Want the Scoop? Ask a Nurse!

If you want to know which procedures are not really necessary, which doctor is never on time, which hospital is the dirtiest, cleanest, or highest charging, then ask the nurses. Nurses see it all, and they usually keep all of the secrets. They are armed with some of the juiciest details available.

Some of the tips that nurses agree on are:

  1. Second opinions before surgical procedures might save your life, save you money, and are always prudent. Some doctors will recommend high cost procedures to patients that really do not need them. Most of the doctors that do that are receiving some type of incentive, such as financial compensat8ion, for recommending the high cost procedures. To be on the safe side see two doctors and see if they both recommend the same procedure. Many people who have appendectomies could be treated with a ten day course of oral antibiotic instead of a surgery that costs thousands of dollars.
  2. Have one family member be the spokesperson for the group. This will allow the nurses, doctors, and technicians to talk to one person, and answers questions once. That will allow the nurse to have more time to answer your questions more thoroughly.
  3. July is the worst month to admit into a teaching hospital. July is right after all of the students have just graduated. The newest interns, and residents, are thrust into the hospital routine and they have not yet truly gotten the hang of what they are doing. If at all possible do not go to a teaching hospital during July.
  4. Watch the doctors, nurses, and technicians when they enter into the room. If they do not stop and wash their hands, or use the available hand sanitizer, then point it out to them. Just because a person is part of the medical profession does not mean they have impeccable hygiene practices. It is your health at risk so make sure all medical professionals wash their hands, and wear gloves.
  5. You can be a help to the nurses if you do as much as you can for your sick family member. There are not enough nurses on a hospital floor for each patient to have their own nurse to do everything they need. If you can help your family member brush their teeth, or get them water, or help them adjust their pillows, then that frees the nurses up to do other tasks.
  6. The best thing that you can do for your family is to have an end of life discussion before you become ill, injured, or infirm. Make sure that your family knows what your wishes are. If something tragic does happen, your family will be able to tell the hospital staff what things you want, and it will save your family from having to make hard decisions. Especially make your family understand your views on artificial life support.