the homeless that wander in...

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There have been times that I feel crappy about discharging some (not all) of our homeless folks especially when the weather is really cold and really hot because I know they have no where to go. The shelters are close already by time of d/c and some sign back in with a random complaint just to have a warm/cool place to stay in. Am I the only one?

**I'm talking when it is calm, no traumas or real sick pts in the ED.

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Specializes in Med-Surg, Emergency, CEN.

It's definitely a problem. They usually go to the next hospital and claim chest pain so they can stay for 4+ hours.

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We usually let them hang out if we don't need the beds.

Posting from my phone, ease forgive my fat thumbs! :)

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Specializes in Psych ICU, addictions.

Happens to us in the psych ER too, except instead of chest pain, they play the SI or CD card. However, we can't keep them for very long.

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Specializes in Acute Care, Rehab, Palliative.

We never discharge unless they have some where to go, especially when the weather is bad.

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Specializes in Critical Care, ED, Cath lab, CTPAC,Trauma.

We usually found a way to keep them somewhere.......and made sure they were gone by morning....;)

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Specializes in None yet.

I have worked with the homeless throughout the years, not as a nurse (yet), but it makes me feel good that there are nurses out there like you all that care for their well being. Anyone can be homeless at anytime in our lives and I hope to be in a nursing position soon someday to help those in need and not just in nursing.

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Thanks for the reply guys. We can't let them stay in the ED room/pod chair after D/C. I usually let them hang out in the lobby and tell them to be good so security won't kick them out. It does suck and it can happen to anyone at any point.

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I have worked with the homeless throughout the years not as a nurse (yet), but it makes me feel good that there are nurses out there like you all that care for their well being. Anyone can be homeless at anytime in our lives and I hope to be in a nursing position soon someday to help those in need and not just in nursing.[/quote']

Thanks :)

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This is why I have so much respect for nurses MOST see the patient as a person, and really do care and go beyond to help them,and often don't judge. :up:

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When I escort the homeless out the ambulance doors, I say "Welcome Home!"

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We let them hang out in the waiting room after discharge until the buses start running.

We will even give them a bus pass to catch the bus to the shelter.

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