|
 |
Need a doctor? Call (530) 876-7243 |
|
| Patient Individual Needs |
|
Patient Nursing Care Your nursing care is planned to fit your particular requirements as an individual patient. The nursing service staff is here to meet your needs as well as to carry out your physician�s instructions. Your help and cooperation are of utmost importance in enabling the staff to provide for your proper and safe care. Nurses will attempt to anticipate your needs, but please do not hesitate to call them when you require assistance. Patient Rooms Your room has been planned for efficient medical and nursing care in a safe, comfortable environment. Although we will make every effort to provide you with the type of room of your choice, available rooms initially must be assigned on the basis of medical needs of all hospital patients. If we are unable to accommodate you with the room you desire, we will try to transfer you to the room of your choice at a later time. Patient Beds Your bed is designed for professional nursing care and probably is narrower and higher than the bed you are accustomed to at home. The side rails on the bed are for your protection. Always ask your nurses for help getting in and out of bed, unless your doctor or nurse has told you that you may do this without assistance. Good vision is essential for room orientation, reading and locating all essential items. Please wear your eyeglasses when you are in your bed. Calling Nurse You never need to feel alone while you are a patient at Feather River Hospital. A nurse is available to attend to your needs at any time of the day or night, and you can summon help through the nurse-call system at your bedside. Should you feel faint or have difficulty while in the bathroom, tub or shower, pull the emergency cord located there and a nurse will come immediately. When in doubt about anything, please call your nurse. Pain Management Managing your pain is very important to us. Your nursing staff will be asking you if you have pain, on a scale of 0-10, as part of our routine vital signs checks, which include your temperature, pulse, respirations, and blood pressure. The pain scale 0-10 reflects how much pain you are having, with 0 representing no pain and 10 is the worst pain you have ever experienced. You will be asked to assign a number to rate your pain. Please let your nurse know if your pain is not being controlled, since this is important for your recovery. Untreated pain has been shown to produce adverse effects including problems with your breathing, blood clots and complications with the gastrointestinal tract. YOU are the key to getting the best pain relief because pain is very personal. Communication is the key to pain management. Never assume health-care providers know you are in pain. Taking pain medication is not a sign of weakness or a bother to anyone�we are here to help. Having your pain under control will make you feel more positive about your recovery. Medications Please give your nurse a list of any medications and/or herbal remedies you are taking, including dosage and times. Also, advise your nurse of any allergies you have. Your nurse will review these with your physician who will make a decision regarding medications you should take during your hospitalization. Your nurse will bring your medication to you as ordered by your physician, and will educate you regarding your medications. Please share with your nurse if you feel the medications are not working or if you are experiencing any unexpected effects. If you have any questions about the medication being administered, it is okay to ask the nurse about it before you take it. We are conscious of your safety while in our care, and our team emphasizes the five rights of medication administration: The right medication for the right patient, route, dosage and time. Your nurse will make sure you are wearing your I.D. band to ensure accuracy. All medications you may have brought with you, including aspirin, should be returned home as they can interfere or interact with tests or medicines ordered for your treatment. If you are participating in a research medication protocol, please advise your nurse. It is important for us to know if the medications are working according to the treatment plan. Hand Washing We emphasize hand washing as the most important tool at our disposal to help prevent the spread of infections. Personal Belongings As we cannot accept responsibility for valuables left in your room, we strongly encourage you to give extra money, medications, credit cards, wallets, jewelry, etc., to a family member or close friend to take home. Or, ask your nurse to put your valuables in the hospital safe. An itemized receipt and a claim ticket will be provided to you. Smoking Feather River Hospital recognizes that smoking is a health and safety hazard and has joined a growing number of healthcare providers in adopting a comprehensive �SMOKE FREE� facility. This policy prohibits smoking inside the hospital by staff, patients, and visitors. Please speak to your physician regarding alternative measures. Meals Your physician will prescribe a diet suited to your health needs. A clinical dietitian and the Nutrition Services staff are available to help with planning your meals and providing diet instructions and nutritional counseling. In most instances, your first meal will be pre-ordered. You will, however, have the opportunity to choose the next day�s meals from a variety of foods permitted in your diet plan. We want you to enjoy your meals during your stay at Feather River Hospital. If you have any problems with your food services, please ask to see our dietitian. Our objective is to serve meals with vegetarian entrees. Although beef, chicken, turkey and fish are included on the menus, your stay would be an excellent time to sample vegetarian cuisine. Vegetarian Diet The past 15 years have seen an increased interest in vegetarianism. A vegetarian diet is lower in cholesterol and saturated fats, yet high in complex carbohydrates. Studies show that an increase in complex carbohydrates leads to a slower rate of digestion, causing a more steady blood glucose level. This in turn, lowers the incidence of colon cancer, hemorrhoids, diverticulosis, diverticulitis, and helps lower cholesterol levels. Three excellent reasons for changing to a vegetarian life style are: � To protect your heart. The death rate from coronary heart disease is highest in countries that have the highest meat consumption. � To control weight. The vegetarian diet is higher in fiber and more filling, leading to a lower intake of calories. � To reduce cancer risk. Research shows that a diet high in animal fat and cholesterol may contribute to the growth of cancers of the colon, breast and uterus. In contrast, foods from the cabbage family have been found to have an anti-carcinogenic effect. If you are interested in starting a vegetarian life style at home, our hospital�s dietitian can help you with more information and menu ideas. In short, you can follow these simple suggestions: � Use whole grain breads and cereals. � Use a variety of legumes. � Use nuts with discretion. Spiritual and Other Support Services If you would like a visit from a member of the clergy of your church, please let the admitting clerk know at the time you are admitted and this can be arranged. Feather River Hospital has a chaplain on staff who will be happy to stop by your room and talk with you. To reach the chaplain�s office, dial ext. 7790. A chaplain can be reached 24 hours a day. A nondenominational chapel, available for your use or for your visitors, is located within the hospital near the Administration office on the main level. |
|
|
|
 |
