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

[HikingEDRN]

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

[Kcwestportboy]

Thank you I'm all better and yes I totally get it we all need to vent especially when others are so ungrateful for the care we provide them its not like we can say look I have 6 traumas I'm working on at the moment that are life and death your hang nail is not my highest priority lol

[she244]

I agree completely, when people used to yell and scream I would say evidentially you feel a lot better, that usually shut them up fast, I always heard I don't know why I came to this Band-Aid station. I would say I agree and with 3 other Hospitals close I think you are right, you should have passed us on by. The other Nurses always asked me to Triage for them cause I stood my ground when people had to wait to be seen while some others were seen quicker. Got cussed out a lot, threatened, and called all kind of names.

[mechelleh71]

This is just about a once a stretch occurrence. I tell the EDP, grab the AMA, form, and hand them the pen. Smile sweetly and tell them to have a good night.

[gzussu]

Keeps it interesting though.

[SgtWyatt]

A few days ago, "I have chest pain." We do the whole nine yards: Serial EKGs, labs, chest xray, nitro, morphine, etc. Everything come back negative. The patient is quiet, yet every time he sees me the moaning and clutching of the chest starts again. Finally he says, "They usually give me dilaudid, it's the only thing that works." I ask, "How often do you get this chest pain?" He replies, "Once or twice a month and dilaudid is the only thing that works, do something to help me!" Discuss with the physician, come back to explain that we're admitting him for his chest pain but won't be able to provide dilaudid at this time. Lo and behold, no more clutching the chest and he says, "Well thanks for nothing! I'm just going to leave AMA then!"

[That Guy, BSN, RN, EMT-B]

A few days ago, "I have chest pain." We do the whole nine yards: Serial EKGs, labs, chest xray, nitro, morphine, etc. Everything come back negative. The patient is quiet, yet every time he sees me the moaning and clutching of the chest starts again. Finally he says, "They usually give me dilaudid, it's the only thing that works." I ask, "How often do you get this chest pain?" He replies, "Once or twice a month and dilaudid is the only thing that works, do something to help me!" Discuss with the physician, come back to explain that we're admitting him for his chest pain but won't be able to provide dilaudid at this time. Lo and behold, no more clutching the chest and he says, "Well thanks for nothing! I'm just going to leave AMA then!"

Why can't they just tell us they are narc seeking? Why waste all our time and money for an entire show. Just tell me what you want and it might happen sooner.

[emtb2rn, BSN, RN, EMT-B]

We have several seekers who do have actual cardiac histories. Makes it interesting, especially when they don't protest the nitro. If they are ok with nitro, then tend to not ama.

[sockov, ADN, ASN, BSN, CNA, LVN]

I had a patient recently that presented with belly pain. Glucose >1500, sodium was 113. This patient was in their early 20's. They decided to leave AMA. Counseled them extensively on the risks of leaving, explained the serious risk of death related to their labs, they were adamant about not wanting to be admitted. Discussed the possibility of staying in the ED a few hours longer so we could at least stabilize them a bit more. Nope, insisted on signing out and denied any thoughts of self-harm. THEN WHY WASTE MY TIME?!

WHY did they ever come in for help then????? I will let the door hit them on the way out.

[Guest219794]

PT: F*** this place. I am out of here. I've been here 3 hours and you haven't done anything to help me.

Me: Well, apparently we have. You arrived by ambulance, unable to walk or speak in full sentences, and just look at you now. I am so glad you are feeling better.