Workplace Woes

The anesthesia resident on today was really bothering me. Mostly it was small things, but there was one incident that pissed me off. We were getting ready for a c-section and usually the father sits up at the head of the bed behind the drape by his wife's head during the surgery. The anesthesia resident claimed that the chair we normally use for this purpose was too big and in his way. He "asked" whether the dad could sit on a stool instead. I said that that probably wasn't a good idea. If the dad decided to faint during surgery there would be nothing to catch him from falling back and hitting his head. The resident said he would catch the father if he fainted. Not likely since he is supposed to be focusing on monitoring the mom's vital signs and epidural medications. I would probably be the one to attend to him, along with having to circulate and take care of the baby.

I suggested that perhaps the chair could go on the other side of the bed where it definitely wouldn't be in his way. He still opted for the stool despite my recommendation. Apparently he also said to the other nurse in the room when I left to get something, "I don't know about that nurse." The other nurse of course defended me. I have been working there for over four years. He's been there for less than a month. Before that he was in the main OR where families don't attend surgeries. None of the other anesthiologists have ever complained about the chair being a problem. In fact, one anesthesiologist actually "reprimanded" me for suggesting the stool a few years back. Apparently this resident hasn't heard of the lawsuit filed by a California woman who's husband died after fainting and hitting his head while watching her get an epidural. Also, there is no specific type of person that is going to pass out. Just because this guy looks tough doesn't mean that he won't pass out. The first husband I ever had pass out on me was a 6'4" beefy military policeman in fatigues. Just because this guy has MD after his name and I have RN after mine, doesn't mean that he knows more about everything.

Also, on another depressing note...our assistant manager has resigned. We all think she is fantastic and are upset that she is leaving. She hasn't expanded on why she is leaving other than to say it is for personal reasons. I'm not sure how the place will run without her. Hopefully they will be able to get a replacement soon, who is at least half as good as she is.