Originally Posted by traumaRUs
Specific example:
Working nights in level one trauma center, had a 50 something year old male who came in saying he had an upset stomach and it was killing him. He looked uncomfortable but not in the worst pain and he stated the pain was 7/10. Started a saline lock, drew labs, ordered an EKG and a CXR. However, a few minutes later, he looked me square in the eyes an said, "I'm going to die." I became very concerned and realized there was something seriously wrong with this guy. It was very busy in the ER and this pt had not been seen yet. So...I went up to the closest MD and told him he had to come see this guy. Turns out the guy had a triple AAA and went right to the OR. Survived too.
Ahhhhhh.................isn't that when its all worth it? All the hard work, the unpaid overtime, all the BS. When you manage something like this it can keep you going for a long time. Bet you felt really good being able to save his life.