Surprising Incidents in a Nurse's Life: Hospitals and Beyond
Welcome to a behind-the-scenes look at the real life of a nurse. Nurses often encounter experiences that would be straight out of a work of fiction. From sting operations alongside the police to a charming elderly patient making everyone’s day, here are a few memorable moments that illustrated the unique and diverse nature of a nurse's work.
Sting Operation in 1972
At a small suburban hospital in 1972, I faced a unique challenge during my night shift: participating in a police sting operation. The task was to catch the girlfriend of a patient in the ICU who was stealing Propofol and IV Ativan after his meth lab explosion. Propofol, a potent sedative, and IV Ativan, used for sedation, are precious and tightly controlled resources in hospitals. I was shocked and terrified when informed to check every room, under every bed, and in every shower. Imagine the scene as a nurse on duty is suddenly thrust into a mission to catch a thief in the hospital’s quiet and often sterile environment.
Our mission was to set traps and observe. The police had their way of handling the situation, but my role involved a level of vigilance and patience that I had never experienced before. It was like stepping into a thriller movie! We monitored the patient and her visitor, and the tension was palpable. Thankfully, the plot turned out well, with the thief being caught and the stolen items recovered. These incidents reminded us of the need for stringent hospital security measures and the dedication of law enforcement in ensuring patient safety.
Hit-and-Run by a Patient
One of the strangest things that happened to me in the hospital was when I discovered that a patient had made a mess in the hallway. This incident took place in the geriatrics ward. I was busy serving lunch when I heard an unusual sound. When I went to investigate, I found a puddle on the floor by a patient’s bed. On closer inspection, I realized that someone had peed on the floor, and they had fled before being caught. The patient, an elderly woman named Kathy, was the sweetest person you could ever meet. She was full of charm and energy, her silver hair cascading over her shoulders. She had a playful and mischievous side, grinning and raising her eyebrows playfully. She described the incident with a twinkle in her eye and a laugh as if she had just pulled off a practical joke.
Late-Night Basketball
Another surreal experience occurred on a night shift when a group of basketball players somehow ended up in the hospital’s emergency department. It was a Thursday night, and we were running a lower patient load than usual. A group of young men came in, dressed in basketball uniforms, complaining of stomach cramps and nausea. We knew something was not right, and sure enough, they were drunk.
The story behind their arrival was even more peculiar. They had been playing at a community gym, but the head coach had told them to leave if they were too drunk to play. So, they walked to the opposite side of the city and found the nearest emergency room instead. We ended up giving them a ride home, which they appreciated, but it was a reminder that hospitals sometimes see unusual cases unrelated to their usual medical practices.
Conclusion
Hospitals are filled with unexpected and memorable moments that showcase the range of challenges and joys a nurse can face. These incidents highlight the need for tight security measures, patient empathy, and a bit of humor. Whether it's a patient who pees on the floor or a group of drunk basketball players in the ER, every day in a nurse's life offers a unique story. These experiences make the profession not just about medicine but about resilience, camaraderie, and the unwavering dedication to patient care.