They featured a number of stories about mistakes that happened to people and quoted some amazing statistics, one of which that approximately 250 people per day die from medical mistakes!
Another thing they stated was that while hospitalized, every patient should have a family member in the room at all times questioning every single thing that goes on with the patient - Do you think this is going to make the nurses' job any tougher?
A quote from the message board at ophra.com, supposedly from a nurse :
I am a nurse, One thing everyone should know. Many people die or are hurt in hospitals not related to their diagnosed illness. If you or someone you love or care about, needs to be hospitalized do this one not so simple thing. Have another person with them at all times. Do not allow visiting rules to dictate the care. Believe me,most nurses will be grateful as they are overworked. Have a person who can oversee everything that is done to the patient. Eveything from the staff washing their hands when entering the room, to questioning each and every medication or treatment. Don't be shy, you could save a life. Peace Ginny
This is just one of many stories on the message board - Oprah gets a lot of attention!
Specializes in Trauma,ER,CCU/OHU/Nsg Ed/Nsg Research.
Originally posted by SnowieRN
I started watching it.. but it made me so mad.. that story about the girl that thought she had cancer, and had all that surgery only to find out she didnt have it. I guess Im part of the "thankful" group.. Id be more thankful that I had never had cancer, and had all that surgery, than worrying about sueing the doctor/hospital for it.
I would be thankful that I never had cancer, but I would not be so thankful that I had a needless hysterectomy and part of a lung missing. I could probably forgive a Doctor for not catching something, but to so grossly misdiagnose a patient- I don't know about that. The woman was young, and lost her ability to bear children. I don't know if there is any monetary value one could place on that, but the one who made the mistake should pay at the very least for the thousands of dollars it will cost her and her husband to have a child (I think she mentioned a surrogate). If it were me, I would have a hard time feeling like it was in God's hands. I would want somebody to be held accountable. If somebody took out my organs needlessly, I would feel more than assaulted.
BBFRN, BSN, PhD
3,779 Posts