Experiencing “The Pitt” as a Penn emergency department nurse

Season two of the HBO Max medical drama, “The Pitt,” takes viewers into the emergency department at the fictional Pittsburgh Trauma Medical Center during a Fourth of July shift. To get a real-world perspective on how the show compares to the daily life of emergency department staff, Penn Presbyterian registered nurse Bobbie Poller, shares his insights. A seasoned nurse with 12 years of experience working at Penn Presbyterian Medical Center, including three years in the emergency department, Poller provides a behind-the-scenes look at the accuracy of “The Pitt.”

One aspect that “The Pitt” gets right according to Poller is the fast-paced nature of the emergency department. From treating a man with a skull fracture to managing a severely asthmatic teenager, the show accurately captures the rapid transition between different types of cases that healthcare providers experience. While the show may overstate the variety of cases seen in a single day, Poller emphasizes the continuous movement between life-threatening emergencies and everyday patient needs, like heating up food.

Another realistic portrayal in the show is the time clinicians spend on charting. Second-year resident Trinity Santos struggles with keeping up with charting as her patient load increases, mirroring the challenges faced by real medical professionals. Poller notes that doctors at Presby often have to chart while juggling multiple patient care responsibilities, sometimes staying after their shifts to complete documentation.

“The Pitt” also highlights the significant role of nurses in patient care. By showcasing the efforts of senior attending physician Michael “Robby” Robinavitch to advocate for more nursing staff and depicting the essential duties of charge nurse Dana Evans, the show gives nurses the recognition they deserve. Poller explains that charge nurses play a crucial role in managing patient assignments and supporting other nurses, likening them to a parent and a best friend.

Addressing language barriers in healthcare, “The Pitt” accurately portrays the challenges faced by medical staff when communicating with patients who speak different languages. By showing doctors setting up video calls with interpreters and using innovative tools like iPhone translation apps, the show reflects the real-world efforts to provide quality care to diverse patient populations.

One area that “The Pitt” overlooks is the valuable work done by patient care techs. Poller, who worked as a nurse technician before becoming a nurse, emphasizes the role of techs in supporting patient care and maintaining hospital operations. While the show focuses on doctors, nurses, and medical students, it fails to acknowledge the contributions of techs in the healthcare setting.

Additionally, “The Pitt” explores the challenges of separating personal life from work, as depicted by a doctor experiencing a panic attack due to personal issues during her shift. Poller shares his perspective on maintaining professionalism and focusing on patient care while dealing with personal emotions triggered by certain cases. Drawing from his experience in the Marine Corps Reserve, Poller highlights the importance of compartmentalizing emotions to deliver the best care to patients.

Overall, “The Pitt” offers a dramatic glimpse into the fast-paced and emotionally demanding world of emergency medicine. By combining entertainment with real-world healthcare scenarios, the show sheds light on the dedication and resilience of healthcare providers like Bobbie Poller as they navigate life-saving situations and everyday challenges in the emergency department.