Some nights are quiet, and some nights just never seem to stop. Working in the Emergency Department at Edward White Hospital is different every day, every shift. However, one thing remains constant: the commitment of our staff to treating patients in any crisis.

On a typical night shift, our physicians, nurses, and technologists see all kinds of patients suffering from all kinds of problems. Here are some examples:

• A child with a fever of 104 degrees. The physician checks her out, diagnoses strep throat, and prescribes antibiotics.
• Two young men with gunshot wounds. They were victims of a drive-by shooting. One is rushed to emergency surgery, and the other doesn’t make it.
• A family in a car accident. A drunk driver swerved into their lane, clipping their car on the interstate. Luckily, everyone was buckled up. Dad has a broken leg, but Mom and the kids are treated just for bumps and scrapes.
• A woman with chest pain. She’d been feeling it all day, but it got worse at bedtime. Doctors hook her up to an EKG and will keep her overnight for observation.
• A homeless man with possible dementia. He arrived in the ER on his own and asked for help. The nurse who accessed him wasn’t sure if he was just looking for medication or wanted a place to sleep for the night. For now, he’s resting and the nurse has asked social services for a consult.
• A young boy with severe throat pain. His parents are frantic and he seems in agony. An x-ray reveals that he swallowed a tiny lithium battery, which is affecting his esophagus. Surgeons work quickly to remove it before it causes further damage.

For some emergency department staff, there is time for a break each night—a chance for a quick snack or a cup of coffee. On other nights, doctors and nurses are on their feet the whole time, rushing from one patient to another. No matter what the case, these dedicated professionals use all of their energy to treat patients—quickly and effectively. They know that in an emergency, every moment counts.

To learn more about our emergency care, contact Edward White Hospital. Visit us online or call Consult-A-Nurse® at 1-877-442-2362. Serving St. Petersburg and all of Tampa Bay, we’re here for you 24 hours a day.

Source:

Edward White Hospital

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Welcome to Edward White Hospital!

If you’ve been a patient or visitor at Edward White Hospital, you know how dedicated our staff is. Our physicians are highly skilled, and our nurses are well trained and compassionate. Our technologists provide accurate information, while keeping patients comfortable. Our custodians keep our facility in top shape, and our cafeteria workers provide nutritious and delicious meals.

But amid all these paid professionals, there is another group of people who play a key role in our everyday success: our volunteers. Each day, they give of their time to help make our hospital the center of excellence that it is.

Volunteers play a part in every department at Edward White Hospital. They greet visitors and offer directions. They help patients move from one place to another, and they provide assistance in waiting areas.

Some volunteers help sort mail, and they make sure flower bouquets are delivered to the right place. Others play an active role in our H2U program, making sure that events run smoothly. They are quick to welcome new members and answer any questions they may have.

Most of all, our volunteers extend help and assistance to patients and families who may be uncertain of what to expect next. They provide friendly faces, which ultimately provide reassurance. And every patient needs that.

Every day, our volunteers touch the lives of people at our hospital. During this season of giving, we can all follow their example by giving of our time to others.

To learn more about volunteering, contact Edward White Hospital. Visit us online or call 727-328-6247 to find out about volunteer opportunities. Serving St. Petersburg and all of Tampa Bay, we’re here to assure you top-notch care.

Source:

Edward White Hospital

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Posted by Alicia Verity, MSPH

Contagious viruses that cause colds and the flu are active year-round. But because we spend more time indoors with other people during the winter months, we are exposed to viruses that get us sick.

The Top 5 Ways To Avoid a Winter Bug Are:

1.Get vaccinated against the flu. This year this means get vaccinated for the regular seasonal flu and the H1N1 influenza. The best time to get a flu vaccination is in October through November, but getting it in December and January is not too late. Talk with your doctor before getting vaccinated if you have allergies, especially if you are allergic to eggs.

Want to read more? Visit iTriage Health!

APN = advanced practical nurse. These nurses have advanced educational degrees and expanded skills, and they usually have to take and pass national certification exams. They often focus their careers to become specialists, such as these:

Sources:

Edward White Hospital

American Nurses Association

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If you suffer from arthritis, you may be in pain, so the thought of exercise can sound daunting. However, studies show that regular activity can ease the symptoms of arthritis, and it can keep other diseases—such as osteoporosis and heart disease—at bay.

So where do you start? First, talk to your doctor about any limitations you have. Make sure he or she signs off on your exercise plan before you begin. Next, explore the wide variety of activities there is to choose from. Here are some examples:

· Walking: It may sound simple, but a daily walk is great for your body and your spirit. If the weather is bad, try a treadmill in your home or at the gym.

· Water aerobics: Exercising in water is easy on your joints, and the water adds resistance, which is terrific for building strength. See if you can find a water aerobics class to try.

· Swimming: If a structured class is not for you, just swimming laps can be good solution. You’ll move your joints without pressure—and build your cardio endurance.

· Yoga: The poses you hold in yoga can help you work on flexibility and strength. Many yoga studios offer gentle classes, which are a good place to start. You may also find that yoga helps you feel relaxed and more centered.

· Bicycling: Cycling is a wonderful outdoor activity. But before you start, visit a bicycle store and get some expert advice about the bike you need. Be sure you’re comfortable and the seat is at the right height.

· Weight training: You may think your joints are too “fragile” for using weights, but that’s probably not true. In fact, weight training can help you increase the strength of the muscles that surround your joints, which will offer you more support.

Once you get into the routine, you may really look forward to exercise each day. You will likely reap a range of benefits, including these:

· Sustaining normal joint movement

· Maintaining a healthy weight, which puts less pressure on your joints

· Increasing muscle strength and flexibility

· Keeping your bones and cartilage strong

· Improving cardiovascular fitness

· Improving your energy level

· Boosting your mood

If you are hesitant to start an exercise routine on your own, talk to your doctor about physical therapy. A physical therapist can teach you exercises that are safe and beneficial.

To learn more about arthritis and its treatment, contact Edward White Hospital. Visit us online or call Consult-A-Nurse® at 1-877-442-2362. Serving St. Petersburg and Tampa Bay, we’re here to answer all your questions.

Sources:

Edward White Hospital

Arthritis Foundation

Arthritis Today

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By Alicia Verity, MSPH, www.itriagehealth.com

It goes without saying; life is hectic and busy during this time of year.  With full work schedules, added social commitments, less sleep and an abundance of high fat and sugary foods no wonder we start to feel run down.  Here are tips to keep you healthy and safe during the holiday season.

Want to read more? Visit iTriage!