Food in the ER

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I know maslow's, and that food is on the bottom.

I'm laughing because there were family members that cursed at me every time I walked by because I wouldn't make them sandwiches and sent them to the cafeteria.

How often are food requests at your place, and how often do you run into disgruntled family members because you don't feed them?

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Specializes in Clinical Research, Outpt Women's Health.

That is ridiculous. Sheesh.

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I agree. It's a daily at my place.

'Cant you just give me something for this pain? F/u by I haven't eaten today, can I have a sandwich?

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Specializes in Emergency, LTC.

We have sandwiches and juice in out ER. Some patients totally abuse it, but other are so thankful and kind when I offer then something (after wing cleared to eat of course).

I'm glad we have something there but keep it to the basics. It is an emergency room after all...

-emerjensee

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Specializes in Emergency.

Food (turkey sandwiches, soda, juice, jello, milk, crackers) is for admitted pts, diabetics, psych holds (for those inbetween meal snacks) and that's it. It amazing how many people ask for food. Especially as noted above those with abd pain, n/v.

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Specializes in Clinical Research, Outpt Women's Health.

The families wanting it is what blows my mind!

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Scenario is the same.... Family member comes in. As soon as They get there, food requests. Pt and family.

The family always says 'Since we've been here all day, can you get me a sandwich?' All day I guess equates to 1-2 hours.

I have to lock the kitchen area 'cuz they bring the big bags and load up all the milk, juice and TV dinners.

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Specializes in Clinical Research, Outpt Women's Health.
Scenario is the same.... Family member comes in. As soon as They get there, food requests. Pt and family.

The family always says 'Since we've been here all day, can you get me a sandwich?' All day I guess equates to 1-2 hours.

I have to lock the kitchen area 'cuz they bring the big bags and load up all the milk, juice and TV dinners.

OMG!!! That is sooooooooooooooooooooo - whacked. LOL.

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You have to love those who demand things like that. Currently we have one who calls the ambulance like clockwork, rolls through the door asking for the remote to the tv, a warm blanket and dinner. Of course it's the same day/time each week as her "show" is on. Last week she was less than pleased when we discharged her early as her "show" was still on and she doesn't have cable at home. Sorry Hun, that is NOT a valid reason to clog up my ER room!

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Specializes in ED.

It gets on my last nerve when a patient expects me to be a nurse and a waiter, but even worse when it is family members.

Nope. Won't do it.

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Specializes in Emergency & Trauma/Adult ICU.

We have sandwiches and ginger ale. They are for patients. Unless there are extenuating circumstances or it's the middle of the night, family members get directed to the vending machines and/or cafeteria.

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Specializes in Emergency.

Yep, it is a classic. Roll in with N/V/D and abdominal pain, the appearance of having homes, jobs and higher mental functions.

Without fail, when I get to the "is there anything else you need to tell me" portion of the interrogation they say "well I haven't been eating/drinking, I'm really hungry/thirsty."

OooooooKaaaaayy.

So in my best cheerleader voice I enthuse over how if we find a surgical reason for their severe pain it is a good thing they haven't eaten, or that I will consider some gingerale after they have seen a doc and we get that intractable nausea under control.

If a patient is there with an *emergency* and they have a family member who is actually staying at the bedside for a reason ( eg: gramps is 101 and terrified of the healthcare staff) and said family member is useful and polite I will feed them, I'll even order them a tray from dietary. Otherwise there are vending machines in the lobby and a cafeteria down the hall.

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