Times change: when I was an intern in the ER at Los Angeles County-University of Southern California Hospital in 1974-75, "5 minutes or 5 problems — whichever comes first," was our guideline.
I only work ED these days and only a few shifts a month, but I love the interview. And I also hate the interview.
When I have worked 60 hrs a week it’s easy to develop compassion fatigue: it’s just so hard listening to story after story and allowing someone to just tell their story.
I want you to tell me in your own words, and I want to know what the root cause was that lead you to the department, and how long that bit went on for, but if I don’t cut you off and prompt you for some really weird specific details that aren’t necessarily going to roll out of your mouth. You’re the 70th patient this month and I’m currently juggling 4 stories around in me head at once - I can’t get too involved with you.
So - there my experience anyway