Your Health, Our Heroes
Your Health and Safety Remain Our #1 Priority
As we move forward, healthcare might look different. But at the heart of our care are the same trusted and dedicated healthcare heroes you’ve relied on for all your health needs. We’re again here to provide a range of healthcare services, from your annual screenings and physicals to quality of life procedures that help you make the most of every moment moving forward. Our doctors, nurses and entire team are working hard to ensure a safe place of care for you and a healthier community for all of us.
Frequently Asked Questions for Patients
Is the hospital clean and safe?
Our hospital is clean and safe -- just like it always has been! One of the core elements of properly managing infectious diseases is the cleanliness of our physical facility. The staff members in our Environmental Services Department work around the clock to keep the hospital clean. Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, we have increased the frequency for terminally cleaning (or "deep cleaning") each patient room and procedure area. During a terminal cleaning, every surface in the room is thoroughly disinfected and every detachable item is removed and sanitized. This helps ensure a safe environment of care for all our patients.
For more detailed information on our cleaning and sanitation practices, please see our Environmental Services page.
Do you have the supplies and capacity to accommodate my procedure?
Our clinical teams will conduct twice daily "go/no-go" meetings in which they will review crucial supplies such as PPE, medications, blood, space and staffing to ensure that we have enough to comfortably care for those undergoing elective/non-urgent procedures AND accommodate our normal emergency care and potential COVID-19 patients.
We are not booking our schedules to full capacity. Out of an abundance of caution and with the conservation of supplies in mind, we are not starting with a full schedule right away. Should things continue to progress positively, we'll increase our capacity on a week-by-week basis. This is for your safety and ours.
Do you have enough staff to resume elective/non-urgent procedures?
Our team regularly monitors staffing levels to ensure a safe environment for all patients, providers and employees. In addition, we screen all employees daily for COVID-19 symptoms. We are confident that we have the appropriate staff and providers to resume elective and non-urgent procedures while also accommodating our normal emergency care and potential COVID-19 patients.
Will my experience be the same as in the past?
Your experience in our facility may look a little different than in the past, but this is because we have new processes and procedures in place to further protect your health during the COVID-19 pandemic.
What should I expect during my procedure?
Upon arrival at the facility, you will be asked the same standard screening questions and provided with a cloth mask (if you do not already have one). If you have your own mask or bandana to cover your mouth and nose, you can wear that.
You may never see another patient while you are here, and that is intentional for now. We are currently trying to minimize overlap in an effort to promote social distancing, conserve resources, and protect the safety of all of our patients and employees.
You are going to be asked COVID-19 screening questions multiple times by multiple people, up until you are admitted for your procedure. You may get tired of these questions, but we assure you they are for your health and safety, and that of our staff.
You may never see the faces of your care team members under their protective equipment. We do regret this, as the personal connections we have with our patients and community are what keep us going. However, this is an important precaution we are taking to protect you and our clinical staff.
What questions will I be asked during the screening?
The questions are part of our standard COVID-19 screening process and include asking if you have either of these symptoms:
- Cough
- Shortness of Breath
Or if you have at least two of these symptoms:
- Fever
- Chills
- Repeated shaking with chills
- Muscle pain
- Headache
- Sore throat
- New loss of taste or smell
Whenever you are asked, please answer these screening questions honestly. If your procedure has to be postponed, it will be just that: postponed. It does NOT mean it will be canceled, and we will work with you to reschedule as soon as possible.
How will I prepare for my procedure?
If you are having a surgical procedure, you will be asked to practice "safer at home" behaviors for seven (7) days to minimize potential exposure prior to your procedure. This means going a step further from social distancing -- only leaving your home for critical needs such as groceries or going to the pharmacy. If you need to leave for an essential purpose, please wear a mask.
Will I be tested for COVID-19?
If you are having a surgical procedure, your provider may order a test for COVID-19 at his or her discretion. Our Scheduling Department at the hospital will call you to schedule your COVID-19 test. This test must be performed at least 5 days before your surgery. If your test happens to be positive, your procedure will be postponed, and you will be given instructions related to your care. If you are having an imaging procedure, you will be screened and masked, but not tested for COVID-19.
Can my family member/spouse/friend/caregiver come with me to the facility?
We realize that family and friends play a crucial role in the healing process. Therefore, each patient at NNRH will be permitted one healthy visitor per day. Visiting hours for inpatients will be 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Please read our complete visitor policy here.
What happens when I arrive for my procedure?
When you arrive at the facility, you will be asked the same standard screening questions and provided with a cloth mask (if you do not already have one). If you have your own mask or bandana to cover your mouth and nose, you can wear that.
Will I be treated near COVID-19 patients?
We are not performing elective/non-urgent procedures on COVID-19 positive patients at this time.
All patients who test positive for an infectious disease, including COVID-19, are isolated for treatment in accordance with guidelines from the Nevada Department of Health & Human Services and the CDC. Our hospital has a dedicated isolation wing for treatment of patients under investigation (PUIs) and patients who have tested positive for COVID-19.
If I have additional questions about my procedure, who should I contact?
If you have any questions, please call our team at 775.748.2243.