Smiles

Triage is one of the most challenging of jobs in an ED. I remember being told by a senior nurse years ago, “Always remember, this is the absolute worst day of each patient’s life. Be confident and take charge quietly.”

I’ve never forgotten those words and try to continue to provide a smile and quiet confidence with each newcomer.  Kids are a challenge that I love! They are truthful and easily distracted. You can almost always use a bit of humour to help calm their situation somewhat.

A little 9 month old squirming boy was sitting in his Mom’s lap at triage the other day. Mom was clearly agitated, on the verge of tears, obviously in need of a few hours sleep and was trying to convey her son’s presenting complaint to the triage nurse.

I happened to be standing at the far side of the desk area, caught baby’s eye and made a funny face. Despite his fever, (red flushed face and glassy eyes) he started to grin….slowly….then after a few more silly faces and noises from me, broke into the absolute best full on, joyful, gummy ,drooling smile only a baby can give!

Baby was focused on the “amateur entertainment” on the other side of the room and triage was a little easier for everyone. I was secretly hoping Mom didn’t see the 55 yr old nurse distorting her face, tongue hanging out, blowing ‘raspberries’ at her baby from across the desk area.

Smiles. They don’t cost anything, yet, they can take the worst day of someone’s life a little better if only for a moment.

Baby was discharged later with a belly full of Tylenol, a relieved Mom and thankfully/hopefully no recollection of the senior “raspberry-blowing” nurse.