What happened this week? 4/24/2017

This week, we had a company come in to solicit their oxygen products. Many of our patients in Pulmonary Rehab use oxygen when working out, as well as at home during their daily activities. Most patients, who are elderly, use Medicare. During my time as an intern, I have learned much about Medicare and other health insurance companies. Patients constantly ask how their treatment or medication will affect them financially and will insurance cover these costs. The company that had come in, solicits different oxygen equipment that Medicare does not cover. Although this company does not accept insurance, the costs are not outrageous. The patients that are oxygen-dependent, full-time, were especially interested. Many claimed that the oxygen tanks covered by Medicare are bulky and quite loud. This company specializes in portable oxygen products, making it easier for patients to leave their homes without the hassle. As I enter college, there are many aspects to being a nurse, other than the medical aspect. I am fortunate enough now to see first hand the financial aspect of the medical field and how patients are directly affected.

What happened this week? 4/17/2017

Today, I worked in 2B Surgical. This department is well known for Bariatric surgery. Bariatric surgery consists of a series of surgeries and extreme dieting in order to cause weight-loss. The different surgeries restrict the amount of food allowed to enter the stomach. Some procedures include Gastric Bypass, Sleeve Gastrectomy, and inputting an Adjustable Gastric Band. Many weight-loss procedures are done laparoscopically, but are very invasive. It is truly amazing to see the before and after photos of patients and to see how far they have come. Their weight-loss has helped them tremendously and lowered their risk for other health problems.

What happened this week? 4/3/2017

Today, in Cardiac Pulmonary Rehab, we had an educational session for the Pulmonary patients after their exercise session. The session discussed risk factors for people who have COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease). COPD is used to describe progressive lung diseases including emphysema, chronic bronchitis, refractory asthma, and some forms of bronchiectasis. This disease is characterized by increasing breathlessness. Unfortunately for COPD patients, there are many things in our normal environment that can cause episodes. These episodes will include breathlessness, wheezing, coughing, and tightness in the chest region. Some risk factors that cause these episodes are smoke, dust, chemicals and fuels. A patient can easily be affected by their household cleaning products or even dust from furniture. It is very difficult to prevent most of these situations, however, it is encouraged that patients wear masks if they are put in these situations, keep a constant clean environment, and circulate air throughout their living environment. A rescue inhaler is also recommended to help with unexpected episodes. Unfortunately, it is very difficult to live a normal life with COPD, however, we hope that by attending these exercise sessions, patients will be able to continue to live their daily lives.