k-flo

Why is pt edematous? Low albumin? Maybe pt needs albumin infusion. If renal function is not impaired, maybe pt can receive normal saline along with lasix.

We had a pt come in for cc of "I need to sign up for food stamps and Medicaid" Also a pt with possible genital herpes for 7 months. Really? Ever heard of a clinic?

I'm sorry but that is not "a huge mistake"

Is there such thing as claiming safe harbor in your state?

When I worked as a PCT on the floor I didn't need one at all but the techs at the ER I work at have one because they have to do a lot of manual BPs on trauma pts, but some get away without having one.

I only had 4 SATA and I passed...

The only thing I can say it's stop trying so hard, just makes things awkward. Just mind your own business, use your free time to learn more things. Whatever relationship evolves just let it happen naturally.

If the pt is reporting anxiety in addition to hearing voices, haldol and Ativan should be given together. Ativan is for anxiety and haldol is an antipsychotic, the pt will probably fall asleep but the haldol will help them wake up with a clear mind.

I would take the ICU job, critical care experience is a huge plus to getting hired in the ER. Good luck!

I live here in San Antonio, I don't think I would want to live anywhere else. I wish the weather wasn't so hot but I manage cause I love it here.

If you're that concerned why not just wait after you get a job? I have a coworker with the same haircut you described who got hired where I work so it may or may not be a problem but just play it safe for now.

I once had a floor nurse report me to my charge nurse in the ED because I sent a patient up who's colostomy bag was full and an ordered foley was not done. Granted I did not know the bag was full and I communicated in report that the pt needed the foley. I felt terrible, but what that nurse did not know is that I got a pt next door by EMS who was a stroke alert who had an attitude that made it difficult for us to assess him. Shortly after, I get another EMS pt in respiratory distress. We had 3 nurses and 1 tech for 12 pts, that day we were busy with nothing but truly sick pts one after the other, they just kept on coming. In my neck of the woods diversion is only a courtesy, EMS can always choose to override our request and bring the pt anyway, which sure does happen a lot. I'm sorry you got inconvenienced at shift change, but for us in the ER, the pts keep coming whether it's shift change or not, getting a combative pt that needs to be restrained at 1859 does happen, we can't tell them to wait till we're done with shift change. Same with chest painers, traumatic arrests, etc...

One last one: For the love of God please just please stop acting like a huge va jay jay... You made a conscious decision to go bull riding like a "tough macho man" now take that shoulder dislocation like the man you pretend to be, I already gave you enough dilaudid for now. Why is it that the guys with the most tattoos and the bigger muscles are the worst cry babies?? I'm not saying all but generally. I always just want to tell them to man the eff up!

To the young, walkie-talkie pt: No, I definitely will NOT arrange transportation for you, you can walk over to the bus stop or use the free phone in the waiting room to call a friend. To the pt with anxiety: You walked the 10 mins it takes from the parking garage here and now you suddenly need a wheelchair? It is NOT my fault you don't have insurance, nor is it the hospital's or anyone's fault. You will never be able to get out of the homeless shelter if you don't start taking some ownership. You don't have any injuries or broken bones, I will not give you an excuse for a month off from work, you're lucky to get a week. To the person who keeps asking me how much longer: If you would stop interrupting me maybe I can get your DC papers soon.

I stumbled up on this old thread and just wanted to say 6 months of working in the ER and it has been the best experience of my life! I only had to work a whooping ONE night shift and then officially switched to days. My orientation period was amazing, so many supportive people! I've been on my own for 2 weeks now and I feel great. Love my job, thanks everyone for your replies and advice. :)