Hi everyone! Quick rant (that has most likely been vented about before). Had a post-op patient on the floor the other day. She rang her call bell and asked for some water, to which I went and got some. I entered the room with a smile and handed her her water, and her husband said: "Ahhhh, here's your lovely waitress." I didn't acknowledge his comment, simply lifted the corners of my lips to try to hide the unamused shock that I am sure was on my face.
He must have realized what he said, because he apologized about twenty seconds later saying "I am so sorry. I don't know why I just downplayed your profession, I am just nervous." I said "that's okay" and left the room...I feel bad because I understand the anxiety of family members after their loved one has had surgery. But after running around on my feet for ten hours, I just couldn't find the energy to even respond to him.
I keep replaying this one minute experience in my head, and I can't tell if I feel guilty for not validating his apology more, or if I am annoyed with his perception of a nurse.
