ER wait times

TheGooch · Aug 3, 2015

Can't you just tell them to go to the drugstore and buy some exlax?

I don't go to the ER anymore-Urgent Care usually has a short wait.

Guest219794 · Aug 3, 2015

I just answer politely, and accurately if I can. Always with a disclaimer that there is no way to be sure.

We do in room triage, and I generally address this pro-actively.

I lay out what I believe their likely course of care will be, and rough time frames. If it's busy and they are not a high priority, I let them know it will be a while. If we aren't that busy, I will let them know that I expect the doc in shortly, but that could change.

I usually have a general idea. I promise nothing, but do give them information.

AZQuik · Aug 3, 2015

We don't tell em. "Pts are seen based on acuity. Based on our triage, I recommend you see a physician. All I can tell you about the wait is: X people are waiting, X is the longest wait time." Usually around this time we get a GSW via homeboy ambulance through the front door and we run toward it calling people on our phones.

Ok that last part doesn't always happen, but when it does it really drives that point home!

BSN GCU 2014.

Sent from my iPhone using allnurses

imintrouble, BSN, RN · Aug 4, 2015

Our nurses aren't allowed to estimate wait times. Besides, when the waiting room looks like a movie theater, you know you're going to wait awhile.

Anna Flaxis, BSN, RN · Aug 6, 2015

I usually say something like "I wish I could tell you, but then I might be a liar. The person who has been here longest has been here X hours."

emmy27 · Aug 7, 2015

"We see patients in order of severity and as quickly as possible, but currently all our rooms are full and I don't know how long it will be before one opens up. We'll get you back as soon as we can."

And then you just have to learn to not be bothered by people staring daggers at you.

Usually by the time people are asking this question, our lobby already looks like the steerage scene in Titanic, so people really should be able to piece the "it's gonna be a while" answer together by themselves, but...

Racer15, BSN, RN · Aug 7, 2015

My usual response is "I cannot give you an actual wait time. We see patients based on acuity, not how long they have been waiting in the lobby. You may be next to go back, and then an ambulance comes with someone sicker, so they get your bed. We will get you back as soon as we can." For people already in rooms: "Our doctors see patients based on who is sickest. They are working as fast as they can, but we have had multiple emergencies come in and they cannot rush patient care in order to prevent mistakes. They will be with you as soon as they possibly can."

abundantjoy07, RN · Aug 11, 2015

I'm truthful. I tell them there will be at least an hour wait if there are 5+ people in the lobby. (Even if it will be only 15 minutes). If there are 15 people in the lobby then 2 hours. 15+ I'm sorry I can't answer that question, we are moving as fast as we can however due to the ambulances coming in the back I can't give you a time. I don't know how long it will be. If they still press I tell them that the longest wait is x hours and leave it at that.

I don't tell them about acuity because they get pissy. Everyone thinks they are a level 1 and most are level 4s and 3s. If they knew about acuity they would ask theirs and I would have to explain way too much. Then they would be pissed if they knew they were a level 4 or 5.

mrssunday, BSN, RN · Aug 11, 2015

When you work in a busy ER this is usually one of the things most nurses dreaded to answer. Our triage area is an open area and everyone can see what you are doing. The wait time for us usually runs from 14-18hr wait time if its a really bad night. When I am at the triage I always tell them, "I can not tell you any exact time because in the end you might just come up to me here and tell me I am lying. To the area you are going to there are Xpeople who've been waiting for Xamount of time. I am really sorry for the long wait". I usually tell this to them and just make them. They would blame us sometimes but when I tell them that there are still more patients inside they stop and just go back to seat.

thmpr · Aug 16, 2015

I am unsure how long it will be... However, If you would like to expedite your visit with the MD, I recommend a gunshot to your thigh in an empty lot; or jumping from the building across the street. But please, throw out your hamburger and soda, and use the bathroom first. Oh, and I'll take the fries.

Sorry. I couldn't resist :blink:

ACNP2017 · Aug 16, 2015

Depends - If I see the midlevel or Dr carrying around the patients chart - I just go ahead and say that. "Dr XYZ is walking around with you chart. She will see you when she can". If we are particularly busy or happen to have Dr SLOW as our main Dr - we have protocols we are encouraged to initiate. If the patient is fairly alert or have family at bedside when I make good of the protocols - I will literally explain each step to them. I have found if the patient and family understands everything we are doing and how it benefits the patients - they will feel like there is progress happening and worry less about "when will the doctor be in?". When the Dr does come in - its nice for her to do her assessment and then see the results -EKG/PCXR, and blood work. Then the Dr can address the results with the patient at that time and give the patient and family the expected outcome (call PCP, admission, additional testing, or dispo home).

I personally don't like to use the "its based on acuity level" when the Dr will see you. I have been a visitor with a family member at another hospital and the nurse told my family member that. It provided me with a different perspective. It almost insinuates that the patient is lower acuity and not a priority. Honestly, that could be the case but no patient wants to hear it.

For those patients who's complaints do not fall with within protocols - I always ask them "what physical symptoms is most bothersome?" -- usually pain or nausea but I have surprised with a request for water/blankets/crackers. I attempt to stress the fact and use the word 'advocate' with the patient. "The Dr is in with a very critical patient right now but I am going to advocate for you to get you some pain meds" is the normal line I go with.