Fix me NOW (but on my terms or I'll leave AMA)

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Specializes in Emergency Department; Neonatal ICU.

Just a vent, everyone.

Dear patient, I cannot fix your problem of 3+ years in the ER on Sunday evening. I am sorry (but not surprised) that your doctor fired you. I am sorry you have sat in this room for so long but I was tending to my OD who arrested shortly after arrival. I am sorry you are going through this.

HOWEVER, stop telling me you are going to sue me and the doctor. Stop telling me this hospital ****** you up (why do you keep coming back then). And stop cursing, it's getting old. And after all that, you are leaving AMA when we recommend admission????? Really???? After "we didn't do anything???" Going to administration? I think they will be satisfied with my documentation.

I know this scene played out in hundreds of ERs across the country over the weekend. I was polite and professional and feel I expressed empathy. I also urged the patient to stay. But I just had to vent here :(

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Ugh, I hear you! It gets old when it's always everyone's fault but the patient's.

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Specializes in Emergency, Trauma, Critical Care.

I like it when they yell and cuss while all of us point towards the exit, which is the opposite direction of what they are walking.

Better to save the bed for someone who actually wants better health instead of blaming the system.

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Unfortunately, they may scream and yell and threaten AMA but they never do. They just stay and make your shift miserable.

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I work on a floor where they seem to threaten leaving AMA for days....then once we have a discharge date semi-solid, they actually do leave. Not before security has been called several times for untoward behavior at 2 am x3 days, however. :)

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Specializes in Emergency Department; Neonatal ICU.
Unfortunately, they may scream and yell and threaten AMA but they never do. They just stay and make your shift miserable.

The patient left but really should have stayed. The floor had no idea how lucky they were though ;)

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Specializes in Oncology/Haemetology/HIV.

I regret that you find it insulting that I get at least 3 more staff to help me turn and pull your 400+# body in bed, but I have no intention of breaking my back .... I will be working until I die with this back.

And NO, a accuchek of 320 is NOT too low for you and it does not mean that I need to give 3 candy bars to ward off hypoglycemia.

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Specializes in Cardiac Care.
And NO, a accuchek of 320 is NOT too low for you and it does not mean that I need to give 3 candy bars to ward off hypoglycemia.

I know, right?

I can't understand why so many people seem to think that we nurses are so stupid.

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Specializes in Emergency.

Sign here, sign here. Lobby is a left and then straight through the double doors.

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Specializes in PCCN.

Don't let the door hit you.........

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Specializes in Emergency Department; Neonatal ICU.
Sign here, sign here. Lobby is a left and then straight through the double doors.

Exactly what I did (bye bye)

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Specializes in Emergency/Cath Lab.

I think you were working with me last night.

I do applaud you for having a very loud conversation with someone on the phone at 4 in the morning renouncing how horrible we are that we couldn't fix your arthritis on your 300+ lb frame that you have neglected for 20 years. Thats ok though, cue up that better call Saul caliber lawyer and let us have a go at it.

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