ONE MILLION BOOKS

Protect Socail Security | National Nurses United

2011-01-16T18:03:00.000-08:00

Protect Socail Security | National Nurses United

Quirky Black Girls: Converting to Realtime: The Depth of a Deep Breath

2010-08-15T08:02:00.000-07:00

Quirky Black Girls: Converting to Realtime: The Depth of a Deep Breath

Dru Hill - These Are The Times

2010-04-15T06:54:00.000-07:00

Please Baby Please ... slow dance with me to this!

2010-02-19T11:59:00.000-08:00

"Ain't Too Proud to Beg."
Please,

Thank you.

Howlin' Wolf - How Many More Years

2009-12-31T18:33:00.001-08:00

Bald Headed Grrls Rock!

2009-07-27T13:01:00.001-07:00

My MacKenzie, my (gulp) granddaughter talks about the things that matter during our nature walk.

2009-05-31T17:13:00.000-07:00

"Free Your Mind ... and Your Ass Will Follow."

Freeing and Feeding your Mind, your Body and your Spirit at my weekend retreat/workshop/mini-vacation ...
August 28-30, 2009

at the beautiful Omega Institute, in Rhinebeck, New York
(two hours outside of New York City).

(workshop not affliated with the groups Parliament, P-Funk or the Funkadelic)

Reserve Now.
http://eomega.org/omega/workshops/e1c6613d2435d5394144ae254cbed27e/

Looking forward to meeting new and old friends in August.

Based on the provocative memoir by Adrienne Zurub:

(Available at http://amazon.com)
Reserve Now.
http://eomega.org/omega/workshops/e1c6613d2435d5394144ae254cbed27e/

Looking forward to meeting new and old friends in August.

Bella figura

2009-04-01T10:52:00.001-07:00

Hello April!

2009-03-26T08:45:00.001-07:00

JERONIMO
Originally uploaded by _Juanpri

Author, Adrienne Zurub Presents:

"Notes From the Mothership The Self I Think I Am"

Weekend Workshop August 28--30, 2009
@
Omega Institute for Holistic Studies
125 Lake Drive
Rhinebeck, New York 12572
(2 hours outside the Big Apple)

http://eomega.org/omega/workshops/e1c6613d2435d5394144ae254cbed27e/

Register online
or
call 800.944.1001

Inspired by comedian Adrienne Zurub and her remarkable book, "Notes From the Mothership The Naked Invisibles," we get to know the elusive "me" within each of us, the Self that is buried beneath the many layers and needs of others.

Come ... excavate your familiar unknown.

2009-03-07T14:58:00.000-08:00

Update: I am back from 3 months in the picture above! A tropical island in the Marshal Islands. Missed all of the Cleveland and Northeast winter weather. As a matter of fact, I took this picture at Emon beach.

JOIN ME! Come and discover ... you, the familiar unknown.

As a faculty member of the prestigious

OMEGA Institute for Holistic Studies in Rhinebeck, New York,

I am conducting a safe and sacrosanct workshop/exploration/discovery
August 28-30 2009,

entitled:

NOTES FROM THE MOTHERSHIP The Self I Think I Am
Course 4102-663

Short COURSE description:

"How often does it feel as if we are waiting in the noise of our culture for a deeper recognizance, meaning, and valuation of ourself?

Yet, while our community stands ready to define, confine, and control us as women, mothers, men, fathers, and significant others, we can learn to embrace the option of seeing ourself naked, stripped of social roles and obligations to reveal the reflection of our true Self. This workshop can help us get there.

Inspired by the comedian Adrienne Zurub and her remarkable book, Notes From the Mothership: The Naked Invisibles, we get to know the elusive "me" within each of us, the Self that is buried beneath the many layers and needs of others."

Click the Omega 'request catalog ' at http://eOmega.org to receive the extraordinary catalog.

Information about Omeg Institutefor Holistic Studies:
Since its founding in 1977, Omega has been a pioneer in offering personal growth retreats andwellness retreats that focus on the mind, body, and spirit. We do this by exploring, teaching, and embracing new ideas.

Omega's Rhinebeck, New York campus is a peaceful oasis in a hurried world, a healing center where you can relax, rejuvenate, and feel at home in the midst of nature's bounty and a community of warm, caring people. The beauty of our gardens, lake, and wooded trails, the friendly staff, the wonderful food, and the facilities at our Wellness Center, all support what people like you come to Omega to learn, helping you tap into the riches deep within all parts of yourself-body, mind, and spirit.

Omega is indeed a place where you can find within yourself the courage to become a happier, healthier, and more spirited person. This is what Omega's personal growth retreats andwellness retreats offer anyone who comes here. Our food (mostly vegetarian) served in our friendly dining all is excellent, the light meals and desserts in our cafe are awesome, our bookstore is superb, our country lanes are beautiful for walking and jogging, and our tennis and basketball courts are always open.

Omega's lakeside campus is set on 195 acres of rolling hills and woodlands in the Hudson River Valley, just two hours north of New York City. The Hudson Valley is rich in history, cultural vitality, and natural beauty-a colorful mosaic of forests, farmlands, lovely old towns, and the mighty Hudson River.

For more information: Call 877.944.2002 or email us at registration@eomega.org
Omega Institute for Holistic Studies 150 Lake Drive Rhinebeck, New York 12572 eOmega.org 800.944.1001

Available at:
http://amazon.com
ASIN: 0979286301
ISBN: 9780979286308

I'm here and there and ere and over here...

2008-09-03T13:16:00.001-07:00

null

View my page on CampusRN2RN

Word of Mouth is powerful

2008-08-12T09:52:00.001-07:00

Be part of the 1% of bloggers who are visionaries!

View my page on Society for Word of Mouth

2008-07-11T08:07:00.000-07:00

Adrienne Zurub
Speaker/Comedian/RN

Author - 'Notes From the Mothership The Naked Invisibles'
http://chasewunderlickpublishers.com.cn

http://adriennezurub.typepad.com

Book also available at: http://amazon.com
(ASIN: 0979286301)

For Speaking Engagements Contact:
nss@chasewunderlickpublishers.com.cn

I Kissed A Girl - Katy Perry

2008-07-07T19:11:00.001-07:00

I love the energy and 'wickness' of this song!
Adrienne Zurub
http://adriennezurub.typepad.com
Author,'Notes From the Mothership The Naked Invisibles'
http://chasewunderlickpublishers.com.cn

Dennis Wolfberg - One Night Stand (3 of 3)

2008-06-06T10:53:00.001-07:00

I'm Laughing!!

BlogTalkRadio Share Show Widget

2008-05-26T12:55:00.001-07:00

2008-05-20T06:56:00.000-07:00

Adrienne Zurub will be here, and here, and here, and here, and...
BOOK SIGNINGS/EVENTS:

May 28, 2008, Speaking to Jewish Women's Group, 'NA'AMAT! (private)

May 29, 2008, CROOKED RIVER Bookstore, East 9th & St. Clair, Cleveland, OH 11am--1:30pm

May 30, 2008, Cuyahoga Board of Health, Speaking to Nurses (private)

June 14, 2008, BORDERS Bookstore, 30121 Detroit Road, Westlake, Ohio, 2--4pm

June 26, 2008, Coventry Village Library, Book Discussion and Signing, 7pm--8:15pm

June 28, 2008, 'Loganberry Books Authors Book Fair' as part of 'The Larchmere Festival,' 11am--5pm

HOPE TO MEET YOU!

2008-03-17T14:45:00.000-07:00

BOOK SIGNING!
April 24, 2008
Joseph-Beth Booksellers
Legacy Village
Lyndhurst, Ohio
7-9pm

I look forward to meeting many of you who have emailed, written letters and phoned!

I am did a radio interview for NURSE TALKS out of San Francisco
Go to http://nursetalksite.com
Listen to the show or the podcast!

Thanks Everyone!
....more book signings to be announced!

Books are available NOW at Amazon.com!
(ASIN:0979286301)
and at: http://chasewunderlickpublishers.com.cn

at BORDERS!
30121 Detroit Road
Westlake, Ohio
(ask for my book at your local bookstore!)

follow me on Twitter

2008-02-28T14:05:00.001-08:00

What has happened to free speech?!
Here is a fantastic article about my book, free speech, and the trials of Cleveland Clinic!
http://www.freetimes.com/stories/15/43/clinic-trials
BTW, the book has SOLD OUT on amazon.com and a book signing at Joseph-Beth Booksellers had to be rescheduled to when the second printing is complete in April! Now, that's what I'm talking about!

Stay tuned here and at: http://adriennezurub.typepad.com Toodles!

2008-02-21T12:42:00.000-08:00

Nurse Ratched's Place: Stop the Presses!
Oh, you better believe that we nurses are a SOLID FORCE!
I THANK EVERY Nurse, Surgeon, Doctor, Secretary, Environmental engineer and just everyone for their Tsunami- like support of me and for purchasing my book!

THANK YOU! THANK YOU! THANK YOU!
(see the chinese words in the post below for more thank you's!)

Adrienne Zurub, RN,CNOR
P.S.: One of many,many comments I have receive daily:

"I read about you in an article about you getting fired because of the book. I am so sorry for you but they have probably done you a favor and helped you reach your goal of being a best selling author. If the ANA has any sense, they will back you and use this as a springboard to highlight the ugly truth about how nurses are treated. As an old OR nurse, I had instruments and bags of blood thrown at me, not counting verbal insults! That is why I went on to be a CRNA- we do not usually get yelled at!

I will now buy your book but would not have known about it without the firing. Keep your head up! All us "insiders" know you speak the truth." Sharon

Thank you Sharon!
Thank You EVERYONE for taking the time to comment and connect!

Adrienne

2008-02-08T19:30:00.000-08:00

Forgot to mention that emergiblog.com and it's author KimRN, who wrote my incredibly awesome Book Review as stated by FOXNEWS.COM!

Here is the link to read the review:
http://www.emergiblog.com/2008/02/inspiredand-fired.html
(and check out that grrl's blogroll...and other stuff while you're there!)

AMAZON HAS BOOKS!
ASIN: 0979286301

2008-02-06T19:25:00.000-08:00

Props to KimRN for an incredible review of my book on her incredible blog.
Check out the review at:
http://www.emergiblog.com/2008/02/inspiredand-fired.html

We are going into our SECOND PRINTING!
We SOLD OUT ON AMAZON.COM!
Please continue to check amazon.com to order or reorder:
ASIN: 0979286301
in bookstores March 2008!
ISBN: 978-0-9792863-0-8

THANK YOU so much for making this book the incredible success it is!
Thanks to EVERYONE for your support,comments, and encouragement! Thank YOU!

2008-01-16T12:54:00.000-08:00

Get This Badge

2007-12-05T16:07:00.000-08:00

IT'S A WOMAN'S WORLD: THURSDAY'S TREASURES: EXCLUSIVE, ADRIENNE ZURUB

2007-10-16T20:14:00.000-07:00

Happy Anniversary to me! My husband and I have been married 19 years!
Did I mention my forthcoming book? 'Notes From the Mothership The Naked Invisibles' due out December 2007! Just in time for the holidays!
Peep and Buy @ http://chasewunderlickpublishers.com.cn
Love you Sugarpoo!

2007-09-21T09:20:00.000-07:00

2007-09-10T18:29:00.000-07:00

The book cover!

Johnnie Walker Android

2007-09-01T12:22:00.001-07:00

St Vincent's Hospital Darlinghurst - Male Nurses: Five Star Generals

2007-09-01T06:41:00.001-07:00

St Vincent's Hospital Darlinghurst - Male Nurses: Five Star Generals

2007-08-24T13:08:00.000-07:00

Wonder Woman

Posted by sealingwax at 10:08 am on August 24th, 2007 on myblog.cm

Look for a new book coming soon by one of the most amazing women on the planet. No, she's not a candidate for political office--not yet, anyway. Running for office is probably one of the few things she hasn't attempted.

What makes her so remarkable?

Well, for starters, she's a veteran cardiac surgical nurse in one of the most prestigeous institutions in the nation. To top that off, she's a super Mom, poet, actress, author, philosopher, and--get this--standup comic!

A book about life.

Her soon to be released book, Notes from the Mother Ship, is not just an autobiography, it's a poetic and sometimes tragic look at life in general. The pathos of the OR as she describes it is a touching look at life and death from the vantage point of close proximity.

Just as the author seeks out other avenues for her self expression and ways to escape the morass of the life and death situations in a cardiac OR, the book takes you on a whirlwind tour de force of personal experiences and behind-the-scenes glimpses into the world of standup comedy. It's a Faulknerian stream of consciousness that allows the reader entre into the mind--and great heart--of this remarkable woman.

Who is she?

You don't want to forget her name. Adrienne Zurub can be found on the web at www.ADRIENNEZURUB.COM and a google of her name will reveal a number of other sites--blogs, information, etc.--that come from the prolific pen and hardy heart of a woman to be reckoned with.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------
"The time has come, the Walrus said, to speak of many things...of shoes and ships and sealing wax, and cabbages and kings..." Blog by J. Hamilton

Prepublication Sales have started!
Order your book, HOT OFF THE PRESS for $30.00 check or money order made out to: Adrienne Zurub

BONUS!
Your book will be autographed! (print your name and message clearly!)

Mail your check or money order to:

Chase & Wunderlick Publishers, LLC
2855 N. Park Blvd., Suite 577
Cleveland Heights, Ohio 44118-4030
United States of America Another

BONUS! with all prepaid orders,
Chase & Wunderlick Publishers,
has agreed to pay the shipping and handling fees!

JUST IN TIME FOR THE HOLIDAYS!
http://chasewunderlickpublishers.com.cn

2007-08-19T06:13:00.000-07:00

cristian lapusan

Prepublication Sales of my book, 'Notes From the Mothership ~ The Naked Invisibles' have started!
ADVANCE PRAISE FOR 'NOTES':
"Compelling!"

"Riveting"

" ~:o) Yer a pretty awesome kiddo. Hugs"

"You inspire the mind."

"I was there!"

Coming November 2007
Make your $30.00 check or money order out to:
Adrienne Zurub
Send your check or money order to:

Chase & Wunderlick Publishers, LLC
2855 N. Park Blvd., Suite 577
Cleveland Heights, Ohio 44118-4030
United States of America

All PAID preorders receive FREE shipping and handling!

PREPAID orders will be autographed by the author, Adrienne Zurub~
(please print your name and message clearly)

About 'Notes'
‘Notes From the Mothership ~ The Naked Invisibles’, coalesces the seemingly disparate elements of Ms. Zurub’s existential search for identity and self with a poetic poignancy afforded only by a life lived fully, attentively and mostly unguarded.

Blogging Den..: About Blogging Den..

2007-08-06T19:43:00.000-07:00

Blogging Den..: About Blogging Den..

ONE MILLION BOOKS

2007-08-05T17:08:00.001-07:00

Get jaxtr | Login

ONE MILLION BOOKS

2007-08-05T16:53:00.001-07:00

Get jaxtr | Login

2007-08-04T10:27:00.000-07:00

2007-08-01T06:30:00.000-07:00

ANNOUNCEMENT!
My book,
'Notes From the Mothership The Naked Invisibles' is coming out NOVEMBER 2007!

I have chosen a cover art photo from Alicia Ross (http://aliciaross.com)that is simply magnificent!

The photographer, Robert Kim of Robert Kim Photography in New York City did my author's photo...I look marhvelous dahling!

Robert Aulicino is doing the interior book and cover design!

We're almost there!
Remember (as if you could forget) my goal is to sell over
ONE MILLION BOOKS...with your support and purchases!

*PREPUBLICATION SALES ARE TAKING PLACE NOW!
If you order and pay for your book NOW the price will be $30.00 total
and
I will pay the shipping and handling for you.
AS WELL,
I will autograph your HOT OFF THE PRESS copy!

Snail mail your check or money order made out to:
Adrienne Zurub

and

Mail to:

Chase & Wunderlick Publishers, LLC
2855 N. Park Blvd., Suite 577
Cleveland Heights, Ohio 44118-4030
United States of America

Make sure that you correctly spell your name and include any information that you want within the autograph (i.e. to whom, write out your message)

This book is the perfect holiday, birthday, corporation, office, and whatever gift!

Check Out:

Small and Big: Want To Promote Your Blog? Comment Here

2007-05-10T03:31:00.000-07:00

Small and Big: Want To Promote Your Blog? Comment Here

2007-05-02T19:46:00.001-07:00

best_mom
Plug Your Book: Should the New York Times review self-published books?

2007-04-27T20:42:00.000-07:00

best_mom
215&TextColor=0&BGColor=6749952&Second=0&Minute=0&Hour=0&Day=9&Month=9&Year=2007&" quality="high" bgcolor="#ffffff" width="300" height="200" name="index_admin" align="middle" allowScriptAccess="sameDomain" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" pluginspage="http://www.macromedia.com/go/getflashplayer" />
Create yours at BlingyBlob.com!

2007-04-22T17:57:00.000-07:00

2007-04-20T16:52:00.000-07:00

best_mom

Adrienne Z http://audibledarkness.bebo.com/

Create yours at BlingyBlob.com!

2007-04-14T16:36:00.000-07:00

Adrienne Z http://audibledarkness.bebo.com/

2007-04-11T19:04:00.000-07:00

( best_momWARNING may be offensive to those that are sexually deprived or sensitive to pleasure). Does Sexual innuendo really sell Products? If so, should I make a trailer like this one to sell my book, 'Notes From the MotherShip~Naked Invisibles'?
Just thinking about marketing folk!(No wonder my SON & Husband love Ramen!)

Blog Directory

2007-04-10T13:47:00.000-07:00

Imus must go! The Producer of his show must GO!
His comments are unacceptable. best_mom
The reach of MSNBC is throughout the WORLD!
Enough of this character feeding the world negatives regarding Women of Color!

FIRE HIM! FIRE HIM NOW!
http://www.topmomma.com/mommas/referal/591

2007-04-07T21:31:00.000-07:00

THERE HAS TO BE SOME ENTERTAINMENT WHILE SELLING BOOKS! This is awesome!

Adrienne Z http://audibledarkness.bebo.com/

2007-04-01T09:58:00.000-07:00

best_mom

ONE MILLION BOOKS!
'notes from the mothership ~ naked invisibles
Author: Adrienne Zurub
publication date: september 2007

Goals: ONE MILLION BOOKS SOLD! Listing on The New York Times Bestseller List!

New York

Come check me out on MySpace at
href="http://www.blog.myspace.com/notesfromthemothership">
title="Ask GoodLuckFinder.com what your luck lies in!"
style="font-weight:bold;">
GoodLuck >Finder.com

Adrienne Z http://audibledarkness.bebo.com/

2007-04-01T08:26:00.000-07:00

TOP MOMMMA DRAMA! http://www.topmomma.com/mommas/referal/591

Adrienne Z http://audibledarkness.bebo.com/

2007-04-01T08:14:00.000-07:00

Come check me out on MySpace at http://www.myspace.com/notesfromthemothership

Adrienne Z http://audibledarkness.bebo.com/

2007-04-01T07:55:00.000-07:00

ONE MILLION BOOKS
The BOOK: 'NOTES FROM THE MOTHERSHIP~NAKED INVISIBLES'
Release Date: September 2007
by: Chase & Wunderlick Publishers
(http://www.chasewunderlickpublishers.com.cn)
Better than Oprah!
Although, if Oprah wants me of course I will appear I'm marketing myself here.

ONE MILLION BOOKS! Order yours FIRST!

Adrienne Z http://audibledarkness.bebo.com/

2007-03-30T20:27:00.000-07:00

me Weltanschauung

2007-03-30T20:11:00.000-07:00

HELLO AND WELCOME!

ADRIENNE ZURUB here again to inform you of
MY GOAL OF SELLING ONE MILLION BOOKS!

MY BOOK:
'Notes From the MotherShip ~ Naked Invisibles'
will be released SEPTEMBER 2007.

PLEASE FEEL FREE TO CHECK OUT MY OTHER BLOGS:

MY WEBSITE:
href="http://www.adriennezurub.com">

Published by
Chase & Wunderlick Publishers

Thanks for stopping by, post a message

2007-03-30T19:47:00.000-07:00

WebSite Tonight - Edit Content Block

Come check me out on MySpace at http://www.myspace.com/notesfromthemothership

2006-10-13T15:48:00.000-07:00

It's October 13, yeah Friday the 13th and it's frickin' freezin here in Cleveland. I think I'm going thru my seasonal affective disorder because this week all I've wanted to do is sleep...and I have!

Great things have been asunder with me.

I presented at the AORN conference in Las Vegas! It was wonderful!

I am now a CNOR (certified nurse operating room). Before, I was just 'certified' or certifiable. Now, I a big cheese...but with no cheddar.

I won 2 ribbons at my Toastmaster's meeting for speaking! Man, I'm on fire.

My son still loves me.
The husband is working like an animal...just the way I like it!

Hey, visit my website: http://www.ADRIENNEZURUB.COM; http://www.thenursewhisperer.com

Well, back to trying to keep me feet warm. Damn, it's cold. Here's wishing I was in Costa Rica.

Ciao Bella!

2006-06-10T17:14:00.000-07:00

Hey, anybody here! Hello! Hellllllllllllllllllllllllloooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo!

HERE'S MY NEW WEBSITE:

http://www.ADRIENNEZURUB.COM

http://www.cardiacbitch.com
http://TheNurseWhisperer.com

Come check me out on MySpace at http://www.myspace.com/notesfromthemothership

2006-06-01T13:48:00.000-07:00

My World and welcome to it!

2006-05-22T18:42:00.000-07:00

Man! I've not posted here for awhile...too many frickin' options! MySpace.com, Blogger.com, Squidoo.com, and all the aliases for those damn sites. AND, I'm developing my own website...geez! No wonder my ass is WIDE!

Anyway, I'm still working on getting my book, "Notes From the Mothership" out, meaning published and for sell by August 2006.
My Corporate Comedy Speaking business is taking off. Look for information on my forthcoming website:
ADRIENNEZURUB.COM & UBUZURUB.COM, coming soon!

I am in a PlayActs Performances play, Sunday, June 25th, at 3pm, at Loganberry Books, 13015 Larchmere Blvd., (one block north of Shaker Square, Cleveland, Ohio).
The name of the one hour play is "My Son Alex" by Ted Schvimer.

Other News:

I was a paid extra in SpiderMan 3 which filmed in downtown Cleveland in April.

I was also an extra in Jason Tomaric's film/documentary entitled, "The World without US" which is filming this month. He traveled to 22 countries to get film footage and interviews for this film!

We are filming the pilot (end of May) for the sketch comedy show, "The Mark Norton Show" this month. I spent some time as one of the writers for this forthcoming show!

I wrote part of a Nursing chapter for a book Cleveland Clinic is publishing celebrating 80 years of nurses, patient experiences, and nursing achievements.

Also, during the PlayActs Performances, the Larchmere Antiques Fair will be ongoing!

Booking Corporate Speaking gigs! I will be in Las Vegas, Philadelphia, New York, and Kansas, among other locations in the forthcoming months.

Going to the National Speaker's Association Convention in Orlando, Florida, July 23-25!

"The Lords of Praxton" the film I did last summer is being shown at Akron University's Student Union in June, June 22nd (I think). I am the character Helena Zor!

2005-12-06T05:02:00.000-08:00

2005-12-05T17:23:00.000-08:00

That's my Man-Child.

2005-12-05T17:16:00.000-08:00

2005-12-05T17:13:00.000-08:00

Guess What?

2005-11-19T17:12:00.000-08:00

Tomorrow, November 20, 2005, I will be a storyteller in 'Tellabration' a storytelling event here in Cleveland, Ohio.
The theme of the event is old and new. I'm going to tell the story of my mother. My mother got pregnant with me when she was seventeen, married my father and had seven children, actually eight, my brother Louis died immediately after birth. When I was eighteen and going to college, she finally came out and declared to us and the world that she was a lesbian! I can only imagine the circumstances that lead her to opening her legs to my father the day of my conception. It was the early 1950's and there was no word that my mother knew for lesbian, homosexual, or just being different. I'm positive, she thought she was just plain fuckin' weird and trying to exorcise an internal demon. She defined herself thru her pregnancies until the time came when she could proclaim it on her own!

She died at the age of 52 years old from metatstatic breast cancer. That same cancer wiped out the women on her side of her family. My grandmother (her mom), my grandmother's sister's, and my Mother's sister. My younger sister was diagnosed at age 26 and had a lumpectomy.

The 'new' part of my story contribution is the birth of my son, a complete and utter surprise! He has been a beacon of life, energy and creativity for me and my husband, and his really older sister! I have been so productive and creative since giving birth to him!

My Spoken Word piece that I composed called 'For Chance' received an 'Editor's Choice Award for Outstanding Achievement in Poetry by poetry.com and the International Library of Poetry, November 2005.' Woo Woo!

UBU (you be You!)
Stand up Comedian/Actor/Writer/Spoken Word Poet/Corporate Speaker/Mother/Wife.

2005-11-15T10:40:00.000-08:00

By: Adrienne Zurub, RN, AD, BA, MA.

A recent study at the University of Chicago, studied a varied database of 15, 440 patients from 31 hospitals between 1990-2000, who underwent CABG (coronary artery bypass grafts). The average age of the men was 63, and the average age of the women was 66.
The conclusion is that 22% of women are more likely to die after CABG than men!

The following actions/suggestions may save your life:

Invest and develop a relationship with your Nurse during your operative hospital course! This includes the Floor Nurse, the Operating Room Nurse, and the nurse in the intensive care unit.
Your Registered Nurse is your Partner in maintaining, reparative, and surviving your hospital course! He or she is your most vocal,profound and proximal patient advocate and your first line of defense. Registered nurses are highly trained, educated and technologically advanced practitioners. Typically, they interact more with you and your family than your doctor.

View your doctor and surgeon as independent contractors not your Partner! You, the patient are paying them! It is their privilege to serve you! Doctors need patients in order to practice medicine and make a living.

Research to find the best doctor, surgeon, and cardiologist for your specific heart problem! Specialization in heart surgery means that some heart surgeons do certain procedures better than others; because THEY DO MORE!

Go to the largest best teaching Heart disease institution in your area or outside the state. Why? Because at a larger facility, the heart center will have been exposed to and treated successfully a large number of patients with varying degrees of heart disease problems.

Go to the largest Heart disease center that routinely does patients from around the world! Why? Because this institution will have experienced the anomalies, the differences in vasculature (smaller arteries & veins in persons from Asian countries and the Middle East generally), and other oddities of the heart disease process. Also, patients now, present acutely to specialized heart centers with a number of disease processes in play as well as the prime offender of heart disease. Concurrent diseases such as diabetes, renal failure, patients on IABP (intra-aortic balloon pumps), LVAD (left ventricular assist device) carotid disease, some cancers, some previous and forthcoming surgeries and etc.!
Because of experience in treating a multitude of patients and problems, your presentation for surgery will be handled more efficiently and diagnosed quickly and correctly.

Just because your surgeon or doctor is nice to you in their office, does not mean that he or she is qualified to do your procedure. Research to get the best practitioner for your insurance dollars, or your personal dollars for those without insurance. Some surgeons are not surgically proficient in cases that they do not do routinely. Examples of this are: re-operations, combination re-operations for CABG and VALVE surgery, myectomies for IHSS, and etc.
A reason a surgeon may not be proficient in a procedure or procedures is because of the mortality rate associated with that procedure. That mortality rate if the procedure goes bad increases the hospital's surgical mortality risk (which affects their reputation and income) as well as that of the surgeon.
Also, if things go bad and the patient winds up staying in the intensive care for say weeks or months, the insurance provider may not pay beyond a 'reasonable' cost, and the hospital takes the hit for costs. Another reason a surgeon may not be proficient in certain procedures is that the hospital does not have highly trained nurses, cardiologists, and auxiliary personnel for the preopertive, intraoperative and postoperative course a patient may require. There are other reasons but the aforementioned are important.

Women (and men) need to ask about their quality of life after a heart procedure. What will your quality of life be? Will it be better? What emotional and social resources will you and can you utilize to combat anxiety, depression, and feeling alone? Women, typically older women may experience more anxiety and depression after surgery!
Women are nurturers but many do not put in place a system for their own nurturance after major life altering surgery! Network, make friends, do everything you can to ensure your best quality of life after a major procedure!

Find out how your surgeon, doctor, cardiologist plans to prevent you having a stroke before, during and after your heart surgery! Women have a higher stroke risk after heart surgery than men.

And lastly, BE FEISTY! Not arrogant, mean or nasty. Come in fighting for your life...because you are!

Everyone that visits a hospital should take the following precautions: wash your hands before, during and after the hospital visit. Take those antibacterial wipes with you and use them!
Hospitals are host to some of the most resistant forms of bacteria.

SOURCES: Bute, B. Psychosomatic Medicine, vol 65.
Blankstein, R. Circulation, 2005. HeartCenterOnline. News release, American Heart Association.

Ms. Zurub is a CardioThoracic Surgical RN with over twenty years expertise working at a world-renowned Heart Center in Cleveland,Ohio. As well, Ms. Zurub is a Stand Up Comedian/Actor/Writer/Spoken Word Poet/Corporate Speaker. Her stage name is UBU (you be You!). She has performed at various comedy clubs in LA and New York City and numerous venues in between. Presently she is authoring a book and doing Speaking engagements on Transformation, Women's Health/Heart Issues, and any topic that your organization requires. She can be emailed at ubuzurub@yahoo.com.