- Victoria L. Rich PhD, RN, FAAN
Chief Nurse Executive, University of Pennsylvania Medical Center. Associate Executive Director, Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania
Associate Professor, Nursing Administration, University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing . Philadelphia, PA
- Mary K. Walton, MSN, MBE, RN
Nurse Ethicist and Director, Patient and Family Centered Care at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania. Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania. Philadelphia, PA
Dr. Rich earned a Bachelor of Science in biology from Indiana University of Pennsylvania and graduated summa cum laude with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing in 1979 from Indiana University of Pennsylvania. She received a Master of Science and Doctorate degree in Nursing Administration from the University of Pittsburgh in 1984 and 1991 respectively.
Mary K. Walton, MSN, MBE, RN is the Nurse Ethicist and Director, Patient and Family Centered Care at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania. Ms. Walton holds a Bachelor of Science Degree and a Master of Science Degree from the University of Pennsylvania School Of Nursing and a Master of Bioethics Degree and a Certificate in Clinical Ethics Mediation from the University of Pennsylvania, School of Medicine.
Patients and families need to take more ownership for their care by utilizing their health resources more effectively. The health care world is changing and the views of patients and families are more respected and listened to by members of the healthcare team. Speak up and ask for help. Get your family involved in your care to help you as well.
3 Key Points
- Dear Patients-See yourself as a member of your health team-you are the expert on YOU!
- It is your RIGHT to have a support person with you throughout your hospital stay. Identify someone who you trust and who will work with you, the nurses and physicians.
- Seek to work in PARTNERSHIP with hospital staff-you need their expertise. They want what is best for you and have the knowledge and skills that you need.