1 /5 Monica Gamble: One month ago, I visited the UCI Emergency Room after being involved in a car accident, and I am just getting to a place where I am comfortable enough to share the deeply disappointing and unprofessional care I received.
When I arrived, the 7am-7pm shift was still on duty, but when they left for the day it was clear that the staff’s priorities were misplaced. My assigned nurse, Oscar, failed to introduce himself and never once checked on me during my time in the ER. Despite begging for pain relief for over an hour, I was ignored until Dr. Lily intervened—though even after her help, I waited nearly another hour for medication.
To make matters worse, I was left cold and naked under blankets in a hallway until Dr. Lily kindly helped me into a gown. The charge nurse, Kate, was the only one who displayed a shred of compassion, bringing me water and socks while giving me a lousy apology that it was a busy night. She stated that they all help each other, and I let her know that wasn’t evident to me. After this interaction she checked in on me one more time in 10 hours.
None of the nurses passing by would even give me a reassuring smile.
Meanwhile, I observed Nurse Oscar assisting the same patients repeatedly and engaging in horseplay with female nurses, rather than addressing the needs of all patients equitably. When Nurse Cherry eventually took over my care, her bedside manner was cold, adding to my frustration and discomfort. I accepted it because at least she was consistent.
As a nurse myself, I understand the challenges of this profession, especially on busy nights. However, everyone who enters this field knows the importance of providing equitable care to all patients. The lack of professionalism and empathy I experienced was unacceptable and disheartening. I sincerely hope the staff at UCI ER reevaluates their approach to patient care to ensure that no one else endures the treatment I did.
