This is why you should stay in school...

I am sure that I'm not the only one that comes into contact with individuals that are a few crayons short of a full box, and here is one instance that absolutely floored me.

In any for-profit hospital, space is money so most rooms are just large enough for the bed, small night stand, & a bed-side table. There is includes Pediatrics except there is a bed or crib, night stand, bed-side table, chair that folds out into a bed, and a rocking chair in every room.

I received a patient at 0245, and the patient was accompanied by mother & aunt. Here is how the conversation went:


Mother: I need another bed in here.
Me: I can't bring one in here, but the chair folds out into a bed & there is also the rocking chair.
Mother: Why not!
Me: Because it's a fire hazard.
Mother: What do you mean!
Me: If there was a fire, someone could be injured due to the clutter.
Mother: But it's only a hazard if there is a fire!
...
...
Me: That's why it is a preventative measure, in case there is a fire.


I am normally very accommodating in any way I can because no person expects to be admitted to the hospital, but when you come in demanding and yelling...um, no. Also, seeing as I work night shift, the more crap people put on the floor, the higher risk for me tripping as I'm doing my hourly checks & trying to be courteous by not turning all the lights on.

So, please make your kids stay in school! There were many many more conversations with this parent like the one mentioned above while they were here.