55 Surprising Patient Habits That Actually Make Care Harder for Doctors and Nurses
-Later during rounds
Doctor: “Okay, have you been having any pain?”
Patient: “…Oh, yes. All the time.”
This happened so many times I started asking why they didn’t just tell me, their nurse. Many said they didn’t want to bother me. Others lied because many wanted to “prove” to the doctor that they really are sick.
Please, just tell me. I don’t want you to be in pain and having it just delays healing anyway…
It’s such a minor one, but asking me a question about what they need to do and then ignoring my answer. I work in medical imaging and it’s not the end of the world, but a constant time waster. Patient comes in for a head CT or a chest xray, asks if they need to remove their watch, belt or shoes, I say nope we aren’t imaging those areas so no need, and they hit me with “I’m going to take them off just in case.” Just in case of what?? If those things end up in my image, then I’ve done a really poor job. I’ve had people try to move part way through their CT because they remembered some change in their pocket, after I already said their pockets were fine. Not only does it make my job harder, but it makes it longer. A chest xray takes like two minutes, but now I have to stand there waiting for the patient to tie their boots and put everything back in their pants pockets before I can free up the room for someone else. It essentially doubles or even triples the time I’m in the room, and it’s such an unnecessary delay.
I think a lot of people get hung up on “no metal for MRI” but do you really think I wouldn’t ask you about metal before we go into the room? Anyone who has had an MRI knows you are asked about metal a million times before you even get close to the machine. I’m also the professional here. If I say it’s fine, it’s because I know it’s fine. It’s not helpful to disregard that.
As an ER nurse, please medicate your children for a fever. I don’t need to “see it.”.
Being too polite (or shy) to ask questions. Don’t worry I’ve heard it all.
Telling me your great aunts sister’s daughters health history from 1974….basically telling long stories that have nothing to do with why you presented to the ER today.
When they come in with their home meds to show you that’s great. When they bring their home meds in their purse and take them without telling you, Not great.
I had a patient that wouldn’t stop trying to help me make his bed. I told him several times that it is my job and I would prefer if he would sit in his chair.
He ripped his IV out on the bedsheet and bled all over 🙂 turned a one minute job into a 20 minute job and I had to poke him again. He was nice, but god, dude, let me work lol.
Complain about other people “going back already” when they were “here first.”
It’s not that simple. In the outpatient world, there are generally multiple providers and providers can get behind easily (see above story going all the way back to 1893). I’m much faster (appropriately) and I work with a physician who takes a looooooong time with patients. I could see two of mine while she’s still asking about the patient’s cousin or telling them about what all of her kids are doing. That causes animosity because people don’t understand it if they’re waiting for her.
Also, when I worked as an RN in an emergency dept, I don’t care if you’ve been waiting for four hours; if all of the other patients coming in have legitimate issues which make them a higher acuity, they’re going back first. Many people use the ER like a walk-in clinic. Think “I sneezed once today” and no other symptoms. Of course you can see a provider but the folks who can’t breathe are going back ahead of you.
I become a Speech Pathologist in June after I graduate from my Master’s program. I’m in my advanced placements now (Externships basically) so I’ve been seeing patients for a while now.
Number 1 unhelpful thing: PARENTS. STOP TRYING TO CORRECT YOUR CHILD DURING AN EVALUATION! Please, please, stop trying to interject while I’m giving your child an assessment. It doesn’t matter if they’re saying “a glove” or “a clown” over “glove” or “clown” because I’m only judging the word itself.
Stop trying to interject and tell your kid “slow down, take your time.”. I NEED TO HEAR THEIR AUTHENTIC VOICE. Do you want your kid to get services or not? I can’t correctly assess their language or articulation abilities if you’re trying to change how they speak!
Supa Ant 6x8ft. Welding Blanket Fireproof (Pack of 2) - Heavy Duty Weld Fire Blanket Tools - Welders Cover for Men Curtain with Gloves - Large Welding Gear for Welder Accessories
(as of March 3, 2026 16:43 GMT +00:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
Rhythm Superfoods Cripsy Beet Chips, Salted, Organic and Non-GMO, Vegan/Gluten-Free Superfood Snacks, 1.4 Oz (Pack of 4)
(as of March 3, 2026 16:43 GMT +00:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
1MORE Triple Driver In-Ear Headphones - Silver - Wired - Adult - In Ear - 18 grams - 90 days limited warranty
(as of March 3, 2026 16:43 GMT +00:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
The Door Balancer Eliminates The Need for Door Props, Door Stops and Door Wedges
$7.99 (as of March 3, 2026 16:43 GMT +00:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
Post Comment