OP, I understand.

I work in a hospital, typically it’s a pretty good job. I’m used to a certain quotient of patients treating me as expendable. But I enjoy my coworkers and the administration typically treats us well.

I’m not here to rant about pay or time off. But to ask for basic consideration from the general public. I understand people need medical attention, and I’m grateful to have a job. What I can’t stand is patients who utilize the ER as a routine care clinic for mundane issues.

Every shift I see patients who are doing the responsible thing. They've obviously tried OTCs for a couple weeks, have lists for the Provider and it’s only one person in such a potentially infectious environment.

Then there are the rest.

They seem oblivious to our current public health emergency, or they don’t care. Their trip is justified as something they “need” to do. They say casually they just had to get out of the house and get a prescription filled before their kid's birthday party, just to be safe. Every time I want to scream until they understand how selfish, thoughtless, and unacceptable their behavior is. How by coming in for that nonessential complaint they are putting countless others at risk.

I’m asking, please be one of the good ones. Don’t go to the hospital until you really, truly need to do so. I can only imagine how frustrating it is to be stuck home. We keep going to work because we understand we are needed (and in many cases have no other choice). And we’re grateful to get a paycheck and support our families.

That doesn’t change that we’re scared daily that you and your "scratchy throat" are going to make us sick. So please, if you or a loved one absolutely must be treated today, have a list, only send one person and practice social distancing to keep everyone safe.