Help Women Across America

[Karen Cicero]

Hello, nurses! My name is Karen Cicero and I am a reporter for Self magazine, a large national publication geared to 25- to 45-year-old women. For an upcoming issue, we're working on a story entitled "What Nurses Know." We're looking for specific tips from nurses that would impact a patient's care, wallet or sanity--in essence, we want the kind of stuff doctors won't divulge (or don't know about); the advice you'd tell your Mom or your sister before going to the doctor or the hospital.

If you can help out our readers who don't have a family member in the nursing profession, it would be great. You can e-mail me back some info or simply your phone number so we could chat. You would have the choice on whether you wanted your name to appear in the magazine. Thanks a bunch! --Karen Cicero

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Originally posted by Karen Cicero:

Hello, nurses! My name is Karen Cicero and I am a reporter for Self magazine, a large national publication geared to 25- to 45-year-old women. For an upcoming issue, we're working on a story entitled "What Nurses Know." We're looking for specific tips from nurses that would impact a patient's care, wallet or sanity--in essence, we want the kind of stuff doctors won't divulge (or don't know about); the advice you'd tell your Mom or your sister before going to the doctor or the hospital.

If you can help out our readers who don't have a family member in the nursing profession, it would be great. You can e-mail me back some info or simply your phone number so we could chat. You would have the choice on whether you wanted your name to appear in the magazine. Thanks a bunch! --Karen Cicero

Hi, as a catastrophic case manager, the most important bit of info to anyone being seen by a medical professional is to write down a list of questions prior to your appointment,. Studies demonstrate that the professional seeing you listens best in the 1st 24 seconds of the eval.

This also allows anyone who is nervous about an appointment to keep level and assure that all their concerns are addressed. TAking notes is ok, too. I have in almost 40 years of nursing , not met a good professional, not matter how busy, who will not take time to ansewer your quesitons, especially if you are organized about it. Also, if we "med-speak" to you and you don't understand , it is your responsibility to say so and ask that the info be re-presented in different language. Understanding your diagnosis and treatment is your responsibility as a patient.. You are payiing good money , get your money's worth!!!! Nuff said.