What to do: ED physician brought dog to work

[skinzvictory]

I am a student completing my clinical hours in the ED. There is a "box" that the MD sit in to chart" This is pretty open for all to see.I noticed that the physician brought a dog crate in and kept the dog a small terrier with him all day.. The dog was very good and never once barked, and everyone was picking her up.. It was pet therapy for staff, but my concern is for any patient who may be allergic to dogs and violation of the infection control policy. What would you do?

[sissiesmama, ASN, RN]

This is why we can't have nice things. I'd be very happy having a dog nearby. I find them comforting and often find kids are more dirty and less well behaved than dogs are, yet we accept them everywhere..x.x

No doubt - my dh has 2 boys we raised full time but I have no kids of my own. My "kids" have 4 legs-

Anne, RNC

[imenid37]

Probably it is some violation. In reality, there were probably 100 other more serious things happening in the ED that day. I guess, if you are in some admin role, you can write the doc up. Maybe you should have the courage to voice your concerns to the physician first. Of course, then this person wold know who reported this issue. That may require courage and honesty on your part. Really, if you felt so inclined, I don't know why you didn't say something at the time it happened. Truthfully, I love my dogs and think it would be great to bring them to work.

[MrChicagoRN, RN]

I shold also add that I am a Director in the inpatient secto rof the same hosptial and am doing Doctoral school hours in the ED.. so that may impact the discussion

so, if you're a director wouldn't you be on a first name basis with the ED director? Out of curiosity, I'd casually ask, somewhere down the road, "hey Anne, what's the deal with dr Demento and his dog down in the ER?"

maybe it was a onetime occurance for some pretty legit reason. Maybe it's been cleared. I wouldn't lose any sleep over it.

[loriangel14, RN]

My floor welcomes all kinds of pets. We have dogs ona regular basis and we have had a few cats and once a miniature horse and recently a bird.

I say leave the matter alone.

[Alnitak7]

My first concern in these cases is always about the comfort of the animal and if they have what they need.

I also think that these pets are not always as cute to other people as they are to the owner.

[OCNRN63, RN]

My first concern in these cases is always about the comfort of the animal and if they have what they need.

I also think that these pets are not always as cute to other people as they are to the owner.

​Same goes for children.

[abbnurse]

​Same goes for children.

Thank you, I have said (well, actually, THOUGHT, not said) this for years! Always about children; never about pets !

[sissiesmama, ASN, RN]

Thank you, I have said (well, actually, THOUGHT, not said) this for years! Always about children; never about pets !

NO doubt!!!

Anne, RNC

[imintrouble, BSN, RN]

When I consider how we turn ourselves inside out to make the patient happy, I'm thrilled that at least one staff member gets to break the rules.

I'd pet that dog, and give the MD an attaboy.

[BrnEyedGirl, BSN, MSN, RN, APRN]

I have to agree with the others,...pets in the ER would always be a plus!!!

[Been there,done that, ASN, RN]

The OP has received 50+ responses, however no response to our input.

Someone did not hear what they wanted to hear.

[smartnurse1982]

It will not go well in the hospitals around here.

I am in the minority for my opionion also,but i was raised in a culture where dogs are considered "offensive and filthy".

I am still like that to this day.

i guess if it always caged,fine.

But i just do not like dogs around me,i cannot stand the smell and pet dander,sorry.

But i know how Americans love their dogs and you cannot tell them anything.