RT
Ronnie Tidwell
Feb 27, 2026
I arrived at the Summerville ER as approx 10:30 am for pain related to a kidney stone. The receptionist was very nice, I was the only one in the waiting room so I quickly signed in.
I was called back by a nurse, she was texting on her phone as we walked back to the room, I don't recall her giving me her name but the negative attitude started from that immediate introduction and never improved. She took the appropriate info, other staff came in as well, obtained labs, put in IV, an a CT was ordered. The Imaging staff were very pleasant and that took only a few mins and I was retuned to the room. There was no other staff in or out for about 30 mins. and my pain was about 9/10 . I pressed the call light and about 10 mins later another nurse came in, I asked about any progress towards seeing a MD, or getting something for pain, she stated she didn't know how long it would be and walked out.
eventually meds and fluids arrived. and after about 15mins my pain had greatly subsided. Much appreciated. None of what I described would I complain about, I know how ERs can be, I've been a nurse for 28 years and have actually worked in that very ER when it was St. Joseph's/Trinity. What was disappointing, almost to the point of me being embarrassed, was the rude and basically, disrespectful manners and attitude of nearly everyone I encountered. ( minus the imaging and receptionist staff). My nurse, Clair - I don't have a last name - seemed almost purposefully rude and uncaring. I asked for lab results, she abruptly stated we don't print off labs for patients, you can get them off the portal... which is fine, but how you speak to someone makes a difference, and her attitude was made evident. She did not know what an H&H was, as I like to know that when I have a chance as its related to medications I take. there was another staff member at the nurses station as I left, Amy, I asked her a quick question regarding my discharge and her attitude and responses were no better. I voiced my disappointment to both at that time - I was respectful, did not yell, but stated my feelings regarding their lack of professionalism.
I was so extremely disappointed in these "fellow" nurses, that it was to the point of embarrassment in knowing that they represent my career field. I noticed that there were four of five other names on the patient board as I spoke to them, and when I checked in, I was the only person in the waiting room...This will be my last visit to any Piedmont ER.