Today I only had to work 6 hours, because I filled in for a call in. However, in those few hours I felt as if I had taken care of half of the town! I had multiple admits, and with the lack of resources, can make for an exhausting shift. I really wonder if some facilities realize that ancillary support of lab personnel for venipuntures or transporters to move the patient's could actually increase patient satisfaction. I certainly know it would increase mine! I understand that companies have to make money, but to work with the least amount of staff possible is a HUGE liability. Luckily, all of our rooms have monitoring equipment, and I pray that the monitor technician is noticing any deviations in vital signs. My biggest fear is that I will be tied up, triaging chest pain patient's (our facility thinks should all be brought straight back to a bed), and one of my patient's will code. I don't mind running a code, but to think that staffing negligence led to the event is unimaginable. I know with the economy that all ER's are dealing with the same overcrowding issues and drug seekers, and honestly how do we keep it together?? I take it day by day, and pray for positive outcomes.