Updated Saturday, March 27, 2010    
Be Your Own Best Advocate in the OR

Learn to Prevent Errors
Empower yourself to minimize the chances for medical "mistakes." Read more and download a free questions checklist.



Reach Out
Write to your representatives in the state and federal government. Read more Also, an open letter to President Obama on reducing surgical errors.


More About the Author: 

Meet Helen French


Helen French, BSN, RN, the University of Virginia Beta Kappa Chapter of Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing's 2009 Distinguished Nurse.


Listen to "Amy's Song" A song of Strength for the Hurting. (10 MB)


There is a common belief that medical mistakes "just happen," and that the average patient can do little more than to "hope for the best." As a nurse with more than 30 years experience in the Operating Room, however, I can assure you that a little knowledge can dramatically improve your own outcome, or that of a loved one undergoing surgery.

 

   

The University of Virginia Beta Kappa Chapter of Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing presented "The 2009 Distinguished Nurse Award" at a dinner held at the University of Virginia Rotunda to Helen French BSN, RN, founder of the University of Virginia MERCI Program.

 

Operating Room RN Watching Over You