Navigating a Hospital visit
I recently spent 5 days at Brigham and Women's Hospital with my mother. She had a fall and had a head injury. I met her at the ER after she was transported from a smaller hospital an hour north. When I first saw her she looked terrible. Very scary in the ER. I have to say everyone was great; helpful, kind and explained everything. I'm not sure if it was because I am a nurse practitioner. My mother told everyone I was an NP. I think it helped. I have to say I am generally very critical of hospitals. Usually I have to hunt for doctors and answers. However, this hospital was amazingly user friendly. If I needed to speak with a doctor, the nurse would page him/her and within 20 minutes appeared in the room. The nursing staff was attentive and responsive. I give it an "A". The cardiac wing is exceptional. I recommend it. My mother is home now and I see improvement.
Navigation Hint: In hospitals, always ask why certain tests are being done. If you don't like the answer, ask to speak with the doctor or a patient advocate.
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