NWH: COVID-19 Emergency Room Visit

NWH: COVID-19 Emergency Room Visit: What to Expect and What to Pack: Here’s a step by step guide of what to expect when you get to the ER and what to bring from Maureen Munson, Northern Westchester Hospital’s Director of Nursing, Critical Care Division.

By: Maureen Munson MSN, RN, NE-BC, Director of Nursing, Critical Care Division

Do you think you have COVID-19? Typical symptoms of COVID-19 include fever, cough, and shortness of breath, but we are seeing other symptoms in positive patients, including nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. If you’re feeling sick with mild symptoms (fever and cough), stay home and self-isolate, making sure to get plenty of rest and fluids. Let your doctor know how you’re feeling so he/she can monitor your symptoms and let you know the next steps to take.

If you feel your symptoms require emergency care, the following steps will occur if you present to the Emergency Department:

• Step 1. When arriving at the hospital, park your car and present to the Emergency Room entrance.
• Step 2: On entry, you will be given a mask.
• Step 3: Our team of clinicians will evaluate your symptoms and determine a plan of care.

Please know that once you’ve been evaluated, there is a chance that you will be admitted. Here’s a list of helpful things to pack just in case…

• A list of daily medications
• Phone charger
• Health Care Proxy/ Advance Directives
• A notepad for writing down questions