Greater National Advocates Blog

I was introduced to Rosalie in April 2009 as she was about to embark on her first total knee replacement. Her children recognized that living alone and scheduling a major orthopedic procedure at the age of 86 required forethought and outside...

The Vagus Nerve Life reflects our body’s state; many feel threatened, stuck, and unsatisfied with their health and well-being. Any threat, real or perceived, can elevate inflammation in the body, which is mediated through the vagus nerve. The...

As we age, at some point in our lives, we may experience a downward progression; it could be physical, cognitive, or some combination. And while each individual’s experience will vary, there are some consistent patterns. For some of us, the change...

This is the fifth in a series of blogs written by patient advocacy pioneer and longtime educator, Karen Mercereau, RN, iRNPA, who has been actively involved in the field of Patient Advocacy since 2002. The goal of the Mercereau Report is to...

Written and submitted by GNA member, Avrom Fox If a person has contributed to Social Security (SS) for at least 10 years and has a debilitating illness such as stroke, ALS, muscular dystrophy or blindness, the individual can simply apply for...

This is the fourth in a series of blogs written by Karen Mercereau, RN, iRNPA. The goal of the Mercereau Report is to communicate information that is pertinent to our expanding practices. This edition of the Mercereau report is a selection of...

By now, many people may have heard that a former nurse at Vanderbilt University Medical Center, RaDonda Vaught, was convicted of negligent homicide in late March, for giving a wrong drug that led to patient death in 2017. This Friday the 13th, she...

Another 3 a.m. I could hear my husband’s slow regular breathing. David had finally fallen asleep in the hospital bed which would be his home for several weeks. I, the sentinel, remained ever alert a few feet away in our bed. Watchful yet...

Anna’s hospital allowed only one vaccinated visitor for non-Covid patients per day and only from 10 am to 5 pm. While both parents had flown in to support their adult daughter, as a family, they decided that her mom would be the designated daily...

Family and friend caregivers play one of the most important but overlooked watchdog roles in the hospital: tracking the many medications dispensed to their loved ones. By being present at bedside, caregivers can become familiar with medications...

I think we’re all aware that there is a mental health crisis in this country. As a result, it can be really difficult to find a therapist who has availability, much less a therapist with availability who is in your health insurance network. Are...

By Annette Ticoras, MD, BCPA The relationship between you and your physician is an important one. Establishing trust and open communication can be the difference between preventative measures and a serious health crisis. Most physicians genuinely...

This is the story of a family tradition that quite literally became “the gift that keeps on giving”. This is how my family handled important communication, especially wishes contained in advance directives. I write this now in observance of NHDD...

Written and submitted by Ilen Corina https://www.gnanow.org/advocates/ilenecorina Could This Letter Be Going to Your Medical Practice? (Names have been removed) Dear Office Manager, I am writing this letter with much regret. As a professional...

I often am asked the question, “how can a private patient advocate help while someone is in the hospital?” The healthcare team at the hospital includes so many people already, for example doctors, physician assistants, nurses, case...