Having a hard time lately

Can you take a few days off anytime soon? Sometimes we just need a break to step back from it all and breathe. People won't change. The ER population won't change, for sure. If you love the ER and just need a break- take some time away. If that's not the answer, then yes, start looking..

Having a hard time lately in ER with pt's and their attitudes. Seem lately pt's have gotten louder and more stupid with confidence. They abuse the system and ***** at the same time. Why do i have to wait on a Friday night for knee pain x months. Charge nurses and management cater to them and kiss their ass, so afraid of the almighty bad survey. Finding it hard to not go "off" when they start ********. Thought about going to different dept. Love the ER but don't want to lose job. Any thoughts or ways you guys deal with this.

Feel the same way as you, especially when I work triage! People ouside the ER don't know the verbal abuse we put up with. I just try to calmly and politely point out the 20 people ahead of them, and reassure them we wil get to them as soon as we can.

I too love the ED and can't even for a minute imagine working anywhere else. But yes, it can get to us once in a while. JessiekRN above had it right. See if you can take enough days off in a row to recharge. It does make a big difference.

I can promise you going to another department won't help, except maybe the ICU where many of the patients can't talk to you, and those that can tend to be much more grateful for your help. But many of the same people who abuse the system later get admitted for something, and still expect to be treated as if they are in a four-star hotel.

Beyond that, just treat them the way you would want to be treated and know in the back of your mind that you are being the better person.

DC :)