Why work with a patient advocate?
Our healthcare system is complex and difficult to navigate under the best of circumstances, but when you or a loved one is facing a life-altering diagnosis, it can become overwhelming. You are suddenly catapulted into a world where you don’t speak the language. Patients and their families are left feeling vulnerable and unsure in their next steps. As a result, uninformed decisions can be made, which could ultimately compromise one’s health and well-being.
Here are just a few ways a Beyond the Bedside professional can help:
- Decode medical-speak to help clients have a better understanding of Health Conditions and Treatment Options
- Communicate directly with Physicians and Healthcare Team
- Identify the Right Facilities and Plan of Action, especially for Elderly clients
- Access and Review Medical Records and Medication
- Schedule and Attend Medical Appointments
- Answer Insurance Questions and Clarify Coverage
- For Local Clients, Make Weekly Home Visits
By partnering with Beyond the Bedside, you will have someone on your side with the knowledge and experience to navigate the healthcare system and address your individual needs. Our goal is to support you in every step of your journey whether it involves your acute healthcare needs or your everyday concerns. We are here to empower you to make fully informed healthcare decisions with confidence.
Why did I decide to become a patient advocate?
Over the past several years, I have watched our healthcare system take a slow and steady turn away from the standards that I’ve been trained to practice. All too often, I find that patients are rushed through the door, and the time afforded to educate and yes, translate their results, is no longer a priority.
I have been a registered nurse for over 37 years. I am the youngest of 7 girls, 6 of whom were nurses. My mother was also a nurse. Suffice it to say, it’s in my blood.
In 2020, my mom passed away at the age of 95. Thanks to her “team of daughters,” we were able to advocate for her during her most life-threatening crises. We were fortunate in that a few of us lived close enough that we could get to her quickly when needed. We knew what medications were appropriate and when she was having adverse reactions. We knew the right questions to ask and when certain providers were no longer beneficial to her care. And finally, when her memory started to fail, we knew when it was time we were no longer capable of caring for her on our own and were able to secure living arrangements that left everyone able to sleep at night.
Countless times, I’ve discharged patients with a life-altering diagnosis knowing they had limited support, if any, in the challenges they were about to face. When an elderly neighbor was recently given a terminal diagnosis, I was so grateful to help his family arrange the care their Dad needed to be able to stay home.
It was in this experience that I realized it’s time to shift my practice. It’s time for me to go Beyond the Bedside, to partner and advocate with my clients, to provide comfort and expertise in times of need.
What are my qualifications?
I’ve been fortunate to learn from and work amongst some of the greatest talent in healthcare. After a 2-year foundation in Medical/Surgical practice, I spent several years working in an Intensive Care Unit (Cardiac, Neurological). Most recently, I’ve worked in outpatient surgical centers with a focus on Gastroenterology.
Because these were teaching facilities, all questions were encouraged. I learned very early who to ask, what to ask and when to ask. No question was insignificant. That practice has served me throughout my career.
Beyond my education is the wisdom and compassion that comes with 37 years of experience and dedication. Recently, a colleague described me as a bull when I believe in something. She’s absolutely right! It’s that tenacity I want to put to work for you. I believe that every individual has a right to quality, informed, and timely healthcare. For me it’s much more than just a passion, it’s my responsibility.
