I am a new graduate nurse and have begun working in the ED. The other night, we had a patient (not my patient) who was a frequent flier and was seeking pain meds. The patient's nurse (who is also new to the unit, but not a new nurse) was about to discharge the patient and asked an experienced nurse if they give referrals or if we even had any pamphlets or information to provide this patient who obviously needs help. The answer was no, we have nothing. We provide nothing. I have pretty tough skin, but my heart sunk for this patient. I have wondered many times since that day what I MYSELF will do when presented with an addict of the obvious or admitted sort....
So here is my question...what do you all do? Do you have a policy regarding this? Do you provide information of your own to your patients?