I thought the ER nurses I encountered were very knowledgeable and caring, but I also noticed they were very busy and rushed and seemed to be constantly multitasking.
what mattered to me the most is that they knew what they were doing and were efficient

I did not go having the expectation of "warm fuzzies." Background: In a 3-month period of time (Nov 2006-Jan 2007), the doctors and nurses at this fine ER saved my life several times, even performing CPR, and connecting me to a vent (Addisonian crises, due to unrecognized, unresolved, pretty *minor* infections. I have CRPS Type 2 in all extremities and my face -- the infections were very hard to spot, as feeling rotten and hurting is par for the course.). You might say they had already earned my unwavering respect, and *undying* (sorry) gratitude! So this last visit, when I went in with a broken arm? I expected exactly what I received -- competent care, and information as to what to do next. They're professionals, not hand-holders.

Now, had I not already known how good they were, and were I scared and overcome with pain -- I might have wanted a bit more of a sense of "caring." Probably a kind word would suffice...

Thanks for your comments and feedback john and Guest. It's interesting that so far 100% of the votes are for knowledgeable but not caring. Hoping for more votes and comments on this!

I have just discovered the ER Nursing blogs, and for the most part, I am appalled. I understand the underworld that you deal with, but some items I have seen complained about, I have gone into the ER with no ill intentions.

Most recently, I had a "migraine" that had been going on for 5 days with a side of severe neck pain. Went the route of my primary care doctor, who sent me to the ER. I was amazed how rudely I was treated while there, until I started browsing these blogs. Apparently, I am a drug shopper that has no reason to be there unless I was close to death. (I have a well stocked medicine cabinet with full bottles of Dilaudid, Fentynal, and Vicodin due to a previous surgery) I just chose not to be a walking zombie.

I also read stories of nurses purposely missing veins for IVs. I had that happen to me, and I have great veins. I am also starting to wonder about the spinal tap that I was stuck 15 times with a needle before extracting any fluid. As paranoid as you are with the "public", I have now formed a paranoia for the ER Nurses.

Had I not read most of the blogs available today, I would have voted "caring", however, they were caring to my face, but hard telling what nickname I had at the nurses station. As a person with a lot of pride, that is very hurtful and disappointing.