When you arrive at your room, you will be introduced to a nurse who will care for you. Your nurse will tell you what to expect and what you will need to do to prepare for your care. We also want to know what your expectations are of us, and we will ask you daily what your priorities are for your care so we can be sure to meet your needs. You are likely to receive a visit from the nurse manager on your unit unit. The nurse manager will be interested in your care experience at EMMC, who we might thank for you, and what we might do better to meet your needs.
A team of skilled healthcare professionals—doctors, nurses, technologists, and therapists—is responsible for your care around the clock. While you may meet only a few of these individuals, others work behind the scenes to provide healthcare services for you. All EMMC employees wear photo ID badges, so you'll know who they are and which department they represent.
Nurse Call System
We hope that our nurses' commitment to check in with you on an hourly basis will keep you comfortable and your needs met. If you should have need of your nurse in between those check-ins, our easy-to-use nurse call system lets nurses and other unit staff respond efficiently to your requests. To call for assistance, simply push the button on your pillow speaker. If you'd like your nurse to bring you something, please be sure to let us know when you call. She or he can then pick it up on the way.
At the Bedside
Your bed is equipped with rails that can be raised or lowered. While having the bed rails up may seem unnecessary to you, please remember they are to protect you against a fall in unfamiliar surroundings, particularly at night.
The light over your bed has two brightness settings for your comfort. Simply pull on the string to adjust the brightness.
Telephone
Each room is equipped with a telephone. Operating instructions are affixed to each phone, with more detailed instructions in your bedside stand. Your family and friends may phone you directly by dialing 973-5 plus your room number. To avoid disturbing our patients, incoming calls are not put through after 10:00 p.m. (Emergency calls may be relayed through the nursing station. Simply have the caller dial the main number, 973-7000, and ask for the nursing station on your floor.)
Library Cart
EMMC's Hadley Parrot Library and Volunteer Services cooperate in maintaining a patient library cart with books (including some large-print editions) and current magazines. Please feel free to borrow whatever catches your eye. If the cart has not visited your room and you'd like to borrow some reading material, you may call extension 8228 and make a request. The Hadley Parrot Library on Level 2 also maintains a collection of health information suitable for patients and their families. It is open to the public. Library hours are 7:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday.
Lounges
If you're able to get up and around, you may want a change of scenery from time to time. Many floors have lounge areas where patients can enjoy a different view or visit with family and friends. Ask your nurse if there's a lounge on your floor or nearby.
Notary Public
A notary public is available through the Medical Records Department. Dial extension 7873 from inside the medical center, Monday through Friday, between 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.