CaraAnnRN

Well, we normally only see about 100/day so we have 1 nurse out front (people in the back triage those coming in from EMS in the rooms) unless "the bus comes in" then we send someone else out there to help (we have float nurses). When the pt initially comes in the door we ask what their symptom is, and if it is something like a controlled laceration, stable cough, etc, then we let them fill out an initial contact sheet with info about their SSN, birthdate, S/S, etc, and call themback in the order of their need. If they are having chest pain, etc, we bring them right back and they are triaged in their room. For those who "don't necessarily need to be there" we have a "Q room." These people still get triaged in, but then are placed in the Q room for a physician to see. If the MD decides that they do not need to be in the ER then they have the choice of paying $250 up front and being treated or leaving. If the MD decides that the toothache or whatever does need to be treated, then they upgrade them. This has also helped with the education of the people around the hospital as to when you need to go to the ER and when you can go see your PCP or walk-in clinic. We also have a fast track/non-emergent side where those who just need a couple stitches, etc, go. Hope this helps! God bless. :)

Ha ha - I had a patient come into the ER where I work last week because her 15-day-old baby's BELLY BUTTON FELL OFF! I was tempted to ask her if she still had hers...