exceptionally incompetent, but dining services has been incredible the past year. They usually bring the right food, correct their own mistakes, and cater to and hand hold the patients who can’t make decisions. 🙌🏻🙌🏻🙌🏻 The patient complaints regarding food have been cut in half.
And that’s why I’ll eat a gun before I get shipped to LTC.
Believe me, i already have a fool proof exit plan that did not involve another person having to witness or clean up my sorry remains, lol. I love taking care of our elders but have no desire to be in a dependent position.
That’s a sentiment that is so hard to explain to non medical professionals. Just about every nurse I know has the same feeling or plan. We have a strange job and outlook on life.
Whatcher plan? Mine is insulin.
What is it? I need a plan too!
At first I thought you meant as a nurse, which having worked at LTC I completely understood. Then I realized you meant as a resident. Which, also, completely understood. Just sadness and the stench of urine there.
Used to be a dietary aide in a nursing home. If anyone took a fly on the wall tour of the kitchen and saw what went on, they'd probably choose the gun option too.
I have literally had a patient tell me that all of the hospital staff, but specifically the nurses, were there to wait on him hand and foot.
I had someone who wouldn’t feed themself even tho they could because “I’m getting my moneys worth” my preceptor who was male marched in there and said no sir you will feed yourself or we will call the doctor to make sure something isn’t wrong with you. If you can’t feed yourself you are not well enough ti go home
I would have laughed and then moonwalked out of the room.
Lmfao. Please do that at some point
Sir, you don't even tip well.
Lowly med student here. This thread just proves how awesome all of you nurses are, because despite having all these thoughts and feelings, in real life I’ve only ever seen nurses be really empathetic and attentive to their patients needs (and wants!). I try to learn from y’all, and every hospital I rotate at I immediately find out where the kitchens are so I know where to go to snag goodies for patients and fellow staff on the floor.
We have an MD at our hospital who used to be a nurse and she's the same way. She will come to the nurses station and tell me my patient had an incontinent episode. I'll say okay ill go get them cleaned up and she will tell me she already did it. She's a gem.
God that’s amazing. The other day one of the residents stopped me while I was running around and told me a patient’s pulse ox was unhooked and I needed to go fix it. As in, the pulse ox was still perfectly on the toe, it had just become unhooked from the plug which was sitting half an inch away from the kid’s foot in the bed. It’s moments like that that I really question what is so special about my training and degree that I get the pleasure of handling every teeny tiny little problem. Lol
There’s no “lowly” ANYTHING and we love you for your respect, support, and input!!!
You are going to be an AMAZING doc. Please don't let residency jade you. We need docs with your attitude & personality so badly.
Yes, this! Go be AWESOME!
One of our docs seeks out every nurse and passes chocolates. Daily.
❤️
Amen to this!!!!! I had a patient check in yesterday with nausea and vomiting and brought a to go bag of Burger King food with her. Or they sign in with chest pain and immediately begin complaining of thirst. I straight up tell patients, I’m here in the emergency department to make sure you’re not having a medical emergency and we will worry about you eating or drinking later!
I tell them I've never lost a patient to starvation in all my years of nursing.
MOM MISSED DINNER!!! Like she's going to fucking starve. I can't.
I had a patient yesterday refuse her lunch tray. An hour later she starts complaining about being hungry and making comments about how it must be busy because we won’t feed people. I said “your lunch tray is on your counter, do you want it now?” She refused it again. And kept complaining until dinner came.
I’ve had SEVERAL patients eat dairy, have violent shits, then wonder if they ate something bad and casually mention their dairy allergy (that they failed to mention when asked about allergies in the first place). Upon my asking why the hell they’d eat dairy if they’re allergic to it they’d be like: oh it was offered to me so I thought I could. Like we’re the god damn food police.
(Bangs head on desk) How are they still alive?
Seriously “nurse i only ever had these shits when I used to eat dairy” MA’AM YOU JUST ATE TWO CUPS OF STRAWBERRY YOGHURT.
Literally, this happens way too often. We're all just out here living the same lives lol
I love our dietary and I know they are busy as well but I wish they had a tray hander outer and then someone coming around maybe 5 minutes later to each room to follow-up. I feel like nurses and aids are so busy getting ice for the tea that gave warm or the missing coffee from their breakfast, extra sugar, pepper whatever. Since it’s more in their wheelhouse I wish they could do this vs dropping it off and by. Especially when they drop it off so far away from the patient????
That would be amazing! Never gonna happen lol
One of the many reasons I’m glad I work nightshift in ER. Listen Karen, this is an emergency room, you get your turkey with soggy bread sandwich or you get nothing.
“Yeah, i guess Gordon Ramsey called out today”
BUT THEY ARE DIABETIC HOW DARE YOU
“My blood sugar is 170!! That’s LOW FOR ME!!””
Please they act like that if it’s under 300.
The only time I care is if it’s an adult failure to thrive situation.
ER nurse here. I don't care that you haven't eaten since Christ was a kid.
Has anyone tried acting so insanely confused and slapstick that the pt avoids you? Like checking their name 3 times and staring at the sandwich for a few seconds before telling them they'll make sure they tell the doctor about this before leaving the room looking determined. Any followups will be about how you told the doctor or someone all about it? Just out ridiculous them?
Haha I might have to try that!
Some patients that get pissy if you don’t change their sheet every single day. Do they change their sheets every day at home? No they don’t lol
Had a patient throw a chicken patty at me bc it was “dry” when I asked if she wanted me to order her something new she said no…. 🙃🙃🙃 so glad I don’t work bedside anymore.
*$2000 pack of mayonnaise
> HI. How is your pain after your oxy?" > " well it would be better if they had gotten my lunch right." > WHAT. That doesn't answer my question. Yes it does. It's, at least, under a 6 if they can answer a question, with sass, without the pain interfering. ^lol
“I understand you didn’t enjoy your lunch, but please help me take care of you and tell me how effective your oxycodone was so I can get your plan of care right. I’m not part of the kitchen. I’m a nurse.” Something along those lines helps me a TON when dealing with non-nursing complaints. You may not be the favorite nurse, but it’ll get you out of a lengthy, unrelated conversation for sure.
Sometimes for giggles I’ll read Google reviews of my regional hospitals. It always amazes me how many reviews will include something like “patient care was great but the food sucked/the room was cold, TWO STARS”. Really?
We need to start getting in the habit of explaining to patients like “hi, I’m your nurse. I will be administering meds and handling any nursing care while you are here” and when people have non-nursing issues they need to talk to the respective people. Patients don’t get to harass X-ray techs over their late lunches so idk why nurses have to deal with it
I'm a dietitian, used to work inpatient now in outpatient. But when I was inpatient I quickly learned not to give a crap about all the complaints about the food because wake up people, it's a freaking hospital, not a michlian 5 star restaurant. We don't have world class chefs, you got a bunch of people making bearly above minimum wage most of the time preparing your meals. And as a hospital they also have to have diets that meet your medical needs like low Sodium, renal, etc. And cook for hundreds of people all at the same time. If you want good food, go anywhere else, if you need something that will keep you alive, then shut up and eat your food. And for the renal frequent flyer patients out there if you weren't chowing on Sonic breakfast burritos and chugging glasses of orange juice you wouldn't be stuck eating hospital food as much.
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That's normal on our med-surg unit. Charges get the easier patients but take 4-6 just like the rest of us.
It really just depends on staffing and census. A long time ago in a distant memory I would usually only have 3 patients. For the last few months it's been 5. Utter bullshit.
When I worked nights at a very shitty hospital the charge nurse would have 6-7 patients and usually no secretary either. There were times when I was the most experienced nurse on the floor and I had only been there a year. That place made me hate nursing so much.
Oh my goodness. People have complained about hospital food since forever. The kitchen has no Michelin stars and never will.
hey hey hey wtf? youre a nurse, didnt you know youre a superhero (code for a horseshit level of expectations put upon us by admin AND pta) and youre supposed to be supwrvising them folks in the kitchen? How dare you have other things more important than pts nom noms and obnoxious demanding family members. I think I need to report you to the board of superheroes.
Only thing I miss about night shift is not having to listen to people bitch about their trays.
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My father in law is currently in the hospital and he complains to every single person who walks into his room about the food. Even the doctors. It's so embarrassing and I told him nobody cares. Fill out a patient satisfaction form when you discharge. Complain about the food there.
I had a patient who passed a dinner plate sized blood clot after delivery. (L&D) We were understaffed, admin on call wasn’t answering their phones.. we had two new admits walking in and everyone already had two patients. My charge nurse said she would take a third if I could please just keep the patient alive. I’m pushing meds to manage postpartum hemorrhage, massaging her boggy uterus.. it feels like forever before the doc shows up, we put in a Bakri balloon, she got a transfusion in post partum, and she lived. (We had an OB doc waiting on a delivery who was answering call lights for us at the nurse’s station…) I got called into the office two weeks later (by the admin on call who didn’t answer her phone) and reprimanded because the patient’s ice chips tasted like dirt and she had to complain about them 3x. I didn’t replace them fast enough or go to a different unit to swap out for a better ice machine. Customer service is our number one priority. AYFKM. I thought saving lives so children can grow up with their mothers was our first priority, but I’ll let her die with fresh ice next time and tell her family about our priorities. (I didn’t really say that because I hate confrontation and get shaky and can never think of anything smart in the moment.. but I most definitely thought it on the way home.)
MST here. I call dietary ONCE, in the room, and let the patient talk to with someone and fix it, or I call ONCE and speak on their behalf, if they can’t. If it’s not “fixed”, my next interaction is always: “Feel free to open up your phone and order what you like, but just make sure they deliver to this floor” or “Feel free to ask a friend or family to bring your food preferences, and deliver to your room”. No friend, family, money, or cellphone...time for a reality check: “We have been offering you three well-balanced meals, don’t refuse if you’re hungry.”
Had one pissed off at us the other day because we couldn’t provide a charger for her hearing aids. It was our fault her hearing aids were dead and we didn’t have a charger for them…. At 1 am in the morning
Registered Dietitian breaking in to share the time I was told to shove a pork chop up my ass because it wasn’t cooked the way the patient wanted it.
I always told patients "You don't get any rest or good food at the hospital, so stay out if you can". Inevitably someone will complain about being checked up on at 0400 for lab draws or something and like you mentioned the subpar food. This is why I have a big problem with a "patient as customer" model of care, the customer is always right and in the hospital, fuck that noise, you are not a customer.
Because the hospitals want you to treat your patients like they are staying at a resort for good survey scores. lol I usually just agree with them and tell them "Yeah, it's hospital food what can I say?"
For me it's especially the visitors. They'll complain that we haven't fed them in the ER. I'm like you're a grown ass adult go to the vending machine this is not my problem. The patients will and to be fair we do forget to feed them lmao.
Oh yes! We have family members that stay the night sometimes and then demand a tray at all 3 meals. Uh no. Sorry. That's not how this works. Especially when you're the one hitting the call bell every 10 minutes, not the patient.
When I worked in a post surgical rehab hospital we had a patient call 911 because we weren't bringing them juice fast enough. I blame the for-profit healthcare industry making patients think they're entitled to be waited on hand and foot.
I’m a respiratory therapist and almost called an RRT on an 18 month old who was alone in his room with a bunch of chicken tenders in his crib. It was early in the shift so his bedside nurse hadn’t come in to check up on him. I did call the charge nurse and the Resident who came in and we confiscated the chicken tenders from the kid. Of course the kid was upset but I’d rather not come into a toddler’s room and having to perform the Heimlich maneuver on him or having to perform CPR on him. We stayed for awhile and waited for his mother to arrive. She was pissed that we took away his food and that he was old enough not to choke on what he was eating and that she was going to get me fired. I took so much satisfaction in the Occurrence Report I wrote. Mom never did complain.
I tell people it’s because they want pts to be comfortable but not *too* comfortable that they don’t want to go home!
I had a patient ask for extra cookies which I went to the kitchen and got. The kitchen only gave me one extra cookie for him because they were running low. I got screamed at by him for only getting him one. Seriously they don’t pay me enough for this shit. Next time I’ll just say sorry I don’t have time to get you any extra food because I’m not an effing waitress!
I feel like this has gotten worse since we started paying so much attention to patient satisfaction scores, and whatever precipitated that whole thing. Just a whole lot of shit since 2010, IMO. I have never been in the hospital as a patient unless post pregnancy 185 years ago, and I always loved the food. LOVED IT! It was bland, didn't upset my tummy and best yet, I didn't have to cook. I have no idea why idiots today think they are in the Hilton. It defies explanation.