In Episode 3 of Beyond the Bedside with Guardian Nurses, Guardian Nurses Founder and CEO Betty Long, MHA, RN, and nurse advocate Rebecca Rivkin-Czarkowski, MPH, BSN, RN, pull back the curtain on what patients and families can expect the next time they visit the emergency room.

With ER wait times at historic highs, ongoing staffing shortages, and fewer hospital systems nationwide, many people walk into the ER feeling anxious, confused, and unprepared. Betty and Rebecca use their decades of clinical experience to explain how triage really works, why wait times vary so dramatically, what happens behind the scenes, and how to navigate long stretches in the waiting room.

They offer practical, realistic guidance on what to bring, how to stay informed, when urgent care might be a better choice, and why communication gaps often make the experience more stressful than it needs to be. They also discuss the larger system issues causing ER bottlenecks, the impact of hospital closures, and how Guardian Nurses advocates step in when patients feel lost in the process.

If you’ve ever wondered what’s taking so long, who gets seen first, or how to make your next emergency visit less overwhelming, this episode gives you clear, honest insights straight from two nurses who have lived it — and still help patients through it every day.

Beyond the Bedside with Guardian Nurses empowers individuals and families with real-world knowledge, tools, and stories that help you navigate today’s complex healthcare system with confidence.