Elly Em

I have a couple. 1) Dry Lips. We had a 19yom present to the EMERGENCY department because he had dry lips. Needless to say we did not give him "that free chapstick" and he refused to pay for his $100.00 copay because pt states "I ain't got time for that" 2) Bed Bugs. Patient took ambulance to the ED because of bed bugs. 3) Pregnancy Test. This is a fairly common ED c/c, but this time she had taken 10 pregnancy tests at home that were ALL NEGATIVE. Got in line at the EMERGENCY department to be sure. Patient was pretty upset when we told her that her pregnancy test was negative. 4) Constipation. "When was your last bowel movement?"...."Earlier today"

I have a couple. 1) Dry Lips. We had a 19yom present to the EMERGENCY department because he had dry lips. Needless to say we did not give him "that free chapstick" and he refused to pay for his $100.00 copay because pt states "I ain't got time for that" 2) Bed Bugs. Patient took ambulance to the ED because of bed bugs. 3) Pregnancy Test. This is a fairly common ED c/c, but this time she had taken 10 pregnancy tests at home that were ALL NEGATIVE. Got in line at the EMERGENCY department to be sure. Patient was pretty upset when we told her that her pregnancy test was negative. 4) Constipation. "When was your last bowel movement?"...."Earlier today"

A box of pregnancy tests just before entering the ED.

Fossils like you are precious gems.

Strange that this profile belongs to a BSN RN...

As far as feeling like you don't know anything...you know far more than you think. You will get used to the pace and don't be afraid to rely on your knowledge and don't be afraid to ask questions. You have a vast ocean of medical knowledge compared to the average joe-- trust it. Experience breeds confidence, it will come. We don't know the tone the physician used with you but one thing I do know is that people love to talk out of their asses and think they know best. Maybe that's why that doctor (your coworker) took it upon herself to "help" you. Don't take it personally even if she was coming down on you, eventually you guys will get to know each other and rely on and trust each other. Seriously some people are difficult pokes. I'd like to see that doctor strut in there with 100% confidence and get the IV while someone is hawking over their shoulder. I think I've seen one doctor start an IV in my lifetime as an ER nurse and she was an experienced army medic prior to working in the ER. When someone feels the need to offer advice, I usually thank them and try to consider it without taking it personally. ER nursing is stressful and amazingly rewarding, stick with it and you won't regret it. We've all been in your shoes. Just be the best nurse you can be, keep your patient your top priority, and the rest will fall into place.