|
Medical Care
Your doctor has admitted you to St. John's Mercy because he or she relies
on the resources of our Medical Center. Sophisticated technology and highly
skilled medical professionals ensure that you receive quality medical care.
Medical Staff
The physicians and those who have been asked to participate in your care are
responsible for directing your care while you are here. If you have any questions
about your condition, you should ask your physician or nurse.
St. John's Mercy is a teaching hospital. Your physician may be assisted by
other physicians - medical residents or fellows - who provide round-the-clock
care, monitoring your condition and treatment and keeping your physician informed
of your progress.
Hospitalists
While you are in the hospital you may be seen by a hospitalist. A hospitalist
is a board-certified or board-eligible physician who specializes in the care
of patients while they are in the hospital. Hospitalists are here 24 hours
a day, seven days a week. They work closely with a patient’s regular
physician in directing and coordinating care. Whether you will be seen by a
hospitalist will depend on the wishes of your private physician. If you have
a concern or question, please call Patient Relations at extension 16484.
Nursing Staff
You will receive 24-hour nursing care from a team of registered nurses, licensed
practical nurses and patient care associates. A nurse manager is responsible
for directing and coordinating nursing care on your floor. Please contact your
nurse or the nurse manager if you have questions or concerns.
Care Coordinators
Care coordinators are available to help you and your family deal with financial,
social and emotional problems that relate to your illness or hospitalization.
Members of the department can work with you and your family in dealing with
the impact of illness or injury by providing counseling information, community
resources or preparation for your return home. Care coordinators will work
with your insurance company, your physician and other members of the health
care team to ensure an appropriate level of care and length of stay. The care
coordinators can assist you in obtaining medical disability forms and applying
for Medicaid, and act as a resource on other governmental programs. If you
or your family would like to talk with a care coordinator, call extension 16094.
Pain Management
One of the most important concerns of your physician and nurse is assisting
in managing any pain you may have. Our goal is to keep you comfortable for
activities that will help you recover or ease your discomfort. You are part
of the team in helping us manage your pain. You can help your medical team
by providing feedback about your pain, using the pain scale that your nurse
will teach you about during your hospital stay. If your pain therapy is not
working, please tell your physician or nurse. Pain management includes a variety
of treatment options that can be considered during your hospitalization.
Palliative Care
The palliative care program at St. John's Mercy focuses on managing pain and
other symptoms of patients with advanced or life-limiting illnesses. The goal
of palliative care is to achieve the best quality of life for patients and
their families.
St. John's Mercy Medical Center and the David C. Pratt Cancer Center have several
options to meet patients' palliative care needs. The RN palliative care
coordinator works with attending physicians and the care team to help improve
symptom management, including pain control, reduction of nausea, shortness
of breath and other concerns. The RN palliative care coordinator works closely
with the patient's social worker and other caregivers to coordinate care for
the outpatient setting. To contact the RN palliative care coordinator, please
call extension 16094.
Nutrition Staff
Proper nutrition is an important part of your treatment and recovery. St. John's
Mercy makes every effort to provide nourishing meals, prepared according to
your physician's orders. Although meal service may occasionally be delayed
if you are scheduled for a special test or treatment, your schedule generally
is:
| Breakfast: |
6:30
to 8 a.m. |
| Lunch: |
11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. |
| Dinner: |
4:30 to 6 p.m. |
If
you are not receiving Room Service, a member of our staff will deliver a
menu to your room each morning. If you are on a special diet prescribed by
your physician, you will receive menus tailored to those needs. If you need
help with menu selections, call extension 11880 to obtain assistance.
Room Service also is available on selected nursing units. You may order Room
Service by calling 13663 during the following times:
| Breakfast: |
7 to 10 a.m. |
| Lunch: |
11 a.m. to 2 p.m. |
| Dinner: |
4 to 7 p.m. |
Whether
you are on a general or special diet, additional foods or beverages may conflict
with your physician's orders, so do not bring food from home or allow visitors
to bring food to you unless this is approved by your physician or nurse. For
an additional charge, family members and friends may arrange for a guest tray
to be brought to your room. Please ask your nurse or inquire at the nurses’ station
for this service.
If you are on a special diet and would like instructions about continuing your
special diet after discharge, please call extension 28798.
|
