So I'm working fastrack in an adult ER, I have about 4 Cough/Cold/Achy patients at any given time. These people DON'T need to be in the ER. Theres NOTHING we can do for their cold that OTC meds don't also do! A good dose of emotional suppression keeps me still able to smile at these patients, but thats only on a good day. For the most part my compassion tank is empty after the first one who is demanding more attention than my REAL sick patients.
When I think about pediatrics, I don't think I would ever feel this way no matter how many times a little kid came in feeling ill. Kids are different, they can't care for themselves, I don't expect them to know how, and I can be sympathetic to new parents who are scared. Even if I saw 100 minor colds in a day, I don't think it would affect me the way adults do.
