I would like to know how other ED's handle patient call backs for positive lab
tests, cultures, etc. Currently these are routed through our PCC's (Charge
Nurses) by the unit secretaries who pull them off the printers. The PCC's then
initiate the "Followup Call Back Form" and give it to one of the MD's. He then
reviews the record and identifys appropriate actions. He routes it back to the
PCC's who make every attempt to contact the patient. After three failed attempts
a certified letter is sent by the dept secretary. Needless to say this is
timeconsuming and I am trying to put the ownership back on the physicians. Does
anyone have any suggestions on how it might be handled better?

Do any of you pay a differential for ER nurses? I am not talking about shift
diff...I am talking about an extra incentive for ER nurses. If so how much? I am
seeking an ER diff for my staff.

Does anyone have the perfect "triage" system? We are currently experiencing
longer waits and increases in LWBS. We added a new computer system which allows
us to track all of our markers (arrival to triage, triage to room, arrival to
MD, etc) and it sometimes takes us an hour from arrival to triage. I have a lead
triage nurse managing the ER flow, answering the radio, assigning rooms, etc. I
have two nurses triaging and a tech assisting with VS/transport to rooms. While
our ER was built in 1998 we are needing to revamp. I would like some input from
others and even consider doing a site visit if permitted. We see an average of
207 patients/day.

Thanks for taking the time out of your busy schedules to answer my questions.

Sherry S. Walter, RN, MSN
Clinical Director Emergency Care Center
Phone 783-1648
Pager 789-6836
Fax 783-2384
slwalter@...