How to stop the drug seeker?

That Guy, BSN, RN, EMT-B · Feb 1, 2013

Its a sick cycle. If they dont give them what they want, they will complain to the hospital, hospital will come down on doc for not making pt happy. Since, thats what it is all about anyways. Have to make the pt happy.

JessiekRN · Feb 2, 2013

That's like asking how do you stop sick people from coming to the ER. You can't. Until science comes up with a cure for addiction, there will always be drug seekers in the ED. Think of it as job security.

lagalanurse · Feb 2, 2013

Unless the docs all ban together and refuse, it won't stop. And even then, they will probably continue to come.

hodgieRN · Feb 12, 2013

If you can figure that out, you will worshiped worldwide.

thelema13 · Feb 13, 2013

Inapsine and benadryl.

Novo · Feb 19, 2013

Addiction is a powerful thing that will make people do almost anything to get a fix. Even if docs were to say no I'm sure they would still find a way and that could put you in danger.

Poochiewoochie · Feb 20, 2013

How to we stop nurses and other medical professionals from thinking that everyone that presents to the ER in pain is a drug seeker?

I just don't love them-nurses like that.

Guest219794 · Feb 20, 2013

How to we stop nurses and other medical professionals from thinking that everyone that presents to the ER in pain is a drug seeker?
I just don't love them-nurses like that.

Poochiewoochie- What do you do? Why are you here?

DeBerham · Feb 21, 2013

How to we stop nurses and other medical professionals from thinking that everyone that presents to the ER in pain is a drug seeker?
I just don't love them-nurses like that.

I certainly don't, but there are a couple of things that we can do. For example...

We can see what your last visits were for and we notice patterns...

If you come in with a preprinted sheet of the drugs that you want administered...

If you consistently leave right after receiving your narcotic without being dispo'd...

If referrals are made to treat the underlying source of your pain but you can't bother to keep them...

If you get mad when I hang a narcotic in a 50ml bag of saline because I have noticed the above...

There are people who present to the ER with pain issues, and their pain is treated quickly and effectively... There are also narcotics addicts who cannot be bothered to treat the underlying source of their pain or their addiction... we deal with both.

Thanks though for voicing your persecution complex here though

Penelope_Pitstop, BSN, RN · Feb 21, 2013

You can't save the world. If it's ordered and you want it, I'll give it. My energy is devoted to other things in my job.

kalanel5 · Feb 21, 2013

Good question...I have not been able to discourage any of my patients that are drug seekers. They come in telling me in my admission assessment they want dilaudid and if not that Demerol IV. You can make the MD aware that the patient is a frequent flyer. Otherwise if it's ordered give it as prescribed to give yourself a couple of hours peace from them. I never can understand the nurses who withhold pain meds when it has been more than enough time with stable BP and mental status. It just makes your job so much harder.