Nursing Services - Old

Change continued in the nursing department during the past year. The addition of new physicians and advanced technologies have had direct impacts on nursing care delivery here at Ashe Memorial.

The nursing department continued to function in a flat organizational structure consisting of Nurse Managers in all areas who reported directly to the Chief Nursing Officer. Early in 1996 we added shift supervisors to this structure in an effort to have the entire nursing department work as a team.

Over the last year we have been conducting a patient satisfaction survey to obtain feedback (negative and positive) about care given in nursing and other areas of the hospital. Because of these suggestions we have made efforts to make things better for the patients we serve. Other hospital departments have also been striving to improve things for the patients. In this survey we have been able to contact approximately 55% of all inpatients for comments.

In nursing, the addition of an orthopedic surgeon this spring has given us an opportunity to learn more skills in all areas of the hospital.

We also are eagerly awaiting the addition of a computer system to help us carry out physicians' orders in a more efficient manner. Again, this system will allow us an opportunity to learn and develop new skills.

As in the past we look forward to serving the citizens of Ashe County and helping you meet your health care needs.