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Learn How Our Nurse Impacts Your Emergency Care

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When thinking of your medical care, a doctor will most likely come to mind, but did you know that nurses are the primary providers of patient care? 

In fact, nurses also deliver most of our long-term care. In many ways, nurses are more than medical professionals, they’re also caretakers and support systems.

During this National Nurses Week, we’re going to learn more about some of the talented nursing staff at Victoria ER with one of our own, Jenette Hill, RN. Keep reading for a deeper look as to how nurses impact your emergency care!

 

Q: What made you want to be a nurse?
A: My daughter gave me the idea. I lost my job and called to give her the news. She thought a minute and said, “Well, maybe this is a blessing in disguise. You always wanted to go to college. You can always support yourself with a career in nursing.” As I looked into the nursing program, I began to get more and more interested. I was accepted into the nursing program, and there began my passion for nursing. I can’t imagine myself doing anything else.
Q: What does a typical day at the facility look like for you?
A: Every day is different. I find that patient symptoms come in waves.  For example, some days are mostly orthopedics. The patients get an x-ray, medication for pain and a splint.  Other days, we see a lot of patients with gastrointestinal issues. These patients get an IV and have blood drawn for labs, fluids for rehydration and medication for nausea and pain. Sometimes those patients need an abdomen CT scan. Patients typically leave with a script for medications. Those are just a couple examples. We see patients with a wide range of medical issues. If necessary, they’re transferred to a hospital for further medical care. We do our best to ensure our patients are well taken care of and happy when they leave.
Q: How does your job impact the patient’s emergency care experience? 
A: I believe my job impacts the patients emergency care in a positive manner.  We don’t let our patients sit in the lobby. They are brought to a room within a few minutes of arrival.  They are seen by the physician a few minutes later.  Our staff is friendly, efficient and professional. Patients seem to be impressed that we can do so much for them. We have several patients that return to us because they had positive experience in our facility. They have also recommended us to their friends and coworkers, which is a testament to our patient satisfaction and care.
Q: What’s it like working at a freestanding facility, and specifically, your facility? 
A: After working at Victoria ER, I will never go back to a hospital ER. I enjoy my job. I actually have the opportunity to talk with my patients, instead of running into their room, then running out. I have time to teach patients how to protect their health for the future, which is incredibly rewarding. We really value accessability in emergency care, which is why patients have the opportunity to talk to any of the staff or the doctor during their visit.

Victoria ER is your local emergency center, offering no-wait concierge-level medical care 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Our facility is equipped with the most advanced technology available, including CT scanner, X-Ray and bedside ultrasound, for your care. To learn more about the services we offer, visit this page.

Have you visited our facility? Let us know how we can improve your emergency care experience!

Nutex Health, Inc. supports you and your family’s health. Come visit Victoria Emergency Center or any one of our concierge-level freestanding facilities for the emergency care you deserve, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
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Celebrating National Doctor’s Day With Q&A

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There are over 45,000 emergency physicians in the U.S., and at Victoria ER, we have the some of the best of these doctors practicing at our facility.

Since it’s National Doctor’s Day, we’re going to hear from of our physicians, Dr. Joseph Hathorn, on why he become a physician and how Victoria ER bridges the gap between a traditional emergency department and concierge-style care.

 

What made you want to become a physician?

When I was in high school, I had a Physics teacher encourage me to consider a career in medicine. It was always a consideration but I didn’t really seriously focus on the possibility until after that point. Having a well-respected teacher who believed in me like that had a huge effect. When I entered college I had already made my mind up that I would be pre-med. I think going into college knowing exactly what I wanted to do helped me to become impervious to the typical distractions that college kids, especially freshmen, can easily fall prey to.

So, what’s a typical day at the facility look like for you?

My day at the facility typically starts at 9am. When I first come in, I check with the outgoing physician to see if there are any patients that need to be signed out so that I can assume care. If there are patients, we will go over the patient’s history and current status in the facility and see if there are any pending test results.

After that is done, I will go to my call room and get myself ready for the day. I will usually eat breakfast and get myself settled in for the day. I will do patient callbacks, something that the oncoming physician must do, usually during the first portion of the shift.

If there is any down time or a period where there are no patients, I may try to catch up on reading or spend some time on anything that needs my immediate attention.

How does Victoria ER differ from other emergency departments?

Working at this facility is a “breath of fresh air” when compared to a typical hospital ER. Unlike at the hospital, I can see patients very quickly and give them the quality time and service that they truly deserve. Patients are very appreciative of this and we know it makes a difference in their care experience.

I also like the fact that test results come back much faster when compared to the hospital. This means our patients are on their way to feeling better, faster. Our staff is motivated by the positive patient experience and in return, they’re able to perform their jobs optimally. It is a win-win for the patients and the staff taking care of them.

Victoria ER is a state-of-the-art facility with CT scanner, X-Ray and ultrasound in addition to our comprehensive list of lab services. Our ER trained and experienced physicians are committed to providing with you the no-wait, exceptional emergency care experience you deserve 24/7. Your health and satisfaction is our priority.

Want to learn more about the services we provide? Check out this page. 

Nutex Health, Inc. supports you and your family’s health. Come visit Victoria Emergency Center or any one of our concierge-level freestanding facilities for the emergency care you deserve, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

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What You Should Know About Heart Attack & Heart Disease

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Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the U.S., causing a quarter of all deaths each year.

Contrary to what you might think, you aren’t predetermined to develop heart disease, even if there’s family history. While certain factors, like a family history, may increase your risk, heart disease is preventable. Learn more from one of our own doctors, Dr. Joseph Hathorn, about recognizing signs of heart attack and heart disease prevention during this National Heart Health Month.

 
 
How do I know if someone is having a heart attack?

The text book presentation for heart attack is pressure-like pain in the center of the chest that may radiate to the left. The person may also experience shortness of breath and sweating. Still though, many patients do not have symptoms such as these, particularly diabetics, older patients and women, says Dr. Hathorn.

Often, these patients experience more vague symptoms such as weakness, dizziness or extreme fatigue. They may have associated symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, jaw pain or back pain as well. The key to determining whether or not someone is having a heart attack is to look at their risk factors for the disease. What are some of the most common risk factors?

    • Diabetes
    • High Cholesterol
    • Smoking
    • Family History
    • High Blood Pressure
Are there any signs I can look for before the heart attack that may indicate an episode later?

Any chest discomfort that is associated with exertion, shortness of breath and a decrease in exercise tolerance (becoming harder to tolerate low levels of exercise intensity) should be a cause for concern. You should seek medical attention if you notice these symptoms, and at a minimum have a stress test performed, says Dr. Hathorn.

What should I do if someone is having a heart attack?

If someone is having symptoms related to a heart attack, call 911 immediately. Do not try to transport these patients to receive emergency attention yourself. Paramedics have the necessary equipment and expertise that will minimize potential complications related to a heart attack.

You may also give them an aspirin while waiting for emergency responders as it’s been shown to decrease the mortality rate in heart attack patients, says Dr. Hathorn.

What are some preventative measures I can take against heart attack?

The best way to prevent heart attack is to address the risk factors associated with the disease. The main risk factors are diabetes, high cholesterol, smoking, family history and high blood pressure. While you cannot change your family history, you can watch your diet and consume less processed foods and sugar.

You can also exercise on a regular basis, and get regular doctor visits. Avoid smoking tobacco. This one risk factor alone has been associated with a much higher predisposition for heart disease, says Dr. Hathorn.

We encourage our patients to see your regular physician about a long term heart health plan. Visit this page to learn more about heart disease and preventative measures you can take.

How do you take care of your heart health?

Nutex Health, Inc. supports you and your family’s health. Come visit Victoria Emergency Center or any one of our concierge-level freestanding facilities for the emergency care you deserve, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

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Get Ready for Cold & Flu Season with Our Doctors

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The holidays are a time for family, friends and food.

But with all the twinkling lights and gingerbread houses, there are also some pretty serious viruses, like the flu, making their way through our homes.

Hear from Dr. Joseph Hathorn, one of our board certified emergency physicians, about common flu myths, home remedies and how to tell if your cough might be something more serious.

Q: What’s a common misconception about the flu?

A: One common misconception is that you can get the flu from the flu vaccine itself. This is simply not the case. The vaccine is made of the inactivated flu virus and because of this you cannot get an infection from it. If you get sick after getting the shot, it is most likely because the vaccine did not have time to provide full immunity and you may have caught the common cold.

Influenza is a dangerous infection, which can lead to hospitalization, and even death. The CDC estimates that there’s been as many as 700,000 flu-related hospitalizations since 2010. Don’t risk catching the flu when you could be sitting around a crackling fire with loved ones. Get vaccinated and protect your health and the health of those around you.

Wondering where to get your vaccine? Pharmacies like CVS and Walgreens and even some grocery stores give immunizations. View this link to find where you can get vaccinated.

Q: How do I know if I have the flu or if it’s just a cold?

A: The flu generally comes with more serious and debilitating symptoms. Patients who have the flu tend to run a high fever whereas patients who have the common cold may have a low-grade fever or no fever at all. Patients with the flu also tend to experience body aches to the point where they are unable or unwilling to move.

You may also experience these symptoms:

 

    • Chills and headaches
    • Dehydration
    • Fatigue
    • Loss of appetite
    • Nausea
Q: What’s the best preventative measure against flu?

A: The best way to protect yourself during flu season is to receive the flu vaccine and to practice regular, vigorous handwashing.

Check out our guide on handwashing.

Q: What’s an at home remedy I can try during the flu season?

A: While there is no “proven” home remedy for the flu, some believe in the power of chicken soup and hot lemon tea. These “remedies” are soothing and comforting but will not directly affect the flu virus. The best thing to do at home is to take Ibuprofen and Tylenol for fever and body aches. You also want to make sure to drink plenty of fluids and get plenty of rest.

Now that you’ve heard from our physician, let us know how you fortify your body during flu season!

Nutex Health, Inc. supports you and your family’s health. Come visit Victoria Emergency Center or any one of our concierge-level freestanding facilities for the emergency care you deserve, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.