Pat Murphy, RN

Phone: 203-966-1722
info@nursebyyourside.com

www.nursebyyourside.com

CT RN License: R 47752
NY RN License: 355425-1

Serving patients throughout Fairfield and New Haven Counties, CT; Westchester County, NY

Practice Focus, Interests

It was the time that I spent in homecare that first opened my eyes to how fragmented our healthcare system really was. People and families were often frustrated and overwhelmed with trying to understand their illnesses and medical treatments. They often didn’t understand their medical insurance and were very interested in having someone explain how “everything works.”

Every day I work, I speak with people and families who relay their frustrations about our healthcare system and simply want information and help with their health needs. Many are caring for their elderly relatives and need help in coordinating their care. Others simply want more time to discuss their diagnosis and treatment options. Still others, unfortunately, have had someone they know have complications while in a hospital or nursing home. They all feel that “something is missing” when it comes to healthcare today. As a nurse advocate, I will be focusing on helping monitor the care of the hospitalized or nursing home patient in order to help them recover as quickly and safely as possible.

Listening to all these patients' experiences have helped me decide to pursue training in private healthcare advocacy. I am currently enrolled in the program to become certified as a Private Healthcare Advocate through Healthcare Liaison, Inc. and will receive my certification in November 2010.

Professional History

I have been a registered nurse for 25 years, with 17 years experience working in the cardiac care unit and a surgical intensive care unit. After leaving the critical care area, to raise a family and pursue my nursing degree, I worked for 5 years in a two home care agencies, one that served children and the other, adults. Since 2006, I have been working in the endoscopy unit of a hospital-affiliated outpatient ambulatory facility. In this unit, I work 2 days a week in the procedure room and 2 days in the recovery room. At present, I am a member of the Parish Nurse Program of Fairfield County, CT. The Parish Nurses work with each person's parish community to help educate patients about healthcare issues.

Academic Background

I attended nursing school in New York City and graduated from St. Vincent’s Hospital School of Nursing in 1982 with a nursing diploma. I have been pursuing my BSN on a part-time basis since 2003 and will graduate from Sacred Heart University in Fairfield, CT by 2011.