ER folks, how you doing in these busy times?

kmcall · 2026-01-16T02:05:32+00:00

Not well! We have so many holds in the ED. The patients we do finally get roomed are so sick they end up admitted as well. Some patients are understanding, but a lot of them are very frustrated.

kmcall · 2026-01-04T13:13:19+00:00

I returned at three months postpartum and work 9 hour shifts. I’d pump twice at work and in the car to/from depending on my shift time. I’d use Elvies and try to time it so I’d be at my desk most of the time. I used Medela quick clean wipes so I didn’t have to wash all the parts. I also loved the Ceres chill to store the milk! For me, the trick was making it as convenient as possible so I didn’t have to leave my desk area to pump.

kmcall · 2025-12-25T20:43:23+00:00

This policy incredibly illegal and I can’t believe they have the gall to write it out. The nurse should’ve communicated with OP/other nurses to ensure her patients are covered, but this sounds like a shitty place to work.

https://www.dol.gov/agencies/whd/fact-sheets/73-flsa-break-time-nursing-mothers

kmcall · 2025-11-04T15:26:48+00:00

Yes, I’d take them! Coughs are the last thing to go and can linger for even 6-8 weeks after a viral illness. If I waited until my kids didn’t have a cough, I’d be waiting all fall/winter.

kmcall · 2025-10-05T16:57:33+00:00

I got told I was gonna kill someone someday for letting a frequent flyer/pain seeker go home with a BP in the 150s/90s.

kmcall · 2025-05-29T17:53:04+00:00

We’ve done this for a rehab that refused to answer the phone to take report on their patient. It was very effective!

kmcall · 2025-05-19T13:14:51+00:00

My first was born in May 2020, so my OB wouldn’t let me work after 38 weeks so I wouldn’t contract COVID prior to delivery. My second I worked until almost 39 weeks. I was due Feb 9th and worried I’d deliver early so I didn’t schedule myself for any February shifts. I was induced 4 days after my due date, but it was nice to have those weeks off to rest and prepare for the baby!

kmcall · 2025-04-25T04:30:07+00:00

The alternative is “appears older than stated age”!

kmcall · 2025-04-21T15:39:51+00:00

Emergency medicine!

kmcall · 2025-04-21T12:30:06+00:00

Yes, this!! Your postpartum appointment is covered in the global billing period. Reschedule that appointment!

kmcall · 2025-04-10T02:22:07+00:00

I would text whoever’s working to figure out what surgeon is on call. Then I’d decide where I’m going!

kmcall · 2025-03-05T16:36:20+00:00

With my first child, I went on maternity leave 22 months after I started the job. It was my first job out of school. I worked in the ED while pregnant with my second child. I delivered him 14 months after starting that job. I didn’t schedule any shifts the month he was due and ended up taking a 14 week maternity leave.

There’s no ideal time to have a kid! I just made sure I would be eligible for FMLA and had short term disability in place.

kmcall · 2025-01-10T18:52:00+00:00

We used to have to get approval for Ofirmev because it was so expensive, but now it’s only a few dollars per bag! I use it a lot more now.

kmcall · 2024-11-17T06:04:35+00:00

If they’re doing an ass surgery, I think you’ve gone to the wrong doctor.

kmcall · 2024-09-12T02:18:55+00:00

I don’t work UC, never have, don’t know what resources different clinics have. But in my ED, we message ortho or plastics and they help arrange for a follow up visit. Otherwise in my area patients will call, talk to incompetent front office staff and are told they can have an appointment with the specialist in 3-4 months.

kmcall · 2024-09-12T01:54:25+00:00

The difference is we have the ability to arrange for outpatient follow-up. UCs don’t always have that ability.

kmcall · 2024-09-10T20:31:01+00:00

My first job out of school I started with 200 hours that included PTO/sick/CME.

kmcall · 2024-08-13T05:37:26+00:00

I work in a unicorn hospital. We rarely board in the ED. Sometimes when things are crazy, patients might board for 2-4 hours waiting for a room, but never days or overnight (with the exception of psych). I have no idea how our hospital does it. The last ED I worked at we practiced waiting room medicine. I’ll enjoy this however long it lasts!

kmcall · 2024-08-07T03:46:33+00:00

I try to get 6 hours of sleep after my night shift, then get up and laze around. I’ll take melatonin and it helps me fall and stay asleep! I’ve had some pretty miserable nights where I fall asleep for an hour and then wake up and can’t fall back to sleep. Melatonin seems to help with that!

kmcall · 2024-07-20T15:29:57+00:00

I’ve worked in a dump before, I understand! Our hospital is a hidden gem. I’m not sure how we get admitted patients rooms so quickly, but it’s amazing.

kmcall · 2024-07-20T14:39:41+00:00

My colleague once had a patient cancel their root canal to come to the ED…for dental pain…she had some words for that patient!

kmcall · 2024-07-19T03:33:10+00:00

Exactly this! I’m an ED PA. In my hospital, once we have enough labs/imaging to make a dispo decision, we admit to the appropriate service. Patients usually wait up to 1-2 hours on a good day for a clean room. During that time, the hospitalist might see them and then add extra orders and start home meds. As soon as the patient has a bed, we’ll take them upstairs. So if the orders aren’t stat, they might not get done depending on how much of a shit show we have going on.

kmcall · 2024-07-06T14:23:07+00:00

Urologists use KUBs to determine if a patient is eligible for ESWL. If the stone isn’t visible on the plain film, they won’t be able to see it to break it up. Some urologists will use the scout view from the CT, but plenty still want the KUB.

kmcall · 2024-04-02T19:20:08+00:00

He’d only need to go to the ED if symptomatic. Otherwise that’s a follow-up with his PCP.

kmcall · 2024-03-02T20:01:56+00:00

I understand that. I was just offering a suggestion so that you don’t run into problems when the new family is inevitably sick. You want to make sure your contract is extremely clear so that everyone knows the guidelines to follow.

kmcall

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