How do you define emergency?

It's funny, have you ever thought what an emergency is to you? An "emergency" to a worried parent might be locating that missing child or to a squimish parent, a child's protruding broken bone. An "emergency" to a teenager might be finding the perfect dress or perfect pair of shoes for that once in a lifetime date that he or she will go on or it might be that he/she states, 'It's an emergency that I find my missing cell phone, how is anyone gonna call me if I don't find it? For an elderly man and his wife of 60 years, the "emergency" may be having their doctor on speed dial as their health is failing. For that patient in the hospital having just undergone an appendectomy, the "emergency" might having a nurse call their doctor to prescribe a different pain medication as the current medication isn't strong enough. For firefighters, the "emergency" is rescuing a family of four from a burning house. So as you can see, Emergency is different for everyone.

As I write about this, let me tell you how I define "emergency". A few days ago, while at my mammogram a "suspicious mass" was found for which I would need a needle biopsy to determine if the mass was malignant or not. Essentially, the difference between having breast cancer or not. Being a nurse, I know the different options I have. But that doesn't mean that to me, it's not an emergency that I am able to have the needle biopsy done as soon as possible. In my mind, I need this done "emergently" if nothing else for peace of mind or to mentally prepare for what lies ahead. (Don't worry I am having positive thoughts about the outcome.)

However, it seems as though the nurse of my OB/GYN doesn't share the same feelings I have about emergently getting in to have the needle biopsy done or else she would have returned my call today. I know she's busy but a call back would have been nice. So I will continue to make a pest of myself until I have my appointment for the needle biopsy. Which also makes me aware of just how much a patient advocate you have to be for yourself as you can quickly slide through the cracks of our wonderful healthcare system. So tomorrow, and the next day, and so on I will constantly call and get that appointment. I will let you know how it goes.

As you think about the term "emergency", just think about all the different meanings it has and how it effects all types of people.

Take time to enjoy your view!