What was the MOST ridiculous thing a patient came to the ER for?

And did you have to treat them?

I am just curious. Your stories always seem to either crack me up or shake my head in amazement.

Thanks for sharing ?

Specializes in ER, Addictions, Geriatrics.

This is what I hate the most and what renders this implementation absolutely ludicrous. We still triage based on level of acuity. So yes, that chest pain and that patient with SI will come first, but if there are no "priority complaints" that patient with the ED appointment (sigh) gets back first. But what I hate is that when they present to triage and don't get brought straight back they are outraged. "All these people are going in front of me and I have an appointment!" Ma'am we just got two traumas and some of these patients complaints are life threatening. "I am a trauma!" Ma'am you have toe pain. I'm not saying you're not in pain but your symptoms don't appear to be life threatening. We'll get you back as soon as possible. Then I wait for the usual "F this hospital", "I'm never coming back" (and see them tomorrow), and an infinite amount of other smug responses. Ahh... The joys of working in the area that I do.

On a somewhat related note, the patients know how to work the system. I look down and see "Chest pain" then look over at the DOB and read "1987". Then I look to the lobby and see the patient that had the time to stop by McDonald's on the way to the ED for their emergency. Problem is, we are told we must take action based on their complaint so off to the EKG room they go, skipping Mr. 79 year old GI bleed and everyone else that truly needs to be seen. It really is so frustrating. As I've stated in other posts, I'm trying so hard to just "play the game" and do what I'm supposed to do but it's hard not to be judgmental. Most of us chose this career (I'm not a nurse yet but I've worked ER for five years) because we have a passion for medicine and love saving lives. We love seeing that patient and family that is so grateful and happy upon discharge. We love feeling like we made a difference and put a smile on someone's face. What's so sad is that it's become so uncommon these days. The sense of entitlement and lack of responsibility acceptance (from a financial and abuse of the system perspective) is at an all-time high and is only getting higher.

On a truly unrelated note, I feel that working in the hospital I do (great hospital, not so great clientele), I've become somewhat cynical. It's like you go to work with the feeling that no one is sick (obviously there are some) and that everyone is drug seeking and playing the system. I'm using these terms loosely and I know it's not all like that but it sure feels that way at times. Any experienced nurses/long-term medical professionals want to share any advice? I do experience the "that one patient is worth it all" feeling from time to time. But I have people telling me that I shouldn't go into nursing if I have these thoughts. But as I mentioned earlier, this is my passion. And having said all of the above, I have and always will treat all patients the same. But I would like some advice to aide my somewhat cynical view of patients abuse of the healthcare system.

I've only been in the ED for just over a year now and I'm cynical sometimes too! It's hard not to be! As long as you can still treat people the same and hang on to all of those moments that make it worthwhile I think you'll be fine! We all have our days where it feels like banging your head against a brick wall would be more satisfying than treating some of the people that we see. But then when you have those patients that you know you had a hand in saving their lives, or even just made their day a little better, it makes it worth it.

"Lizard in orifice"

Then someone got fired for posting a screenshot to Facebook.

Gerbils and hamsters have also been found in people's butts.

Are we talking a gecko or an iguana?

LOL. Would an iguana even fit up there?

Specializes in ER, Addictions, Geriatrics.

LOL. Would an iguana even fit up there?

I would imagine that to be a very scratchy feeling. Lol

LOL. Would an iguana even fit up there?

They're pretty small when they're younger, and those suckers are fast. And no, I don't know this from chasing a leashed (yes, leashed) iguana around a yard.

Specializes in CCRN, ICU, ER, MS, WCC, PICC RN.

I think I must work with you. I am sure I have treated all these people.

Specializes in CCRN, ICU, ER, MS, WCC, PICC RN.

Drum roll please....

911 call for "My dog is staring at me." And they brought him in.

Specializes in ED Clinical and Documentation.
Drum roll please.... 911 call for "My dog is staring at me." And they brought him in.

Yes we have had ppl come in for what sounds like a mental problem and we baker act them if needed

Specializes in ER.

Waah, Broncos lost!

Waah Broncos lost![/quote']shush, celebrate gracefully.

I now have chest pain and depression, however, I only feel the need to go to the ER for the entertainment value.

Specializes in EMS, ED, Trauma, CEN, CPEN, TCRN.
Drum roll please....

911 call for "My dog is staring at me." And they brought him in.

The patient or the dog? Hahahahaha! :D

Drunk patient came in to have his foley removed that was placed by Urology clinic. He wanted it removed because he is going to Alabama but will have his uncle place another one when he got there.

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