No time right now.....

Specialties Emergency

Published

Specializes in ER, Corrections, Mental Health.

Okay, here we go......

there is such a big push for staff to make time for our patients, always asking them what else we can do for them, etc. I have no

problem with this at all, but the truth is, sometimes there isn't time. Sometimes when you get two or three new patients in a row and they all need labs, urines, and meds, you don't have time to be stuck at the bedside to answer every question and listen to 20 more minutes worth of history. My problem is that I have such a hard time cutting them off, and feel bad telling them "I'm really busy but I promise we will get back to this story in a bit," and I'm afraid that if a patient ever complained that management would lecture me about AIDET and how we ALWAYS have the time.

My my question is, how do you handle this situation? Of course If the pt is telling me that their CP is returning or something I will stay and address the issue, but when they want to tell funny stories, or offer 20+ years or irrelevant medical history, how do you stop them without seeming not to care? Any good lines to use? I don't want to seem rude or uninterested, but sometimes I let myself get sucked into their stories for like half an hour and then BAM, I'm behind!

any advice?????

Specializes in ED, Critical care, & Education.

Matt8700~

You sound like a very caring nurse. Thank you for posing this awesome question. This is always a challenge! Firstly, let me say...I SO feel your pain!

My advice, don't tell them you are really busy because many people frankly do not care. You certainly don't want the patient to perceive they are going to get substandard care because you are busy.

I believe you need to make the "busy" about them.

When the line fits the situation try....

"I know there is so much to talk about, but I want to be sure that we rapidly identify anything medically concerning. I'm going to get these labs sent off and collaborate with the doctor about your case." Exit room.

Patient is telling you about their lengthy history..."It sounds like you've been through a lot. I believe I have the information I need to get your care started. I want to be sure we get you the answers we are all looking for as rapidly as possible so we can get you feeling better. I'm going to go..." (insert something you're going to do for them...check with radiology on status of getting the patient for study, call pharmacy for xyz etc...). Exit room.

When new ambulance is arriving and you're in a patient room (patient is talking and talking), "I'm so sorry to cut you short, but I have a new patient arriving by ambulance. I want to be able to get them some quick medical answers just like I am working on getting you. I'll be back in to check on you as soon as I can." Exit room. In my experience most patients say "Oh definitely go take care of that!"

Try these out and report back. Would love to hear how they work for you!

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