Beth Israel Deaconess Med. Ctr.--hospital care

I may be having surgery at this hospital in Boston and would like to know if others have come here and, if so, how did they like the nursing care they received. I was in another area hospital last year and was appalled at the lack of care and concern on behalf of the nursing staff.I was often left to look after myself.

Hi Ann, I don't know anything about Beth Israel in particular, but I am a nurse and have something to say about nursing care. There is a nursing shortage. The average age of nurses today is 47! There are not many young people going into nursing. People who do go to the hospital are sicker than ever and require way more care. Lot's of times the people doing things for and to you are not even nurses. Here are a few tips: Find out the name of your RN each shift, shifts usually change at 7AM, 3PM and 11PM. Some hospitals have shifts change only at 7AM and 7PM. Ask what the staffing ratio is for each shift; depending on the type of floor you are on it should be about 5-7 patients to each RN, less if you are in a special unit and a bit more on the evening or night shifts. Find out the name and position of anyone who does anything to you: it might be a nurses aide, a plebotomist, a student. If you are asked if you would accept a nursing student, consider accepting. That person will likely only have you for a patient and can give you a lot of individual attention. Plus you have the student"s instructor and an RN overseeing your care. If you need something, ask if you can, when someone is in your room. and try to anticipate needs while they are there (you're running out of tissues, or need some face cloths) Don't wait until you are in pain to ask for pain medication or sleep medication if it is ordered for you. Keep on top of medication while in the hospital by taking it as scheduled. In the beginning you will probably have a pump to control the medication yourself. After that try to keep track of when you get pain medication by writing it down and asking how often you can have it. If you will be taking other medications, ask what you are being given. If it doesn't sound familiar ask what it is for, it may just have a different name or it could be a mistake. Don't assume that your diet tray is correct. The nurses don't check them. If your tray has something that you dont' think should be on the stage ordered by your surgeon, question it. When you can get out of bed, do so as much as possible. The more you move, the better your recovery will be. Start moving your feet, ankles legs even before you are allowed out of bed. Turn side to side at least every two hours. Start taking a few deep breaths as soon as you are awake. I know it may hurt but you have to get your lungs to clear after all the anesthesia. If you can do something for yourself, do it as long as you feel steady on your feet. If you have a family member or friend who is a nurse ask them to check in on you, especially in the first 24 hours. If you can, have someone stay in the room with you who you think might be helpful. Not everyone will be helpful in this situation. We are all responsible for our own health and unfortunately, even when we least feel up to it we have to take on that responsibility. Good luck! It is a scary business to be a patient in a hospital these days, the better informed and prepared you are the quicker you can get out of there! Wishing you a successful surgery and speedy recovery! I don't think anyone can say that any particular hospital has better or worse nursing care than another. Any floor in any hospital can have bad days and nights. Nursing is an extremely challenging career and the challenges are even greater. Luann

Great info Luann Thanks for the tips.

Hi Ann...I had my surgery there in April and I also had Dr. Schneider. My experience with the hospital and the staff was terrific. My nurses were incredible, caring, compassionate, I just can't say enough good things about them. I would highly recommed their program.