8 Frustrating Work Scenarios Nurses Can Relate To

Every nurse has the same break-room war stories. These eight come up again and again.

1. IV insertion

Starting an IV is a core skill, and missing the vein on the first stick can throw off your whole shift. It stings worse when the family is watching or the patient is a fellow health professional.

The best response is to ask for help. If you miss once, you can try a second time, but reassure the patient so they don't lose confidence in you. If you are spiraling, hand it off to a coworker to break the streak. A failed attempt beats not trying, and there is always the next stick.

2. Foley catheter insertion

Foley insertion gets tricky, especially in older women. The mnemonic CUVA (clitoris, urethra, vagina, anus) marks the landmarks to look for. Use it discreetly and work efficiently so you are not lingering. The urethra is the second opening.

During indwelling catheter removal, remember to aspirate the balloon first, or you will cause the patient serious pain.

3. Patient breaks NPO (or any other order)

A procedure needs the patient NPO, so you remind them: nothing to eat or drink from midnight until morning. Then morning comes and you find out they brushed their teeth and drank water. It is your job to explain every procedure and confirm the patient understands, so this usually traces back to a misunderstanding.

Tip: Include a family member in the teaching if the patient struggles to follow instructions, and use plain language.

4. Lost pens

Reaching for your pen and finding an empty pocket is a small frustration that costs real time when you need to chart on the spot. Most nurses guard their own pen for exactly this reason.

5. Last-hour admissions

A new case rolls in one minute before your shift ends, on the day before your day off. It is unavoidable, and you have to weigh helping against protecting your own limits. Like first aid, secure your own footing first. If other help is available, let them take it and go on your break.

6. Explaining that the internet is not the answer

Patients and families arrive armed with whatever they read online, right or wrong, and sometimes accuse you of doing it wrong. Stay calm. They are usually intellectualizing to manage their own anxiety, not testing you. Explain carefully and don't let it get under your skin.

7. Monitoring a difficult patient's vitals

Strict monitoring, say every 30 minutes, wears thin with an uncooperative patient. Explain the schedule up front to set expectations. Hold eye contact so they know you are serious, and keep your expression neutral rather than grimacing.

8. Bubbles in the IV tubing

Air bubbles seem to appear out of nowhere and eat time you don't have on a busy shift. Use clearing the line as a moment to connect with your patient instead of letting it annoy you.