If I could leave no stars I would. Please take time to read especially if you're considering taking…read moresmall children here.
I recently visited My ER with my 3-year-old son while out of town visiting family after he sustained a fracture to his arm while playing. Unfortunately, this was the worst healthcare experience I've ever encountered.
To provide context, I've been in healthcare for 11 years, with 8 years as a NICU and pediatric nurse, and I now hold a Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) degree. I understand the challenges of healthcare, especially in pediatrics, but the care we received fell far below acceptable standards.
The visit started on a positive note. The medical assistant was kind, compassionate, and understanding, clearly experienced with children as he shared that he had three boys of his own. The x-ray technician was also kind and professional. However, the FNP who attended to my son did not perform an adequate assessment. She asked me to move my son's arm for her rather than conducting the exam herself. As a fellow FNP, I found this surprising--assessments are fundamental to providing care.
The most traumatic part of the visit came when a nurse from the ER side arrived to apply a splint. She entered the room without introducing herself or explaining the procedure to me or my son. Instead of taking a moment to calm my scared and hurting child, she abruptly grabbed his arm. Naturally, my 3-year-old started screaming and resisting. As a former pediatric nurse, I know how important it is to communicate with children, explain what's happening, and even let them explore the materials to ease their fears.
When my son resisted, she started yelling at him to stop moving and hold still. I intervened, reminding her that he was only 3 years old, hurt, and frightened. She then turned her yelling toward me, rudely telling me that he was "old enough to listen" multiple times. It was a deeply upsetting and traumatic situation for my son and me, and it escalated unnecessarily due to her behavior.
To make matters worse, as we left the clinic, visibly shaken, the front desk staff showed no empathy or apology. Instead, when I confronted them about rolling their eyes and shaking their heads, they rudely responded, "How do you know what I'm shaking my head about?" This lack of professionalism and basic courtesy was appalling.
It's clear this facility needs significant pediatric training if they intend to care for children. Medical staff must learn to communicate with both parents and children in a compassionate and professional manner.
As of 12/3/2024, I strongly advise against bringing pediatric patients to My ER. If you are burned out in healthcare--whether as a nurse, receptionist, or office manager--it's time to find another path. Families seeking care deserve much better than what we experienced.
