When I left nursing 4 1/2 years ago, it took me months to calm down. I lived my life sitting on the edge of my seat waiting for something bad to happen. I know my job kept me anxious.
I became an expert at shoving all the anxiety and other feelings down. I was cool as a cucumber at work. Nothing rattled me. People used to say , "Do you ever get excited about anything?" If no one is dying, there is nothing to get excited about. It could all be handled. After about 5-10 years, nothing phases you. Your arm would have to be hanging by a thread to get me excited. Then I'd tell whoever was with you to take this bandage and put pressure on the wound. Meanwhile, have a seat in the lobby. Bada bing.
Under all that calmness and cynical humor, there was still a human being.
Probably the worst place to be in any ER is the triage area. The area where you present your sad tale of woe. Then I sit in judgement of your worthiness to do the following:
1) Be rushed back because you are in TROUBLE.
2) Need to be triaged sooner rather than later.
3) I can get you started with an xray, blood draw, EKG, etc.
4) Whether this is a clinic visit and you may be out in the lobby on your next birthday.
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