I have been an ER and an Inmate patient consecut...

I have been an ER and an Inmate patient consecutively this year at WakeMed Hospital for what is on the way to becoming a study for Mystery Diagnosis . It is bad enough to be in pain, not too know why is very frustrating. I was not going to comment openly because as my former legal colleagues would say, I should recuse myself due to conflict of interest. But after having read all comments I will add my two-cents anyway.
I am a retired scientist but my first profession was in nursing. I can relate to most of your complaints or recommendations because I experienced both alternatively.

Speaking as a patient, one thing that we forget in a crisis situation is that nurses and medical staff are all human beings with the same qualities and faults as we have. Sure, they have years of training that should help them to cope, and it does, trust me; but that is not a visa to sainthood.

Speaking as a former caregiver, there are times when the world seemed to go into a reverse spin where everything happens in a chain reaction and it is difficult to know where to turn. That is what working in the ER is like almost every day.

That is not meant to be an excuse; it is nevertheless a fact and a true explanation for apparent failures to perform. Even on the patient s floors, people s needs vary greatly and pain and/or fear induce extreme reactions. There is not much calm there either.

Last but not least, a hospital is not a hotel and yes, bedding and meals often take 2nd Nth place in priorities. It may be aggravating but it is a fact of life because when some patients are unable to pay for their treatment, something has to give. Be thankful that it is the food or the furniture that is selected. That is not a negative remark; it is again a fact of life.

Now, if I were to comment on my own experiences in WakeMed, I would have to write one of each category. I opted not to do that because the negative one was honestly my fault in part. The staff over reacted to a comment I made but I over reacted to their reaction. Do you see where that could lead in endless circular arguments. Life is too short for that.
Lastly, If you feel that you were poorly treated, a personal letter of grievance to the administrative office may open the door to improvements for yourself and others.