Tranquil vs quiet: what not to say in an ER

Specialties Emergency

Published

Is it just as bad to call the ER tranquil as it is Quiet?

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Hmm. I've never actually heard anyone say a unit or shift was "tranquil", but on reflection--yeah, I think it's about as bad as "the Q word."

I always used to guardedly refer to quiet periods as "relatively uneventful." So far, it hasn't bitten me in the butt. :D

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Yes -- anything that has the remotest relation to the "Q" word is off limits -- eg. nice, good, (as in, "it's quite nice tonight, isn't it?) is guaranteed to make the sh-- hit the fan. And NEVER, NEVER, NEVER invoke the name of a frequent flyer (as in "we haven't seen in here for quite a while, have we??) because that will ensure that they are brought in via amb. sometime within the next 24 hrs!!

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I think so!

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AMEN!

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LOL...we never, ever say the C word (you know the one...it's followed by the color of the sky, jeans, police uniforms)...and we don't even think about our frequent flyers...we call the EMS guys once in a while just to chat and that seems to keep them out of there...

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no q, no c, I like reletively uneventful and that would describe my night thus far

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the q word is a certain no go over here as well. Although i'm of the opinion that if s*** is going to happen it is going to happen so why be superstitious over a 5 letter word.

Certain mentioning a name of a regular will bring them in, so 'speak of the devil' never rings truer.

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Aren't we a superstitious bunch!! When reporting off to the next shift we say, "it has been a lovely day in the ER". Great idea about calling EMS to keep those friendly stretcher carrying folks at bay. If they feel loved by us maybe they will take the next GOMER to the hospital down the street.

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Specializes in LTC, assisted living, med-surg, psych.

I've always called it "mellow", and gotten away without the fecal matter colliding with the oscillating ventilation system.

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Where I worked in Admitting, we could NEVER ask, "Has it been busy?"OHHHHH man!!!! 20 pts come in a row after that d@#$ question!!!!

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Also be careful making eye contact if you see a frequent flier out in the community. Even if you haven't seen them in months...they are sure to show up within 24 hours of visual contact. Never fails, and usually when you are at your busiest *sigh* :(

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