Where do I go?
Upon your arrival at the Emergency Department, first report to our Emergency Department check-in area located just inside the walk-in entrance to the Emergency Department. A nurse is stationed in that area between 11 a.m. and 11 p.m. At other times, you will need to press the button located on the wall in that area to signal your arrival.

At the check-in area, a nurse will then direct you, based on your needs, to the Emergency Department registration area or to the treatment area. The nurse will ask you questions about the nature of your complaint(s), medications you are taking, whether you have any allergies and your past medical history. The nurse will also take your temperature, pulse, respirations and blood pressure. He or she will then escort you into an Emergency Department examination room or ask you to have a seat in the waiting area until a room is available inside the department. Please be aware that patients are not necessarily treated in their order of arrival. Patients with more serious problems may be treated first. Every effort will be made to see you as soon as possible.

What information should I bring?
Our registration clerks will appreciate your bringing the following information:

• Name
• Birth Date
• Address
• Telephone Number
• Social Security Number
• Insurance Card(s)
• Medicare/Medicaid Card(s)

What happens once I am in the examination room?
You will remain in the exam room until a doctor, physician assistant (PA), or nurse practitioner (NP) is able to see you. You may be sent to another department, such as the Radiology Department, for necessary procedures. Other hospital staff may come to your room and perform procedures such as an EKG or a blood draw. The length of time you spend in the exam room depends upon the number of tests you need and how busy the Emergency Department staff is. When your test results are received and the doctor has reviewed them, he or she will see you again to discuss the results with you. Please feel free to ask the doctors and the nurses any questions you may have.

Will I be given any information to take home?
The nurse or doctor will go over your discharge instructions with you, and you will receive a copy of the instructions. You may be given a prescription for medication along with instructions to follow up with a doctor or to come back to our Emergency Department.

What is taking so long?
Although you may not see the following activities occurring, they are taking place inside the Emergency Department to ensure that all of our patients are getting the best possible care. Our Emergency Department team members are:

• Obtaining your previous medical records for review
• Contacting your doctor for consultation
• Awaiting and interpreting your lab results
• Interpreting X-rays and obtaining previous X-rays for comparison
• Consulting with other specialists when necessary
• Tailoring discharge instructions to your specific illness or injury
• Issuing prescriptions when necessary
• Dispensing medications when indicated
• Dictating your medical records so they are quickly available for your doctor

Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners
O’Bleness has sexual assault nurse examiners (S.A.N.E.s). Each is a registered nurse who has received advanced education in handling sexual assault cases. These nurses complete forensic examinations including the collection of evidence from sexual assault patients. They also testify in court regarding sexual assault cases.

Patient Representatives
Patient representatives are available to address concerns you may have regarding your care, charges or services. Our patient representatives can explain policies and procedures as well as your rights and responsibilities as a patient. If you have any questions or concerns, please speak to your physician or nurse. If you would like to speak with a patient representative, ask your nurse to contact our Patient Relations Coordinator, Jed Pidcock, at extension 9383, or dial (740) 592-9383 after you go home. You may also email Patient Relations.