CASE 1. A patient needed a second opinion for knee surgery and called NurseConnects for assistance. The nurse advocate shared names and contact information of orthopedic surgeon experts in the field with the patient and also coordinated the appointment scheduling and met the patient at the physician office(s). Together, the nurse advocate and patient met with two different physician specialists, discussed and reviewed medical options. The patient was able to make an informed decision, selected a surgeon and surgery was scheduled.

CASE 2. The daughter and son of an elderly patient reside out of town. The family hired NurseConnects to visit thier mother in a long term care facility on a bi-weekly basis. RN Advocate visited patient, met with staff for patients updates and statuses. RN Advocate communicated progress to family. RN Advocate was able to check in on patient and answer any questions the family had. Family stated they felt calm and confident knowing their mother was cared for and watched over by a skilled healthcare clinician.

CASE 3. Mother critically ill in intensive care unit. Family called NurseConnects because they needed assistance understanding how to move forward with her plan of care and with making the decisions best for the patient. RN Advocate met family at hospital and together they met with the intensive care treatment team. RN Advocate clearly explained the patient case to the family and was available to answer ongoing questions. NurseConects was also available anytime the family needed support or had additional questions. Family stated they felt supported and confident.

CASE 4. Mother of two younger children was told by her surgeon she needed a total knee replacement which required a 6 week recovery time and off from work. She called NurseConnects for a list of surgeon experts in this procedure. Second opinion appointment was made by RN Advocate. This surgeon recommended a partial knee replacement to which the patient agreed.. Patient was off 5 days in lieu of 6 weeks. Patient stated. “recovery was so much better than expected.”

CASE 5. Father of a 11 year old girl was recently placed on an insulin pump for a new diagnosis of Type 1 Diabetes. NurseConnects reviewed the case with the patient’s father and the pharmacist scheduled time to meet with the family. The NurseConnects pharmacist educated the patient and parents on insulin pump, Type I Diabetes, and blood sugar monitoring. Patient and parents stated they felt more confidently able to manage this illness. NurseConnects was readily available whenever the parents or patient had additional questions or needed clarification.