01.20.07

Aseptic Technique

Posted in The ins and outs.... at 6:24 pm by smarriott

Well today marked the end of the second week of my new identity, nurse-in-training. Contrary to popular belief, I was not basking in the southern sun for the last two weeks, but crouched with my nose stuck in one of many books and/or computer for hours. As opposed to happy, glorious margaritas, I was learning all about the nursing process and when a latex glove is or is not sterile. The moment to see would have been today as I prepared to enter and treat a poor soul with pertussis (the nasty microorganism responsible for Whooping Cough). Mask, sterile suit, gloves and eyewear were all donned. I’ll pause while you imagine and laugh.

Moving on. This week has certainly been a little smoother than last week. Not only did I have all of the correct books (and no class on Monday) but sweet, sweet vindication was mine for the taking. Some of you may be familiar with this story, but for those of you unaware, please pull up a chair - this is quite a story! You may need a beverage, it is a long one. Ready? Okay.

The Back Story. In October I received a list of all of the books that I will need for this semester. It was, in fact, incomplete, but that is besides the point. At that time the total for all of these nine books was close to $500-$600 depending on the new/used condition. As I was not willing to pay this much for books, I chose an alternate route, good ‘ole Amazon.

The Whole Story. So all my books came and promptly. At one of my classes, however, I realized I had the wrong edition. Probably my mistake or the school’s I think. I politely emailed the seller, noted the error and waited for him to tell me he does not take returns and that all sales must be read before completing the transaction. Nuts, but did the seller list the book correctly? Hmmm

Since I hate to waste money, especially on textbooks, I reviewed my order and found to my surprise it was not my fault or the schools, but a scheming man advertising the 5th edition of a book on the the 6th edition page! That scoundrel you might say, but don’t judge just yet, it gets better. I email the seller for the second time, noting of course that his selling tactics were misleading and I should be entitled to a refund (did I mention after I ordered this book three other customers complained of the same exact situation - coincidence?) The reply I received cannot be described. I’ll just have to exhibit it here:

“Yes, that right, I take full accountability and responsiblity for that. I also stated in the item description that you were and I quote, “CAUTION YOU ARE BUYING THE 5TH EDITION”. You didn’t read that note that was bold and capitalized. It’s the buyers responsibility to read everything. Use this analogy,
I go through the trouble of listing books on amazon adding notes to the item description that clearly stated you were buying the 5th edition. What don’t you understand about that? I feel as student nurse you didn’t take responsibility or accountability for a mistake you made. What will you do on floor as a nurse administering meds? Claim to the doctor, i thought it said something else? I didn’t read that in the order. You must read everything! I have been a Respiratory Therapist for 6 years. I read orders and reread orders to ensure that I am not missing anything. I don’t feel I should take the book back. You MUST READ EVERYTHING. You are going to be a healthcare provider and you didn’t read the item description. It’s your responsibility to read everything.
Put your mindset in the hospital that you glanced at a doctor’s order without reading it because you were in a rush. You had 12 patients which is reality in the hospital. You gave the wrong dose and the wrong med and killed the patient. You didn’t read the order. Just like my item description. You think nothing of that with amazon and how is it any different than the scenario I gave you. You CAN’T assume that just because you type numbers you get what you want. It doesn’t work that way in the hospital. You can type in the right drug and the right dose and still get the wrong info from the Pyxis system. You must read everything and not depend on computers to ensure that you are buying what you want. You may be in the same situation, type in the med dose and get the wrong one because that’s what the computer gave you. You must read everything! Think about your negligence in buying this book and wait for your invoice before doing anything. Think about this. That book was $60 plus shipping patient care errors from negligent glancing or assuming what an order states costs a hospital thousands upon thousands, maybe millions, malpractice on your part and possibly the loss of your license. Think and read before you act. You are welcome to sell the book on your own. Thank you.”

Did this letter from satan immediately combust? Did my eyes fall out of my head? All good questions. My reaction, well, lets see if you can guess. Did I:

A) Reply curtly that he could expect negative feedback
B) Contact Amazon and demand action (demand being meekly requesting help)
C) Bawl like a baby
D) All of the above

The correct answer is C, followed by A, and ended with B. So, in fact, D is the correct answer. You know me so well…..

After contacting Amazon and placing a little “A to Z Guarantee” claim, I am happy to report that I did receive a refund. Good ‘ole Amazon! This is not the end to this saga, however, as the seller contacted me once more to drop a few “F-bombs” and claim that “God would remember this.” Sorry to say, if I am declined from the pearly-gates of heaven because of this whole thing, I’ll be content to smile in Hell.

Now with a little aseptic technique to my files, I am happy to report that the book in question is no longer in my possession and I am purging all of “Mr. Virus’s” hateful emails.

In other news, John and I are still keeping our running pact and are nearing the close of the first month. Just 11 more to go! I have thankfully lost all of my holiday weight +3. I may need smaller scrubs.

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