Private nurse for Lenox Hill Hospital?

[Katie]

I think I saw in a few posts that people have recommended hiring a private nurse while at Lenox Hill Hospital, to ensure that the patient receives all the ordered medications.

Did I read this correctly? Is this a common practice in the US? I don't think I have ever heard of it being done here in Canada, although I sure could have used it a few times, with the care or lack of it at the time.

So what would this nurse do? Does she/he have any control over overdue medications, etc? I would be very happy to do this if necessary.

[dshobbies]

Not usually done in California

[Nairek]

Katie,

You can have a private nurse at Lenox Hill Hospital! The woman in the room across from mine did. My husband had mentioned it to me once I was more lucid. As I understand it, the private nurse was there basically to watch her patient & if anything went on, I believe she was able to assist the patient until the nursing staff could get there. All pain meds are under lock & key in the hospital. I don't think the private nurse was able to dispense any medications.

I'll ask my husband what he can recall once he wakes up. Poor guy works overnights & he's dead to the world at the moment.

You may also be able to e-mail the hospital to find out what their procedure is with having a private nurse assist you.


Here is a link to the hospital's website Lenox Hill Hospital

Karin

[ImpOssibleOne]

It probably isn't necessary but I could have used one for the night shifts. I was a Stanford Hospital for two nights after an ALIF and both nights I had to wait a long time for pain meds...over an hour the first night when my pump clogged and my call button had fallen on the floor. Next night the nurse went to get my Vicodin and got distracted by a post op admit. Had to wait another hour.

Daytimes, the opposite is true. They never leave you alone.

[Katie]

So would they just bug the night shift to get the proper meds if the other nurse was busy? How would they assist with that? If my husband stayed overnight if we got a private room, would that be just as effective?

[Justin]

Katie, the private nurse doesn't sound like a "nurse" but a nurse aide or a medical assistant. Usually the NA/MA have very limited clinical knowledge and are mainly there to "keep watch" of patients.

[tomslack34]

You are right Katie. It is just to take care of the patient in a better and effecient way. It is all about the concern for your dear ones.
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