Triage learn by fire

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So I have been a ED nurse for awhile now and I recently was given the role of triage. Orientation was difficult but I got through it and now I independently triage patients. Now I realize how difficult the position really is. I am often scheduled for 8-12 hours of triage and I feel like my mind is numb after seeing so many patients with a wide variety of health complains. I have to deal with patients upset about wait times and nurses telling me I am rooming them with patients too quickly and a charge nurse rushing me to keep up with the flow up patients coming in. I am worried I will miss something and stressed because everyone comes down hard on the triage nurse. I am so frazzled now and I feel like a new grad all over again. How do you guys cope with the stress? Will this get better soon? It's only summer and winter will be here soon along with our long wait times.

Specializes in EMS, ED, Trauma, CEN, CPEN, TCRN.
How do you tell the difference between bad issue and ahh it can wait, in a person who comes in with chest pain, nausea, bad headache, fatigue and weakness?

I don't recall a STEMI pt who ever complained of a headache, but regardless, you use your experience, assessment, and clinical acumen. You can also typically get an EKG in triage in most places where I have worked if you suspect it's cardiac.

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Ahh, you saw my post before edit. I reread it and decided to change it. I felt like my point didn't come across as well as I wanted it to.

Yeah, my mom is a retired ER nurse and never said anything about headaches, come to think of it.

But me as a 23YO, my symptoms are probably not cardiac, but I'd have probably been sent back at once.

The 55 YO with the same, could have a more serious issue. But if kt was the same as mine, at least it was just that. A messed up bug going around. No need to pass blame I'd reckon

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Specializes in EMS, ED, Trauma, CEN, CPEN, TCRN.

I had a 22 year old patient with EKG changes and an elevated troponin. I never assume! :D

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Specializes in Emergency, Telemetry, Transplant.
I don't recall a STEMI pt who ever complained of a headache

To play devil's advocate....maybe the over did it with their SL Nitro thinking it was just their angina.

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Specializes in EMS, ED, Trauma, CEN, CPEN, TCRN.
To play devil's advocate....maybe the over did it with their SL Nitro thinking it was just their angina.

I had nitro when I developed postpartum CHF. That nitro headache is seriously awful! The worst headache ever. Good call. :)

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I had a 22 year old patient with EKG changes and an elevated troponin. I never assume! :D

Almost me. Me and SSRIs don't mix.

Albeit, it probably would be rare.

I believe, and I could be wrong but the only death associated with Marijuana was a guy my age.

Smoked too much, a lot of Tachycardia later his ST segment had a nice rise to it.

But... He was a smoker, sedentary, and obese with a family history.

Me? My resting heart rate is 44. I run, I exercise. And recently cut down smoking to damn near cessation.

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