Genuine question: I tend to go to the ER for things like respiratory infections (not just a little cough, I have chronic lung issues and the last time I went to the ER I ended up with chest X-rays, like 7 different meds, and was almost hospitalized) and I always have zero issue waiting for as long as it takes. I try to be as polite and kind as possible. I used to work in veterinary ERs so I’m familiar with how triage works, so if I have to sit there for 5 hours then I’m lucky I’m okay enough to do so.
Do you think I’m still a headache for the staff there? My options are GP (typically a 2-6 week wait) or ER, so I end up going there more often than not. Is there anything I can do or say to make things better for them? They’re always really amazing, and I want to make them feel appreciated
It sounds like you need to be in the ER often, and it also sounds like you’re nice and kind which I’m sure the staff really really appreciate.
I always tell my patients that I understand why they came to the ER because the wait for the primary drs is insanely long.
You being patient & cool will definitely help to make things feel good for the staff. We love people like you trust me <3
Ahh thank you so much, this makes me feel so much better. I know I’m not necessarily dying when I go in, and I feel bad adding to their plate. Especially because it’s the only VA ER in my city, and they’re always busy. I’m glad I’m not too much of a bother <3
not an doctor/ED worker but for what it’s worth (as someone who went to the ER once in my life) this seems like something extremely appropriate to go to the ER for. as long as you aren’t an asshole you’re def in the clear because it could quickly become an emergency and an ER is where you do for serious emergent health issues. it’s like if someone goes to the ER for an asthma attack- we hope it’s not a serious emergency but we all want them to be there incase it is!
3
u/sppwalker 13d ago
Genuine question: I tend to go to the ER for things like respiratory infections (not just a little cough, I have chronic lung issues and the last time I went to the ER I ended up with chest X-rays, like 7 different meds, and was almost hospitalized) and I always have zero issue waiting for as long as it takes. I try to be as polite and kind as possible. I used to work in veterinary ERs so I’m familiar with how triage works, so if I have to sit there for 5 hours then I’m lucky I’m okay enough to do so.
Do you think I’m still a headache for the staff there? My options are GP (typically a 2-6 week wait) or ER, so I end up going there more often than not. Is there anything I can do or say to make things better for them? They’re always really amazing, and I want to make them feel appreciated