Learning something new

I've taken care of post-transplant patients, but lately, we've gotten a few pre-transplant patients at the Hotel.

So I went to the library to find some information. First of all, the International Transplant Nurses Association has a wealth of information about transplantation topics and patient education. Like rehab nurses, transplant nurses deal with a wide variety of subjects while caring for patients.

In addition, some things vary for patients based on their rating or score for whether they are eligible (or need) a transplant. Liver transplant patients hear about their MELD scores, heart patients may know what their Seattle Heart Failure Model or other score can affect how and when they get a transplant and how their doctors treat their heart problems before they get transplanted.

Why does this make a difference? Goals, folks, goals. Rehabilitation is big on how patients can (reasonably) meet their goals on admission and discharge. We don't just want them to progress while they are here. They need to continue it as time goes on.

Needless to say, working in rehab is never boring. There's always something new to learn.

Stay tuned!