askgail

Depending on the state where you live will drive the response. In CA a durable power of attorney for healthcare decisions or conservatorship that includes healthcare decision making power is who we would look to. If none of the above exist then patients spouse, living children etc would be the decision makers.

The cost would be different based on location of facility and the state. Utah less than Calif. HMO"s cost will depend on contractual agreement. No easy answer, you will need to list facility and then contact finance department for cost. Medical records or HIS also can typically run these reports. Some hospitals might be reluctant to share the information so start with the facility where you work use contacts there. HIS would be the quickest route get info. Ask them to run a report by diagnosis code including cost. Each disease process will cost out differently. Hope this helps.

In my previous role as clinical educator for the ICU and ED my suggestions would be: 1. Knowing the pathophysiology of disease processes will save you every time and help you to stay ahead of the power curve when caring for your patient and anticipating what could go wrong. 2. Know what the policies and procedures for the unit are, your not going to be able to memorize them but at least you know they exist and where to find them. 3. I discourage asking other staff members policy or procedural stuff until you have first reviewed the information, then you can refer to that information during your discussion and take responsibility for the professional decision you make. I found that most staff members did not or were not keeping up to date with policy changes and they honestly thought they were giving accurate information to others, remember that game "telephone". Because when the "poop" hits the fan and it will you will be judged by "what does the policy say". I find this is where very little time is spent during the orientation process because it is viewed as boring, wrong... 4. Give yourself time to get experience under your belt, because that is where the problem lies for the new grad no experience to draw from when making decisions. 5. Ask questions don't wing it.. Hopefully, this will not overwhelm you :uhoh3:but these are tried and true methods that work. Remember the studying has just begun for your new assignment. You to can be a success story......