What to Ask a Triage Nurse

Some questions that you may want to ask your triage nurse…

Can I eat or drink anything?

Sometimes you should not eat or drink anything while you are waiting to see a doctor because you may need to have a test or an operation which requires your stomach to be empty.

Can I get some pain relief?

Tell the triage nurse if you are in pain while waiting or if you feel your condition is getting worse. Be aware that some types of analgesia (pain relief) cannot be administered to patients unless they are actually in the hospital. This is because they have potentially dangerous side effects and you need to be monitored, not because the triage nurse wants to see you in pain.

 Medications

Let the triage nurse know what medications you are on and when you need to take them.

 Can I contact anyone?

Ask the triage nurse if you should contact family, relatives or friends to let them know you are in Emergency.

Interpreters

The staff can arrange an interpreter for you, if necessary.

Can I smoke?

All NSW Public Hospitals are smoke-free environments – if you really need to smoke, please walk to the end of the hospital grounds.