A while back I had a kidney infection. I went to primary care and they sent me to the ER and said they were going to “call ahead”. I thought that meant it was kind of a big deal and that by the doc calling they’d see me faster. Obviously, not the case. I got to the ER and it was standing room only. By the time I was finally seen, they placed an IV, hooked me up to antibiotics and sent me back to the waiting room with the 10 other people sitting there with fluids running.

Now, I’m not the type to make a scene or insist I go before Mr MI so it wasn’t a big production. But, it would have been nice if the PCD had said “I’m going to call ahead, which will make no difference in how fast you’re seen or what treatment you receive and is really just a big waste of time for me and whoever answers the phone in the ER”. At least I’d have been prepared for the wait LOL.

My favorite person is the semi-psych patient who walks up to the triage nurse and after not being helped immediately throws them self down on the floor. I always say good acting skills, now go wait in the chair, the floor is dirty. Somebody urinated where you are lying and they haven’t finished cleaning it yet.

I always appreciate the person who says that they are leaving if we cannot get them a room immediately. Look around Jerk, the rooms are all full of sick patients that were here before you. Take a seat and if you leave take some other people in the waiting room with you, we are busy. You never coming back will not affect my job in the least.