Life As A Nurse ~Part 11 by RNKarenER
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Description
Life as a Nurse 11
The Overlooked Patient
In our busy lives as nurses, we sometimes rush to get procedures
completed. We hurry to move our patients through the system. Rarely,
if ever do we stop and actually look at the person in front of us and
ask the questions that might make all the difference in the world.
This is the story of one such patient who was overlooked until it
nearly caused her death. This is a true story.
Case in Point:
A 47-year-old female had been complaining of general flu like symptoms
for almost a week now. She carried with her the whole list of
aches, pains, fever, and headache. No one gave her much thought.
It was just the simple flu.
Besides, if she were really that ill, she would have called off sick.
This patient worked in the ER. She showed up day in and out, it wasn't
normal to come to work if you felt bad. This patient was different.
She did work each day, as it was beyond her realm of thinking to abandon
her patients and her coworkers by calling off for the day. They were
probably right, Just a simple case of the flu.
Sometime between day one and four of this simple flu, the patient started to
suffer from blinding headaches. They woke her up at night, something that
had never happened to her before. In desperation, she even tried to sleep
in her spa to relieve the horrible pains that were now wracking her body.
And still, she was there at 7:00 a.m. for her shift. Today would be
different she thought, today someone will see me and see past the work,
today someone will stop and notice me. That never happened. That day
ended as it had begun, and no one ever gave the patient a second thought.
The next day was Xmas eve. This day was the worst for the patient. She
found she required assistance to even dress herself. Today was also
her birthday. This day above all, she thought, someone will see past
my tough exterior and see how much she was suffering inside. Once again,
she was wrong. She felt as if she was screaming inside, and no
one bothered looking up from their duties to even notice that
something just wasn't right. In a plea to the nurse in charge,
the patient went to him and tried to tell him of her
plight. "I don't think I can make it through the day ", she whispered. The
clock said three p.m.. Without even looking at the patient,
the charge nurse just turned away and mumbled,
"Only 4 more hours to go!". Becoming even more desperate,
the patient went to the doctor in charge that day. She sat next to
him as he played some game on his computer. He acknowledged that she
was there, but when she told him that she was lethargic, febrile,
had a headache and stiff neck, He didn't even look up from his
computer screen and never said a word.
7 p.m. came and the night crew was there. Perhaps the patient was wrong,
Tomorrow is Xmas and rest is what she needed. She slept through Xmas
and the next day too. By Monday morning, her husband put his foot down
and demanded she go to the hospital. She agreed as she had spent most of
the night in the spa again. By Monday morning, she couldn't think nor
move her neck. She was not a doctor, but she knew in her heart that it
could only be one thing. She had meningitis. She gathered her
belongings and her husband drove her the short miles to the hospital.
The same charge nurse who had not given her a second look on Xmas eve
was there. His eyes said it all. He knew something was deathly wrong.
The patient was rushed to a private room. IV's were started,
and finally, after a week of torture, a pain shot was given
through the IV. Dr. Stanwich came in and explained what needed to be
done. The patient understood, and signed the
consent for a lumbar puncture.
Andrew and the doctor came to the patient's room. She was asked to lie on her
side as the large boring needle was inserted into her spine. She could
feel the electric shocks make their way to her toes as the needle
pierced the spinal column. She heard voices as if they were far away and
distant. "Her intra cranial pressure is high, send these tubes of fluid
for analysis." The patient was then placed on her back. She knew that it
would be a bit of a wait for the results to return. Outside her room,
she could hear the chatter of a patient who was there to get a
prescription refill of her Xanex. She moaned and complained at the
long wait. After all, she wasn't sick, she just wanted a refill.
The patient dragged herself from the bed and made her way past the
patient's bathrooms and instead went straight for the employee's lounge.
By god, she wasn't going to use the patient's bathroom, she locked the
door behind her in the employee's bathroom. Not one person even noticed
she wasn't in her room. Afterwards, she washed her hands and headed back
to the safety of the bed and spouse. This was just in time, as
Dr. Stanwich and Andrew made their way from another hall to her room.
They met in the center. "My dear, " the doctor stated,
"You have meningitis." The patient looked up at him and said,
"I know that! Do you have any idea what kind it is?"
As we discussed the treatment plan, the patient peered over
the doctors shoulder and see the large green signs being taped to her
door. "ISOLATION, DO NOT ENTER." She had to let out a laugh.
Guess they will notice me now. The patient listened to the doctor
explain to her husband that the infection had invaded her brain,
and that she needed to be admitted to the hospital for intense
antibiotic treatments and rest, in addition,
and infection control doctor had been consulted.
The door to her room was closed now, but she could hear the
conversations outside in the hall. The first one came from the
lady who wanted her Xanex refill, "Did you see that? They let a
sick person into the hospital? How dare they? Her door has been open
and who knows what kind of disease she has. This place has a
lot of nerve." The patient was feeling no pain now and this banter was
beginning to amuse her. Imagine that, she thought, sick people in the ER!
She started to laugh out loud when she heard a voice she knew very well.
It was Andrew speaking. He sounded angry. "Look lady, when you come to
the ER for a refill for your anxiety pills, you may just come across
people who are here because they are really sick!".
Wow, the patient thought, hardly believing what she had just heard.
Andrew was a good friend and had become very protective.
The patient never heard another peep from the Xanex lady.
The patient was asked to place a mask over her face for the move to her
room upstairs. They made their way up the elevator to a private room where large green signs
were already being placed on the doors. Once again, they said the same
words. "ISOLATION, DO NOT ENTER."
Over the next several days the patient was examined by numerous doctors,
given multiple medications and was eventually declared to be no longer
contagious. The headaches and neck pain had subsided, giving way to a
feeling of all over body pain. Now this feels like the flu, the patient
thought. Her discharge orders were signed, she gathered her belongings
and was finally going home.
Nearly six weeks passed and the patient was cleared to return to work.
She had suffered a few long term neurological deficits, but was deemed
ready to return to full duty. As she made her way through the ER, a few
said hello, some asked if she had been on vacation, and some never realized
she was ever gone. It wasn't until that afternoon that the gravity of her
experience finally hit her.
One of the techs told the charge nurse that
she had an upset stomach after lunch. If you can imagine, it was like
war had just been declared in the world somewhere. Oh this poor tech,
My god, we have to send her home. The patient sat by and
listened. The drive home was long and the entire time the patient could
think of nothing else. A tech says she has an upset stomach and is
whisked away home while she had worked an entire week with full blown infectious
meningitis and not one person gave me a second look. Then the tears
started.
The next day, Dr. Stanwich was there and the patient asked him for a
piece of his time. The patient could not hold back the tears as she told
him of that day before. "It isn't that I fault the tech for going home,
but I ask you, why was I so overlooked when you told me that a person
would have to be blind not to see how deathly ill I was?".
Dr. Stanwich just looked at the patient and said, " It is the stoic ones,
the ones who don't complain who get overlooked. The whiners get all the
attention. That is just the way it is. So, your newest lesson should be,
when in doubt, be the squeaky wheel," he stated. The patient was trying
to decide if she should even stay in the ER field of nursing, Dr. Stanwich
talked her out of it. You are my best nurse, I don't want to lose you
because these sometimes shallow people just don't look beyond their
little clicks of friends or the daily news. She agreed to stay, for him, and for the
patients who needed her. She would stay and care for her patients as she
always had, and now she had behind her the experience of being the
patient to assist her in providing even better care to those in need.
A bitter pill? Perhaps, but whatever helps, was worth it.
The story you have just read actually happened. The doctor's name was
changed to protect him. The patient was I, Karen Paholsky RN.
I have some advice to those who are in need and are seeking treatment
in our nation's ER's. The squeaky wheel does get oiled. I expected my
family of co-workers to notice that I was so deathly ill, but I was wrong.
I will not make that same mistake again. So, I tell you, Yell,
moan, do whatever it takes until you are satisfied that you have
received proper treatment. If this could happen to me in a place
where I work, surrounded by medical personnel, what could happen to you,
the lay person?
Think about it, I have, and the thought chills me to the bone.
Thank you for looking and even more allowing me to vent my frustrations.
Looking back, I was as much to blame because I didn't push harder
for the treatment I needed. I finally ran into the doctor who had
blown me off Xmas Eve. He looked at me and was wondering where I had been
the last few weeks. I wanted to slap him. Instead, I very calmly looked at
him and said these words: Doctor, don't you remember Xmas eve?, I came
to you and told you I thought I had meningitis? I told you I had a
stiff neck, headache and fever? His lower lip dropped, "I don't
remember you telling me this. I responded back to him with the ultimate
razor sharp knife, "Why doctor, how could you possibly remember? You
never bothered to look up from your computer to even look at me. That
was all it took. His lip still in his lap, this 6'5 doctor walked away.
All I saw was a 3-foot child toddle away. On my scale of respect, he had
just dropped to the bottom of the ladder.
To his credit, the charge nurse did give me his heartfelt apology.
He promised he would never blow me off again. He tried to explain that
because I do not complain about minor aches and pains, he just never
thought I was really ill. He said that was his mistake and it will
never happen again. I accepted his apology, and still, I wonder about
all the folks who left our ER without the right treatment, or worse, no
treatment. This single thought will weigh heavily on me for a long time
to come. It will also drive me to improve my patient care skills. So, maybe
just maybe, something good did come out of this story. I am a better person,
and nurse for it. Perhaps in the end that is all that matters.
I know I said there would be no more stories, but this one had to be told. For my own well being, I had to tell this one.
Thanks for looking'
Karen
Comments (54)
gillbrooks
Well, Karen, I knew about you having Menigitis over Christmas but I did not for one minute imagine you, in the profession you're in, being so mistreated by those you work with. I can totally understand your anger and frustration. Never in my wildest dreams could I ever imagine something like this happening.
jkinnikin
Karen - I'm sorry this happend to you - and sad to say - it happens to good people all the time - ...people too wrapped up in their own lives to think about others..... don't let it change you ..... I worked in a burn trauma center - till one day I got a real nasty one. Required an extended stay... needless to say it made me quite bitter and I never worked the field again knowing the pain I had to inflict every day just cleaning out burns - I never realized I had become that hardened.... don't let it change you like it did me.... the ER is where most of the "help" is really given....
bluliner35
Well, Karen, I hope you never ever ever feel abandoned again. Doesn't matter why or how you wound up in the situation. The feeling of being abandoned, ignored, not considered... It's like a living death. And tell all the stories you have in you to tell. I read 'emand i like 'em.
dayna2
Karen I new this was you the first few lines! I am glad you are better! (((Hugs))) And you are right about the squeaky wheel!
Primal
i feel your frustration..glad you lived thru the ER..you would hope to get more respect from your coworkers..but i am afraid people just mainly think of themselves..i think you are one in a million.
TallPockets
Wonderful advice filled written work. V Doctors are licensed to 'practice' medicine. I'm amazed that we, the public, are taught to question our auto mechanic if things don't seem right, yet we put doctors on high pedestals, and think it rude to even ask them questions on our own behalf? Does not compute to this person. GLAD you're ok! Believe me, I'm one lousy patient. Especially at their prices!!! WINK.
Kelly846
There is something about this, I can feel your pain, or perhaps anger speaking out. Either way, my hopes are that you stay put and use this new found knowledge for the better. This is very sad that the ones we think we count on the most can so easily let us down. Excellent writing, thank you for sharing
chemicalX
I am boiling right now! How can they be so ignorant?! You could have DIED! Stupid stupid people!! It pisses me off when people in their position - able to save someone or kill them, can be so arrogant and blasabout their fellow human beings - disgusting! I'm just glad you're allright luv... hug
antje
That's such a shame! Just because you won't whine and cry about things, you don't get taken seriously. You'd think that, because you never complained before, they would actually pay attention when you do tell them something is wrong. I'm so sorry you were treated like that Karen :o( ((Hugs))
Artzy
Wonderful Story & Very Wise Words So Very Muchly Worth Remembering! Thank You For Sharing!
SK2Design
O M G! My eyes were riveted to the screen reading about your experience. I just knew as I kept reading and had chills going down my back that it was you who was sick. I can't believe no one noticed, and they were all medical personnnel! Good grief, I notice when the store clerk across the mall looks unwell, not to mention if it's one of my co-workers. This had to be really recent, yes? I remember you being off because of meningitis. Sweetie, I hope you yell, whine, scream or whatever else you need to do if you're ever sick again. The thought of what could have happened just chills me to the bone. I'm so grateful and thankful your husband put his foot down and you got treatment, and even more glad you're better now. I just hope you're truly well enough to be back at work. I do thank you so very much though for sharing these experiences of yours. They're not only written so well and literally keep me riveted to my seat, but you've made them things we can learn from. Exceptional, awesome writing! I'm guessing that little cutie at the top is you. :D (((HUGS))
B_PEACOCK
I had that before and I know that it is not fun .Hurts so bad .Wow I have to say I know the feeling .Every time I go to the doctor in pain they tell me to take motirn .One friend bugs the crap out of them and she gets vicodine for a freekin hangnail it seems .I am so glad you made it thru all this for I know that if not treated can be really really bad .You cant be passive in this world any more .No one listens .Love and Hugs
brycek
Oh, Karen I knew this was you. From now on jump up and down and yell(I know you will). This really makes one think and I thank you for adding this true story. You are fantastic and sweet my dear friend and neighbor! Thank the heavens you are feeling better now!!!
davidoblad
I caught this flu from a co-worker. I gave it to my wife and he gave it to his mother too. The 4 of us went through the same extreme symptoms. Mine and his fever broke on a wednesday, after 3 days. We slept 12 hours and awoke ravenous. Next day both ladies fevers broke. I sponge bathed my wife and told her to sleep, that in 12 hrs she'll wake up hungry. I was wrong, she died in her sleep. My guilt and remorse at not taking her to the ER is only tempered by the fact that my buddy DID take his mom to the ER. She got minor treatment, meds and sent home with advice to rest. She also died in her sleep that day. Was she a victim of indifference? If I had taken my wife to the ER that fateful day, would it have made a difference? I ask myself that question everyday! I'll never know... I've heard many stories of ER indifference from friends.. One of the factors that stopped me from taking my wife in that last day... Excellent story Karen. It helped me a lot! Dave :^) V
Merlin2000
Oh, Karen I knew this was you.Fantastic Words and Story !!! This looks great !!!! Excellent and Vote!!!
Fyrene
No more stories?????? Why ???? I so look forward to your stories, Karen. This one was exceptional. Thank you for sharing with us!! hugz :)
Halcion
Thanks for sharing this one with us Karen. I knew you had Menigitis but didn't know what you had gone thru and how you were treated. Very sorry Karen that this happend to you. Glad you made it thru all of this and are back with us again :-) Excellent writing!
adm5050
Geeez Karen, sure hate you had to go through that. After 9 major surgeries and untold number of milograms and discograms and spinal taps, I finally learnt if they don't listen, they fired in a heart beat...What gets to me here is your co-workers not paying enough attention to their partners to not notice what the heck is going on, now that is scary, especailly in the enviroment yaw are in.
Petra-S
Super!!!
Pen_Is_Envy
Karen, if you are submitting your stories for publication, bless you, because you will inspire millions of people with them. You have such a talent for this, for getting to the heart of the matter, probably because it is YOUR heart... but WOW. This is riveting stuff. Mostly, I'm just glad you recovered. BIG HUGS!!!! :)
Unicornst
So many emotions this story and the replies are stirring up. Karen, bless you for this. I can't write any more. The tears are covering the screen.
prog
Well, this is really some story!! I knew a lot of it, but I didn't know how rough it was for you before you got treated!!! I know it was a lousy way to spend your Birthday and Christmas, and I'm so glad that you are feeling better now!!! Once again, I'm really going to miss your wonderful stories!!! I hope you become a rich and famous author, and I will really be pissed if you don't use that portrait I did of you for the cover!!! LOL!!! EXCELLENT work!!!
SnowFox102
Oh wow, what a powerful story! I'm glad you made it through alright! Thank you for sharing this, you're absolutly right about the squeaky wheel getting the grease. I suffer from neurologic problems that most of the doctors I saw couldn't figure out. I finally put my foot down and told them exactly what to do. Now with proper meds I'm functional and starting my first job soon. That wouldn't have happened if I hadn't been a whiney, annoying little booger ;P Your story is a stronger example, and quite moving. I guess complaining can be a good thing ;) Thanks for sharing this, I really enjoy these stories. I hope to be able to get the published volume when it's done!
svdl
Knowing this is a true story, combined with the somewhat distant and matter-of-fact writing style makes this an exceptional piece of writing. By only summarily describing emotions you evoke strong emotions from the reader. I sure hope an editor will take the time and attention to really read your stories, they're all exceptionally well written and definitely deserve to be published! But I'll miss them here. I knew you had meningitis, but I didn't know it was this bad. So glad you pulled through! Big hugs, Steven.
redbeard
Wow, I glad to hear the rest of the story even if it pisses me off. I'm so sorry for all that you went through, both physically and emotionally. I missed your birthday as well so Happy Belated Birthday! Damn, I hope there are really no long term effects from this. I've had some misdiagnosis in my family in the last couple of years, Lyme disease and pneumonia, but nothing like you went through. I think you're right, you just have to keep yelling for help and not be put off. It's sad to say this and sad to hear what really happened to you but I think you're being great about it and using it to better yourself and help your patients better. Looking forward to your book!
Shardz
Sounds like a horrible experience, yet this sort of thing happens quite a bit. Working in the field, one gets hardened to the din of moans and suffering of people by selective sensitivity. I was punctured two separate occasions by dirty needles left carelessly near patients, yet I got no concern or sympathy by fellow staff; hey, it's not their life, right?! This is why I quit the 'industry'...it's a business, not a monestary. Working 10-12 hours shifts with no lunch 6 days per week sometimes. Slaving selflessly over the whining masses with any symptoms ranging from splinters to complete decapitation. Yet, most doctors still consider the working employess at their beck and call 'peasants', and I finally refused to serve the ignorant in my experience. Glad you persevered over your illness and lived to tell about it, some don't. As for the general state of health care in the US, I won't even add to it. Excellent story, glad you are here to write it and welcome back.
SophiaDeer
Karen I read this with tears in my eyes. We nurses are treated like crap. If we call in they don't believe it. I got hurt at work by a patient. I had witnesses and my supervisor still did not believe me. I did go out on comp and my latissimus dorsi on my right side is never the same since. Only working out helps it and it stiffens up even when I stand or walk for short distances. I understand just what you went through and shame on the supervisors and charge nurse and MD. You would think they would take care of one of their nurses. I always think of the song "Take this job and shove it" This is one of the reasons I left being and RN. There were many, but the apathy of the supervisors was just one. God bless and thank you for sharing your story with us! Hugs...
chrislenn
one Wednesday I was pulling out weeds and developed an allergic reaction went to doc got shot and pills and sent home by friday I had lost a quarter of my body wieght and other syptoms started convinced my ex to drive me the 45 minutes to the doc. another shot more pills and sent home. Doc was in tennis tournament over week end. Each day I was deteriorating more and kept calling him into the office eac time the treatment was the same. Monday I demanded to be addmitted to hospital. I couldn't even walk by then. He took some convincing before arranging for me to go. ER staff ran tests and admitted me apparently I was facing complete renal shut down. I was put on all sorts of drips and all tests done no cause was found but I recovered. Suffice to say I changed docs. My story is not quite the same but the outcome could have been the same for us both. I too learned that day to speak up and make demands being the good little patient nearly cost me my life too. I hope writting your story helped you. there are times this place and people can seem more real than the one that surrounds us hugs Chris :o)
liewald
Jesus Crhist K...... Nothing else to say pal. Your life in their friggin hands. Indeed!!!!!!!!!
yarddog
Thanks Karen