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Navigating the ER - 12 Tips to Help Ease the Chaos
http://www.setthestageforsuccess.com/articles/17339/1/Navigating-the-ER---12-Tips-to-Help-Ease-the-Chaos/Page1.html
Barbara Ficarra, RN, BSN, MPA
Barbara Ficarra RN, BSN, MPA is an award-winning journalist, media broadcaster, media spokesperson, media coach, creator/executive producer/host of Health in 30® radio show which airs live Fridays from 5:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. EST, broadcasts on WRCR-AM 1300 and streams live online at http://Healthin30.com. Health in 30® is a 30-minute show that brings listeners the latest health and medical news and information with leading guest medical experts. Barbara conducts lively, informative and engaging discussions with leaders in their fields to provide vital health information on a broad range of topics, while focusing on education and prevention; and listeners will often call-in with questions. She is also the founder and editor-in-chief of the Healthin30.com website which provides vital health information covering a broad range of topics, and it centers on education and prevention.

 
By Barbara Ficarra, RN, BSN, MPA
Published on 08/30/2008
 
Emergency rooms, also known as emergency departments are chaotic and can be frightening and overwhelming. In the very fast paced and frenzied ED environment understanding information can be difficult. The communication process can be hindered in a setting that often seems confusing and unruly.

As a registered nurse who has been on both sides of the ED, as an administrative head nurse and as a family member, here are some simple tips to help you ease the chaos:

Emergency rooms, also known as emergency departments are chaotic and can be frightening and overwhelming. In the very fast paced and frenzied ED environment understanding information can be difficult. The communication process can be hindered in a setting that often seems confusing and unruly.

As a registered nurse who has been on both sides of the ED, as an administrative head nurse and as a family member, here are some simple tips to help you ease the chaos:

1. SPEAK UP - Always speak up and ask questions. If you do not understand anything that is being told to you by your doctor or nurse, let them know! By speaking up and asking questions, you’ll know what to expect. Don’t ever feel intimidated to ask questions.

2. MEDICATIONS - Keep a list of all your medications with you in your wallet. Just in case of an emergency you’ll have your list with you. Your list of medications should include prescription, over-the-counter, herbal supplements and vitamins. Let the doctors and nurses know what you’ve been taking.

3. FAMILY MEMBER - If possible, it’s always a good idea to have a family member or trusted friend with you since they may be able to comprehend and understand information and instructions more clearly. As a patient, you may still be feeling overwhelmed by the whole ED process. Having someone with you can help ease the overpowering environment.

4. BE PATIENT - If you are admitted, be patient. If an available inpatient bed is not immediately available, you may need to wait.

5. DISCHARGE INSTRUCTIONS - If you are discharged from the ED, when the discharge instructions are handed to you, make sure you review your instructions with your doctor or nurse. Go over each and every step. Repeat back the information.

6. PRESCRIPTIONS - If you are given prescriptions for medications, make sure you understand what you will be taking. Be clear about how to take your prescription, when to take it, the dosage, and any side effects. Also ask if it will interfere with any other medications that you may be taking.

7. TAKE NOTES - If you need to write down information that will help you decipher what the doctor or nurse tells you, than do so.

8. BE PATIENT - If you are discharged, be patient. Even though you are eager to go home and you want to be discharged as quickly as possible, please be aware that you are in an ED and your doctor or nurse may suddenly need to see an incoming, critically ill patient.

9. IT'S ABOUT YOU - Despite the crazed atmosphere of the ED, the professional staff of doctors and nurses are concerned for your well-being and they are there to provide the best quality care for you.

10. HELP IS AVAILABLE - If you do not feel your needs are met, you can always ask to speak to the nurse manager or during evenings, nights, weekends and holidays (depending on the hospital) you can ask to speak to an administrative head nurse or nursing supervisor.

11. ASK QUESTIONS - Staffing issues and overcrowding are always concerns in an ED, but your care is very important. Remember to always take charge of your health and speak up and ask questions.

12. ACTION NOW - It’s important for you to speak up, and not only about your health, but the nation’s health. Emergency departments across the nation are in dire straits and they need you to speak up for them so you’ll be able to continue to receive the care you deserve. ACEP makes it easy for you to make your voice heard. Take action now!