Cooler weather and homeless "patients"
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This is a discussion on Cooler weather and homeless "patients" in Emergency Nursing, part of Nursing Specialties ... We're seeing a larger influx of homeless coming in who aren't accepted at the shelters saying that...
by NurseOnAMotorcycle Oct 14, '12We're seeing a larger influx of homeless coming in who aren't accepted at the shelters saying that they "have ankle pain", etc. While they aren't completely overwhelming our emergency room, the worry is that one of these times someone will be in need of care but no one will see it because "you know, it's just Steve back again."
So we do the million-dollar-workup each and every time they come in. It's draining and time consuming.
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Oct 14, '12 by rjflynI dont know how much work up "ankle pain" requires. At my facility thats a complaint that typically if its during the hours its open goes through our express care area, if not its treated as such and they are in and out as fast as they can be seen and x-rayed if required. I we have one an its needed they get a bus pass and sent on their way, we provide them with the hotline number for shelter placement if they request it. -
Oct 14, '12 by VICEDRNYes, this is typical in my facility. They complain that the shelters are not safe and that they would rather sleep outside but tonight is too cold or too rainy, etc. usually, they know the right complaint, know they can refuse to go to fast track and drag their feet with regards to their care. They will refuse to speak with md when he or she arrives (prompting some residents to "wait a minute") buying the patient hours on end sleeping in stretcher. They will refuse labs until they see md to delay process. They will refuse to speak to nurse so process is slower than usual. What is your question?Last edit by VICEDRN on Oct 14, '12 : Reason: Typo - Oct 15, '12 by NurseOnAMotorcycleWish we had something we could do about finding them someplace safe to go. Shelters won't take them, they're full.Crux1024 likes this.
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Oct 16, '12 by EmergencyNrseTreat 'em and street 'em...
Nothing you can do to change their arrival. Doesn't change your
paycheck either. Try not to be too concerned about the things
you cannot control. It will burn you out. -
Oct 16, '12 by NickiLaughsIts a social issue not a medical issue. If you can remember and take that to heart your goldenVICEDRN likes this. - Oct 17, '12 by whichone'spinkHow the hell do you acknowledge their legitimate need for shelter, but keep throughput going smoothly? It's impossible to kick them out without being accused of violating EMTALA.
- Oct 17, '12 by hherrnQuote from whichone'spinkSo what if somebody wrongly accuses you of violating EMTALA?How the hell do you acknowledge their legitimate need for shelter, but keep throughput going smoothly? It's impossible to kick them out without being accused of violating EMTALA.
Pt's who have recieved appropriate care are discharged, not kicked out.
Otherwise, it would be called "kicked out paperwork".corky1272RN and TheSquire like this. - Oct 17, '12 by VICEDRNEveryone keeps forgetting that they patients are entitled to an assessment, not treatment. All that is required is that a nurse practitioner or md depending on your state greet them in triage the minute they register and evaluate them. When no emergency medical condition is detected, they can be screened out. In Washington, the state threatened to not pay for more than 3 er visits a year so ERs started getting creative with the frequent fliers and it worked.NickiLaughs likes this.
- Oct 17, '12 by NickiLaughsQuote from VICEDRNI'm kinda curious to know what they did with the frequent flyers. For example, what do you do with the drug addicts, they are going to keep coming to the ER?Everyone keeps forgetting that they patients are entitled to an assessment, not treatment. All that is required is that a nurse practitioner or md depending on your state greet them in triage the minute they register and evaluate them. When no emergency medical condition is detected, they can be screened out. In Washington, the state threatened to not pay for more than 3 er visits a year so ERs started getting creative with the frequent fliers and it worked.
