Forget the shrinking GDP, increasing unemployment, and imploding financial institutions, there are far more telling indicators of the current economic crisis in the exam room. Yesterday, my co-worker watched from afar as a patient stuffed her purse with maxi pads and pilfered through the exam room drawers until she found a box of gloves, which she then attempted to stuff in another bag, until the co-worker intervened. Here’s how the confrontation played out:
Co-worker: “Ma’am, you’re welcome to take a couple of maxi pads, but we need the rest for other patients. Please put them back.”
Patient: “But, I need them.”
Co-worker: “Yes, I understand, and that’s why I want you to take a couple, but we can’t supply you with a whole box worth. And, you need to put the gloves back, as well.”
Patient: “But, I need them.”
Co-worker: “What do you need a box of exam gloves for?”
Patient (haughtily): “I need to clean my house, and I paid for my procedure.”
Co-worker (incredulous and exasperated): “Well, you can buy a box for a buck at the Dollar Store. We need the gloves to take care of other patients, and they’re not included in the cost of your visit today. Please put them back now.”
The patient complied and left the office in a huff. People are desperate, and desperate times call for desperate measures, I guess. I’m inclined to think that if someone is scamming feminine hygiene products, she probably really needs them, so I don’t fault her too much—only for her blatant disregard of other patients like herself who might like to have just one of the multiple pads she pocketed. But, the gloves, come on! The nerve of some folks is truly priceless.
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1 comment:
The nerve indeed.
Just a quick one to say thank you for being a nurse. I know how overworked and underappreciated nurses are (my mom was an RN, too).
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