Why is Friday idiots' day out?

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Specializes in Geriatrics/Oncology/Psych/College Health.

Ack. Just frustrated.

Dear patient:

If you're out of meds on a Friday (and how could you NOT notice earlier in the week?) why, oh why, do you wait until 4:25 to call me and request refills?

Is there a reason I got 7 calls from you in the span of 2 hours asking why the doctor has not called you back yet? (I was about ready to tell you that each subsequent call results in you being moved to the back of the line until you stop calling or die of old age, whichever comes first.)

Is there a reason you think I can diagnose and prescribe medications for you over the phone at 4:15 for a problem you have not be evaluated for that you've been experiencing all week that is suddenly an emergency because it's Friday?

Is there some trouble comprehending the fact that the problem you've had for 2 years that requires a specialist referral is NOT going to be resolved this weekend?

When you show up unannounced for your test results is there a reason you seem shocked that you have to *wait* for me to pull your chart and tend to the 10 other folks who "just happened to be in the neighborhood" first?

*sigh*

(BTW - I am not a believer in enabling those who refuse to treat me respectfully by giving me adequate notice of their needs. As always, sjoe's sig line rules.)

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Specializes in 5 yrs OR, ASU Pre-Op 2 yr. ER.

Re: Why is Friday idiots' day out?

Because Thursday's were already taken by the Everyone-Drive-Like-You-Lack-Any-Sense club.

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Specializes in ICU.

Bad day the office Huh?:D

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Specializes in Oncology/Haemetology/HIV.

Because they reserve 6:00 PM to show up at the ER demanding immediate treatment for the problem that they have had for the last 10 days , and that you would not diagnose over the phone.

Because they had a chemo appt at 0800 AM, but decided to wait and come in at 10:45 at night -why would that be a problem (like no pharmacist to mix chemo maybe)?

Because they had orders for a direct admit, a stat VQ scan and CPKs for SEVERE CHEST PAIN, and they decide that they have to stop at their house before coming in, so that they can pick up their cigerettes, drink a few beers and have two kraut dogs. You, know, keep your priorities straight.

I can empathize, sweetie....

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What other day is there??????? :) Hang in there.........

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Honestly I can relate to everything that you said. One day I am going to tell the patient that calls me repeatedly that every time they call their chart moves to the bottom.

I have to focus on the patients that come in and tell me thank you, make me homemade eggrolls, send me flowers. They are few and far between sometimes but they keep me going.

Hope that you have a great weekend.

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Specializes in Case Management, Home Health, UM.
Originally posted by caroladybelle

Because they had orders for a direct admit, a stat VQ scan and CPKs for SEVERE CHEST PAIN, and they decide that they have to stop at their house before coming in, so that they can pick up their cigerettes, drink a few beers and have two kraut dogs. You, know, keep your priorities straight.

I can empathize, sweetie....

:rotfl:

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Specializes in Geriatrics/Oncology/Psych/College Health.

It's amazing what a couple of margaritas will do for your perspective lol. This morning I am off to the hospital where I will no doubt once again be reminded why office nursing is pretty cool. Thanks for humoring me in the vent :).

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LOL!!! Glad to see everyone has them!!! Thought our office was just "SPECIAL"!! LOL

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Specializes in Everything but psych!.

Try telephone triage! The calls we get in the middle of the night, or on a weekend are hilarious! Sometimes its a problem that's been there for weeks and all of a sudden on a Saturday night at 10 p.m. it's a problem! I just had a call from a gal with a stiff neck that's been there for 3 weeks. She didn't call earlier because she doesn't have insurance. Is it worse? No. Has it changed? No. What prompted you to call tonight. "I'm a little worried because it's been going on for so long." Go figure...............

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Specializes in Geriatrics/Oncology/Psych/College Health.

I had a guy call in who couldn't make it to the office before we closed and didn't understand why we wouldn't just prescribe him antibiotics over the phone. (Exact quote: "But you don't understand - I'm *VERY* busy. I'm not like other people you see." Evil me wishful internal response: "Well, why didn't you SAY so - I'll get right on that! Hey you, doctor, get away from that other patient - I've got a very busy person on the line!") He wanted to know where he should go in town (regular doc, not ED or acute care place) and was completely flabbergasted that he wouldn't be able to walk into a random doctor's office elsewhere (without being established) and get antibiotics right then.

I tell you - the psych experience comes in handy beyond belief.

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How about the one that calls our office in the afternoon, with c/o severe stiff neck and HA's for a week, "concerned about meningitis" - offer to sqeeze them in at the end of the day, and appt was declined due to "a hair appt at 5" ??? Priorities, people!

just my 2 cents.

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