You and Your Nurse

Take advantage of the special expertise of this health care professional

He’s a home care nurse

Twice a week, Julian Eichert, R.N., visits Carl Epting of Mertztown to check on his Hodgkins lymphoma. Using a laptop to document his patient’s condition gives Eichert more time for conversation and support.

Your Nurse Is a Magnet Nurse

Magnet status is the highest honor for nursing excellence—and Lehigh Valley Hospital just earned it for the second time. What does coming to a Magnet hospital mean to you? Highly educated and experienced nurses who conduct research to improve your care...the right number of nurses on staff...a focus on you, not on paperwork...and nursing care so good, studies show you’re likely to go home sooner and have better results. Fewer than 4 percent of hospitals nationally achieve Magnet status. Want details? Click here. 

Your Community, Your Hospital

The ideal hospital listens to the patient. At Lehigh Valley Hospital, our patient satisfaction scores are consistently high, yet we know we can always do better. That’s why we invited patients and their families to sit down candidly with us, in a process called Future Search, and help us understand how we can better meet their needs. Click here for more information. In the next phase, hundreds of health care leaders gathered to brainstorm and plan our future based on our patients’ priorities. This kind of two-way dialogue is one reason health professionals are eager to work here. Our nursing vacancy rates, for example, are far below national averages. Want details? Click here. 

Sure, your nurse cares for your physical needs—but that’s only part of a nurse’s role today, says Karen Groller, R.N., of Lehigh Valley Hospital and Health Network. “Think of your nurse as the coordinator of your care,” Groller says. “Whether you’re in the hospital, the doctor’s office or at home, the nurse ensures that your health care needs are assessed and met and all your questions are answered.”

Another big function for modern nursing professionals is education. Given today’s short hospital stays, that’s critical. “Your nurse can teach you about your condition and how to care for yourself,” Groller says.

Many nurses go even further, pursuing advanced education and certification in areas like cancer care, pediatrics or breastfeeding. They serve on technology committees, launch support groups and conduct research. Think of it—that nurse who’s giving you your medication also may have done research proving it’s the best treatment for your condition.

Take full advantage of what this key health professional has to offer!

In the hospital
If you have pain or a concern, tell your nurse. Doctors may visit only once a day in the hospital, so don’t wait. Your nurse will be able to determine if you need immediate attention from a physical therapist or other specialist, and can talk with you about your diagnosis and treatment.

If there’s a change in your condition, your nurse will notify your doctor and help decide how to respond. Your nurse also is charged with preparing you to go home. “We connect our patients with resources in the hospital and community, and we talk through their concerns about leaving the hospital,” says Groller, who helped start a support group for amputees.

In the doctor's office
“The office nurse is your liaison with your doctor,” says Susan Steiner, R.N., who educates nurses at Lehigh Valley Physician Group practices. Whether you’re in the office or calling on the phone, you can rely on the nurse to answer your questions and collaborate with you and your doctor to help you stay well. Like their hospital counterparts, office nurses can teach you how to take care of yourself and your family. Some offices have nurses who specialize in areas like childhood development, diabetes or medication management. Ask if there is a nurse specialist to care for you.

In your home
“Your home care nurse is there to help you live independently,” says Vickie Cunningham, R.N., of Lehigh Valley Home Care. “We evaluate your needs—physical, emotional, financial and spiritual—and help you set goals and achieve them.”

Home care nurses are “the eyes and ears of your physician,” she says. “If we see you’re having problems, we can recommend resources such as physical therapy or a home health aide to help with personal care needs.”

Want to Know More about hospital caregivers, nurse practitioners or nursing jobs at Lehigh Valley Hospital? Click on the links in the column on the right side of this page.

Who Cares for You

R.N. (Registered Nurse)—Directs and manages your care under your doctor’s direction.

L.P.N. (Licensed Practical Nurse)—In the hospital, provides nursing care under the direction of a registered nurse. In the
doctor’s office, an L.P.N. may work more independently, and also make appointments and keep patient records.

C.R.N.P. (Nurse Practitioner)—Has advanced education in a particular medical area, such as pediatrics or geriatrics. Like physicians, nurse practitioners can give physical exams, diagnose and treat illnesses, prescribe medications and interpret test results.

Nursing Assistant/Technical Partner—Tests your blood sugar, takes vital signs and gives other care as directed by a registered nurse, in the hospital, doctor’s office or home.

Support Partner—Keeps your hospital room tidy, helps you bathe or use the bathroom, accompanies you to tests or surgery, and maintains equipment and supplies.

Medical Assistant—Keeps the doctor’s office running smoothly by greeting patients, updating medical records, scheduling appointments and arranging laboratory services.

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