I can't disagree with the frustrations and the un-professionalism of the nurse concerned. However, I'm trying to get promoted to a pen pushing job, so I'm practising my rational & diplomatic reasoning here; Firstly, the copper had lawful authority on the matter and could have just let the nurse rant and then said; "Interesting point, now where would you like your patient?" Once the s136 is in place, there's a lawful duty of the MH services to provide. Having said that, not sure what grade this nurse was (obviously nothing much above janitor), the referral/admission process should go a lot easier than that. In my neck of the woods we have similar detentions available where even Ambulance drivers can lawfully remove a person for assessment and their care is transferred on delivery to A&E where there is a daytime (8am - 9pm) experienced (charge nurse level) MH nurse to assess, or an on-call psych registrar 24/7. Police & ambulance frequently dump and run - based on experiences similar to how you describe. Who can blame them? Their job is done. (Tho need to get a little more communication going and not expecting A&E staff to deal with violent patients). In regards the reluctance to admit; there's probably a whole heap of political drama preceding this event - and the nurse's frustrations at this person requiring re-admission again are probably nothing more than a venting of those; just as you are frustrated at having to do what you do, just to be thwarted by everyone who should assist and support, so probably was s/he. Her manner, as you describe, is unacceptable tho. As an overall guess on the picture you paint; I'd say the main issues are in the process and ready availabilities of people for these sort of scenarios - A&E dept is not a good place for a MH patient (neither are many of the MH places either tho) but it's what the system provides. It would be worthy to use this scenario as a way to also challenge the system and how it contributed to the problems (ie A&E dept for MH patients) - you may bring about a change of processes - and sometimes people higher up don't realise the issues lower down - because they don't see them. I think what the nurse failed to realise that, as long as you're working on this problem, it stops you and your crew from being on the road. When it becomes his/her problem, it stops nothing - tho may create some more problems, but doesn't stop him/her doing their job. Personally, I'd have told you (in private) if I wasn't happy about the admission (because sometimes other professionals need to know the politics, even if we don't care for them) - but that it's not your fault, thanks for everything you've done and on you go - I'll deal with it now. Anyhow... do I get the job? Ps: as a side tip; (not in the manual) being an infrequent visitor to MH units as you might be (compared to your visits to A&E) if you have time/chance I'd suggest you do like your boss and also get to know the MH nursing bosses - preferably those that run the shifts (Charge Nurse or Team Leaders) +/or their immediate boss - it's always easier if you have a contact face/name - and one with some authority, not just an opinion.