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IN THIS ISSUE
White Joins Our Team!
Donating Blood Saves Lives
Lighter Notes
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What's New at
Guardian Nurses
Welcome to our newest team member
Lisa White, RN!
After 30 years as an RN in various settings---critical care, case management, school nurse, home care, Lisa White is enjoying her new role as a nurse advocate. "There is a collaborative effort when we advocate for patients," Nurse White said. "It's been great to know that we are able to make a significant difference in their care and treatment." And the best part? "I love it---it's never boring! she said. |
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Who Was That Caped Crusader?
Last month, one of our nurse advocates visited a hospital to facilitate a patient's transfer to a rehab facility. Earlier that morning, the transfer had been denied by his insurance company, but after several calls, and more clinical information, the insurer approved the transfer---much to the delight of the family. After getting the authorization number, the nurse advocate stopped by the case manager's office to let her know that things had changed. After the case manager wrote everything down, she looked up and said, "Who ARE you and how did you get the denial overturned?" All in a day's work..for Guardian Nurses!
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Lighter Notes
One of our patients---who just so happens to be 100 years old (and 2 months) was lamenting her various maladies while reminding us that she was, in fact, 100 years old. And out of the blue, she stopped and said, "Well, dear, we all have to live with what we have." And with that, she was done complaining.
Amen to that! |
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Happy New Year!! Here's hoping that you enjoyed a wonderful holiday season and a healthy start to 2011.
A new year gives us an opportunity for a new start, a new attitude perhaps, and maybe even new habits.
While you're thinking of new habits, consider starting 2011 with the generous gift of giving blood. Since 1970, January has been recognized as National Blood Donor Month.
Being a blood donor saves lives and that's not a shabby way to start your New Year!
 A Happy and Healthy New Year!
Betty Long
Betty Long, RN, MHA, President
Guardian Nurses Healthcare Advocates
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It's Simple. Give Blood. Save Lives.
The American Red Cross has long been known in the United States for its emergency response efforts. Founded in 1881 by Clara Barton, it was during World War 2, in 1940, that our country turned to the Red Cross to develop a supply of lifesaving blood on a massive scale. After the war, the Red Cross introduced the first nationwide civilian blood program. And now, in 2011, it is the largest single supplier of blood and blood products in the US.
Here are some good-to-know facts about our country's blood supply from the Red Cross:
- The demand for transfusions is growing faster than donations.
- Less than 38% of the US population is eligible to donate blood.
- Blood cannot be manufactured---it can only come from donors.
- Shortages of all blood types usually occur during the summer and winter holidays.
- Every day in the US approximately 39,000 units of blood are required in hospitals and emergency treatment facilities for patients with cancer, organ transplant recipients and to help save lives of accident victims.
Here are some important facts about the blood donation process:
- Donating blood is safe.
- Actual donation time typically takes less than 10-12 minutes. The entire process (registration, medical history, mini-physical and refreshments) takes about an hour.
- The average adult has about 10-12 pints of blood in his body. Roughly one pint is given during a donation.
- Donors can give blood every 56 days, or six times yearly.
- One donation can help save the lives of up to 3 people!
And finally, just a few facts about blood and its components:
- Most donated red blood cells must be used within 42 days of collection.
- Donated platelets must be used within 5 days of collection so new donations are constantly needed.
If you are not yet persuaded to consider donating blood, consider this----the Red Cross makes blood available to any patient who needs it. Patients are not required to find donors to replace the blood they use---a practice common in Europe and some US Blood Banks. This gift allows the patient and their family to focus on the task at hand---recovering. So if you or someone you know has ever been in need of blood or blood products, it was probably available because of donations from strangers.
Through my years as a nurse, I have been witness to many impressive and sometimes anonymous gifts of strength, compassion, and generosity. Donating blood saves lives.
And if that's not enough to persuade you, how about the free cookies and donuts afterward?? For more information about donating blood, or even coordinating a donation drive, visit the American Red Cross website. |
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