ER misunderstanding extremely disappointing

I am a registered nurse who is actively involved in the care of a 93-year-old gentleman and his wife here in Cedar Rapids. Recently, after several days of pain medication for his back pain, I determined he should be evaluated in the emergency room. He has multiple health problems and is treated at the VA Medical Center in Iowa City. However, the pain was significant enough that he was unable to ambulate. I asked his son to take him to a local emergency room as the trip to Iowa City was not advisable. They use St. Luke's Hospital.

After he arrived, I received a call from the ER nurse, asking where I worked as a nurse that would cause me to advise a trip to the ER. She stated I could have called the VA for a different medication, or better yet, just taken him there. It would have been “cheaper” she said. I currently don't work in an ER but I have years of ER experience. Typically, uncontrolled pain is an appropriate use of the ER.

I was not aware that to be seen in the ER had certain criteria or that the determination needed to be made by a “qualified” medical person. Had his son simply brought him to the ER on his own volition, would that decision also have been questioned?

Most of the time I believe we are all fortunate to live in Cedar Rapids with qualified and caring professionals. However, I am extremely disappointed in this situation.

Debbie Hoopes

Cedar Rapids