Eat Before You Get Here!

Specialties Emergency

Published

WHY is it that as soon as people step one foot into the ER, they suddenly are overcome with hunger and thirst? Now I can understand if the patient is admitted and has been there all day and has eaten nothing. But I don't understand how when someone comes in at 10:30 at night they IMMEDIATELY ask for food and drink because they haven't eaten all day. They have had the entire day to eat.Its not my fault that they didn't eat at home. I don't know how many signs are posted stating "no eating or drinking until evaluation is complete". Then again we have I don't know how many RESTRICTED AREA signs and people ignore those too. The other day I needed to use a bedside table but there was a tray on it so I asked the young lady if she was finished. And she said(snottily)" THAT was lunch. I didn't even GET dinner, yet." She was NOT an admitted pt. Matter of fact she was discharged an hour later. Does this happen everywhere? :uhoh21:

"Take your pick...crackers or belly button lint..."

Best line I ever heard, from one of our old medics. ;)

Specializes in MS Home Health.

It never bothered me but then I worked oncology so I was glad to see anyone eat.

renerian :)

Specializes in ER, PACU.

Not only do they all want to eat as soon as they get there, they have to pee!

I know Mrs. Family Member, it is ridiculous that YOU cant get a hot tray of food at 3 am..I am sure that if I place a call to dietary, they would be happy to get out of bed and make you some food. :rolleyes:

Please Ma'am, feel free to disconnect yourself from your monitor and IV lines and walk yourself to the bathroom even though you are having chest pain and are on a nitro and heparin drip. It's OK, I wouldnt like to use the bedpan either. :angryfire

I started a thread that told my story of what happened to me when I didn't want to bother the nurses for a cup or glass of water. AAACKK! I almost got spanked for going to get it myself and I wasn't a pt!!!!! Damned if you do and damned if you don't. :chuckle

Specializes in obstetrics(high risk antepartum, L/D,etc.
I am outraged. I CANNOT believe that your ER does NOT have a meal waiting for your guests, or a McDonlad's in the waiting area! :roll

Denver Health (Denver General Hospital) has a McDonalds in the lobby, or had one the last time I was there. I do not know, however, who paid for the food. :p

Specializes in Emergency.

We actually have a Wendy's attached to our hospital caffeteria. All we had in our ED is lousy turkey sandwhiches and juice. I always strongly hinted it was in the pts best interest for the family to go get them something- didnt hurt that food wasnt my priority and the fact when i told them this it may take me awhile to get the food for them

Rj

:rolleyes:

And here I always thought that hospitals and ERs were to help people with their healthcare needs...

Who knew it was for EVERY convience known to man!!!

He#*, I could've skipped out on ACLS, PALS, ECRN, TNC, etc. and just bought in on a fast food franchise!

:rolleyes:

As a floor nurse we get the same problem, but also in REVERSE. People will "move in" to the room and bring coolers of beverages and snacks of all kinds. Beside turning the room into a pig stye, many times the patient's diet does not permit those foods so it is a struggle for them to watch others eat/drink. When they discharge they leave a huge mess!

The pts families will raid the staff only kitchenette on the floor, stuff their pockets full of saltines, grahams, peanut butter and all the little condiment packets they can grab.

The patient is usually npo.

Just last night I was fumed because all our diabetic late night snacks were "missing". So I posted a sign on the fridge that said ..

"Attention, fridge only stocked once a day in the am, If you are taking a patients sandwich.. you are taking a patients sandwich!"

The charge nurse took it down, coustomer service ya know :imbar , have to have our priorities straight.

Specializes in Camp/LTC/School/Hospital.

I think they can use their foodstamps for McDonalds can't they??? Worked in a ER for years, so I can really relate to this post. O.K so am I school nurse now, kids come into the clinic c/o belly ache, then tell me 10 minutes later, I need to go now because its time for lunch! They are starting early! :chuckle

Terra Rn When I Have To Go To Your Er Please Advise I Am On Adkins Diet And I Prefer Fresh Cooked Over Microwave Saute Lightly And Season To My Taste Thank You

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