My feelings are so hurt about this, but could possibly be overreacting!
So here is what happened: I have been sick with URI since this past Friday, throat so sore I could hardly even swallow my own spit (sorry to be so graphic), coughing my head off, SOB, fever, and my lower back was hurting so bad I could not sit still. After couple of days like that, on antibiotics and getting worse I broke down and went to ER, (where I work).
First off the nurse I had ordered urine preg on me and I have had complete hysterectomy-DUH!! Then I told them I couldn't take Morphine or Lortab so doc said he wasn't sure what to give me for pain since I was allergic to so much stuff. I hardly think 2 things qualifies as so much stuff!! I see them give our frequent flyer drug seekers less of a hassle about getting something for pain as they did me! Finally after getting to point of tears, I got an IM shot for pain. Had pretty significant amount of blood in my urine so they ordered CT with stone protocal-had stone in left kidney. My nurse was one to tell me this which was no big deal, but then she added "o by the way, you have a rt sided soft tissue mass in pelvis that they are unable to identify, so here is prescription for you to come back and have another CT as outpatient with triple contrast". I asked her, "and why are you the one telling me this insead of Dr"? Her reply was "well when you first came in we only had 4 patients, now we are full". "SOOO" was my next response. Maybe I expect too much, but I would think as a nurse that works side by side with this Dr that he could have at least called radiologist and asked for some more specifics, or for sure made sure that I didn't leave ER that night freaked out! I had to hunt Dr down before I left to get him to sign my work excuse and only then did he see how upset I was and said well why don't we just go ahead and order that scan tonight so you won't have to go home worried sick. Why he didn't think enough of me to do that earlier is beyond me!! I mean I already did not feel good, was in a lot of pain and then to hear that just threw me over the edge! I thought that it was truly unprofessional and tacky of Dr to send Nurse in my room to give me that kind of abnormal test result. I had 2nd CT which was still inconclusive, so now my next stop is my OB/GYN per ER Dr suggestion.
Am I overreacting to this, expecting too much? As a nurse, I would have told Dr, I think this is news that needs to come from you and not me! Thanks for letting me vent!
Well good news, I guess! One large hemorrhagic cyst with several small ones also noted on my right ovary. Will do another US in a month to make sure they are not growing in size. MD states these can be very painful and if this one gets much larger or changes in shape, laproscopic removal of ovary may be next step. Still have the horrible sore throat and continue to have difficulty swallowing. OB/GYN did strep test and it was positive, shot of Rocephin given-OUCH! I would much rather be on the giving end than on the receving end when it comes to those. Never had one, knew they burned, but was never quite sure how much!! Thanks for all your comments and concern!
It sounds like there is a cultural difference between our workplaces. Where I work, there is no expectation that employees will receive any different treatment than any other patient. We work hard to treat *every* patient quickly and efficiently, regardless of who you are. It doesn't matter if you are one of us, you will be triaged according to acuity, just like everyone else.
Sure, if a trauma that comes in is one of our own, it affects emotionally big time. But we work just as hard to save the lives of those we don't know as we do those who are one of us.
I don't think it's fair to say that I hold any grudges against any specific patient population. Do I think people using the ED as their PCP is a problem? Absolutely! Is it a problem that I am willing to turn a blind eye to? Absolutely not. Not only does it affect the delivery of emergency services to those who need them, but it's also symptomatic of how messed up our health care system really is.
Many of our patients who do this can't really be blamed. Unfortunate life circumstances can leave people with nowhere else to turn. Believe me, I know what hardship is. But many people *do* know better, and yet choose to do otherwise, mostly because they just don't want to wait, or to have to choose between a PCP copay and a carton of cigarettes.
I don't treat anyone with disdain over it; instead, I take the opportunity to provide information on what resources are available and why it's important to establish care with a PCP if you are able. When giving DC instructions, I take the time to elaborate on what s/s should prompt a call to their PCP, and which s/s they need to come to the ED for. I have been thanked over and over for this information, because some people just never had anyone take the time to discuss it with them in a nonjudgmental and informative kind of way. Now, I don't always have time to do this; you know how chaotic the ED can be. But I try.
I guess the mistake I made in this thread was that I didn't think I needed to pull any punches with a colleague- someone who works in the same environment and faces the same challenges. I feel like if you're not part of the solution, you're part of the problem, and that as health care professionals, we should lead by example. But, I have been told that my expectations of others are high (my expectations of myself are higher). Maybe I do expect too much.
Anyway, take care.
it sounds like you're a great nurse. I agree with what you wrote.
It is a frustrating place in which we work... at times.
Psych is bubbling up to the surface here in the Northeast with all the rain.... here's to a bit more insanity!
luvmyhubbybunches
46 Posts
Well good news, I guess! One large hemorrhagic cyst with several small ones also noted on my right ovary. Will do another US in a month to make sure they are not growing in size. MD states these can be very painful and if this one gets much larger or changes in shape, laproscopic removal of ovary may be next step. Still have the horrible sore throat and continue to have difficulty swallowing. OB/GYN did strep test and it was positive, shot of Rocephin given-OUCH! I would much rather be on the giving end than on the receving end when it comes to those. Never had one, knew they burned, but was never quite sure how much!! Thanks for all your comments and concern!