Miss Kitty?
It has been a long while since I’ve posted, but my recent experience was too funny for me not to write a little about it…just to recap my work background…I work as a Telemetry Technician, but also assist as a Certified Nurse’s Assistant and Unit Secretary. The events I am about to convey occurred as I was rounding as a C.N.A. (and to be forewarned some of the content may be offensive so proceed with caution)….
Entering room 104, I introduced myself, took vital signs, and then proceeded to explain my methodology for HS cares to my patient. My patient was a 90 year old female with evening onset dementia (Sundowner’s). I proceeded to assist with oral care, washing of the face, hands, and underarms. At this point I paused to let my patient know that since she had a foley catheter we do perineal care as part of our HS care routine. I explained that one reason we assist with perineal care was to prevent the possibility of urinary tract infection. The following conversation proceeded:
Patient: “You’re going to clean Miss Kitty?”
Me: [Deadpan straight face although I wanted to die with laughter because I'd never heard a female of that generation give name to her pubic region.] “Yes, if you are comfortable with that.”
Patient: “Now, you know when I say Miss Kitty I mean my PUSSY!” [The latter word was stated in a whisper.]
Me: [Still trying not to laugh because a family member (the primary caregiver) was in the room and I suspected this was the verbiage she used to the patient whenever she was doing peri care.] “Certainly.”
Patient: “My daughter will clean Miss Kitty.”
Later that evening, before I could explain the events to my Nurse the patient called 911 despite getting checked on every 10 minutes. Evidently, the patient told dispatch that she was lost and that her “kitty” was up a tree.
Typing it does not convey how funny it was in the moment. This patient, at other times was more prim and proper than shocking…and everything said was in a beautiful Southern drawl….
Moments like this that make one smile is why I am still working in Health Care.
August 18,2009 at 18:34
nice story. i have had similar experiences. as a male RN, pt’s are often aprehensive about me giving that care. as the years have gone by, it has gotten easier to deal with.
hang in there. it is tough to deal with office politics, but try to stay focused on the real reason you do what you do, etc.