1 STAR - A PATTERN OF INTIMIDATION, DISMISSAL, AND FAILURE OF BASIC CARE
I waited a long time before writing this review because I wanted to be fair and accurate. Unfortunately, after multiple emergency room visits, I feel an obligation to document what I experienced so other patients -- and leadership -- understand what is happening here.
This was not one bad interaction or an overwhelmed shift. It was a pattern of deeply inconsistent care, ranging from truly exceptional compassion to behavior that was dismissive, intimidating, and completely inappropriate in a healthcare setting.
THE STAFF WHO DID IT RIGHT
It is important to acknowledge the individuals who genuinely embodied what emergency care should be:
* Katie, RN -- Calm, compassionate, grounding, and professional during a severe panic attack.
* Stephanie, BSN & Douglas, LVN -- Absolute angels. Consistently kind, attentive, patient, and humane across visits.
* Matthew, PA-C -- Took the time to listen without judgment and treated me with respect.
* Initial Security Team -- Treated me with dignity and kindness, helped me safely off the floor during a panic attack.
* Alexandra Rogers, Phlebotomist -- The best blood draw experience I've ever had. Gentle, skilled, and compassionate.
* Amber C., Patient Access Specialist -- Warm, welcoming, and grounding.
* Third ER Visit Physician (MD) -- Truly exceptional bedside manner, professionalism, and advocacy. I am genuinely honored to have received her care.
These individuals are the only reason this review is not zero stars.
THE DISTURBING PART
During my first ER visit, I witnessed a young boy experiencing crushing chest pain that went unaddressed for an alarming amount of time. His mother explained he had fallen while playing sports and the pain had worsened to the point they came to the ER. Watching a child in obvious distress without timely escalation was deeply upsetting.
When I attempted to document events using voice-to-text, the response from staff escalated instead of de-escalated.
* Anna, RN spoke to me rudely, told me to "sit down," and warned me not to record.
* The interaction became confrontational rather than therapeutic.
SECURITY USED AS INTIMIDATION
Instead of calming the situation, Evan L., Security, was called.
He told me I needed to "be respectful" or I would be forcibly signed out AMA without receiving care. His tone and presence felt punitive and coercive. Being threatened with loss of medical care while already in a medical crisis was frightening and inappropriate.
Hospital security should exist to protect patients -- not intimidate them or threaten removal of care.
A MOMENT THAT SHOULD NEVER HAVE BEEN NECESSARY
Later, as I was returning from my own EKG -- which was significantly worsened due to the stress of the earlier nurse and security interaction -- I saw that the boy with crushing chest pain was finally called for an X-ray.
His mother and I shared a brief moment of relief that his pain was finally being taken seriously. It should not have taken that long.
DENIAL OF BASIC HUMAN NEEDS
During a severe panic attack, I repeatedly asked multiple staff members for water.
No one brought me any.
I only received water because a friend brought it from outside the hospital. Denying water to a patient in acute distress is unacceptable.
ADDITIONAL UNPROFESSIONAL CONDUCT
* Clarissa, ED Tech treated me disrespectfully and refused to tell me my weight after I requested it.
* Alyssa, LVN rushed my discharge, provided no education, and failed to ensure prescriptions were sent. The pharmacy later confirmed they received nothing, including essential asthma medication.
* Andy, PA-C appeared distracted, failed to provide water, refused to identify himself during a follow-up call, and hung up without resolving a medication issue.
These failures delayed care and caused unnecessary stress.
FINAL THOUGHTS
This emergency department has outstanding individuals, but also serious systemic and cultural problems that cannot be ignored.
No patient should ever:
* Be intimidated by staff or security
* Be threatened with removal of care
* Be denied water during a panic attack
* Be rushed out without education
* Leave without essential medications
I sincerely hope leadership and patient safety teams take this review seriously. Patients deserve safety, dignity, and compassion, especially in moments of crisis.
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