Doctor-Nurse Relationship: How to Energize and Engage the Doctor and Nurse Team

By Barbara Ficarra, RN, BSN, MPA Some patients struggle to communicate effectively with their doctors and some doctors and nurses find it difficult to communicate and collaborate with each other. Historically, the dynamic symbiotic relationship between doctors and nurses has been a little shaky, evidenced by the lack of engagement and respect for one another. Hospitals are chaotic and stressful.  Working in such an environment can lead to frustration and it can take a toll…

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Teamwork in Medicine is Critical for Quality Patient Care

By Barbara Ficarra, RN, BSN, MPA From KevinMD’s medical blog, guest post by Toni Brayer, MD shares a story where a team approach in medicine is critical for quality patient care. Dr. Bryer writes: “Medicine is a team sport and it is only when the team is humming and everyone is working together that patients can have good outcomes.  Hospital errors, medication errors, poor communication between doctors and nurses are prevented by adherence to protocols…

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Bruce Dan, MD Cancer Blog – 4 Tips to Help Whip Doctors and Nurses into Shape

By Barbara Ficarra, RN, BSN, MPA Part II In Part I of my blog, “Bruce Dan, MD Blogs About His Cancer Treatment”, and I highlighted areas where Dr. Dan shows humor, strength and resolve. Part II addresses issues that Dr. Dan observes firsthand that affect patient care. Dr. Dan offers his observations and I offer some simple tips to help improve patient care. Dr. Dan is now the “e-Patient” – an empowered and engaged patient…

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Bruce Dan, MD Blogs About His Cancer Treatment

By Barbara Ficarra, RN, BSN, MPA For Health Consumers and Medical Professionals Heartfelt accounts of cancer treatment documented with humor Part  I “I must say, good-naturedly, that the physicians and nurses are reluctant to give you an exact answer to a question.  It’s always, “It depends.”  I realize that things vary, but if a Martian came to earth and asked how tall humans were, it’s not particularly helpful to say, “It depends.”  I’ve asked Lisa…

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Smoke-Free Hospitals and Patients

By Barbara Ficarra, RN, BSN, MPA Nurses and doctors and other members of the health care team strive every day to provide quality patient care.   We focus on patients by understanding their needs. We listen, assess and evaluate.  We work together as a team focusing not only on the patient, but family members as well. We formulate individual care plans addressing each and every need. Providing quality patient care is the single most important goal…

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