Amenities

Finding Your Way/Taking Care of Business

Wayfinding Kiosks

Wayfinding kiosks, complete with flat screen monitors and printers, are located throughout the hospital. They allow guests to enter their destination point and receive a printed map and directions of how to get there. The kiosks also feature a directory for visitors to use.

1st Impression Greeters

The Nebraska Medical Center is committed to putting its patients first. To better serve patients and visitors, greeters are in place at the entrances of Clarkson Tower, located at 42nd Street and Dewey Avenue, and the Durham Outpatient Center, located at 44th and Emile streets, from 6:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday–Friday. They can answer questions and provide directions on how to navigate the hospital.

Newspapers

Daily newspapers may be purchased from vending machines near the main entrance of each hospital tower, at CornerStone Gifts and at the main elevators of Clarkson Tower.

Notary Public

Notary public service for health-care related documents is available Monday through Friday at no cost to patients and families. Weekend service is available by special request. Call the operator by dialing “0” for help with this service.

Outdoor Rest Areas

Those undergoing lengthy treatment for serious illnesses often need a place away from the clinical environment of their treatment.

The Healing Gardens, adjacent to The Lied Transplant Center, provides patients and families a tranquil environment in a beautifully landscaped, peaceful outdoor setting for relaxation, quiet reflection and conversation. You may access The Healing Gardens from The Lied Transplant Center.

Additional outdoor respite areas include two areas accessible from the Hixson-Lied Center: the Rooftop Garden (use elevator C to level four) and the Caregiver’s Plaza, which is accessible from the main level. Finally, the Durham Outpatient Center Plaza is an area just west of the Durham Outpatient Center. Visitors and patients can access this area using the northwest door on level one.

Interpretive Services

In compliance with the American with Disabilities Act of 1990, our Interpretive Services program can provide qualified language interpreters as well as sign language interpreters 24 hours a day, seven days a week for Limited English Proficient (LEP) or hearing impaired patients and employees of The Nebraska Medical Center. If a specific language or dialect is not represented in the community, The Nebraska Medical Center has instant access to a telephonic medical language line. All interpreters have proven proficiency in their target language as well as medical interpreter training. We have staff Spanish interpreters on site and available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. If you require a language or sign language interpreter or have other language needs, please have your nurse or hospital staff contact our Interpretive Services department at 402-559-8697.

Hearing Impaired

For hearing impaired patients, we also have access to Video Remote sign language interpretation as well as other assistive devices such as a TTY phone and Pocketalkers. If you have a need for these devices, have your nurse or hospital staff contact Interpretive Services. Equipment must be returned to Interpretive Services upon discharge by hospital staff. Your television is also equipped with closed captioning.

Mail Delivery

Your mail will be delivered Monday through Friday by volunteers.
Mail should be addressed as follows:
(Patient Name)
Patient Mail
Hospital Room #
P.O. Box 6159
Omaha, NE 68106-0159
Mail received after your discharge will be forwarded to your home unless you notify the Volunteer Department of another location to which you wish to have it sent.

Postage Stamps
Postage stamps may be purchased at CornerStone Gifts or the Clarkson Gift Shop.

WellWishers Program

Friends and family can send their thoughts to our patients with an e-card through our WellWishers program. On the home page of our website, www.NebraskaMed.com, the public can click on the “WellWishers E-cards” icon. After typing a message and sending it, our team of volunteers will print the card in color and deliver it to the patient. There is no charge for this service.

Lodging

Extended inpatient and outpatient treatment may create a variety of needs for housing. Nebraska House in The Lied Transplant Center offers accommodations for patients and family or friends who may have accompanied you here. If the Nebraska House is full, referrals to nearby hotels are available. Internet access is available at this facility. See the Internet Access section for rules and regulations. For more information contact the Nebraska House hospitality desk at 402-559-5599 or visit level two of the Lied Transplant Center. The Ronald McDonald House, for families of pediatric patients, is located close to The Nebraska Medical Center campus and is also available by special arrangement.

Visit our Lodging and Transportation page for more information.

ATM

Automated teller machines (ATMs) are located on University Tower, level two near CornerStone Gifts and on level three near the Nebraska Café exit. At Clarkson Tower, ATMs are located on level one near the gift shop and inside the Clarkson Café.

Fitness Facilities

The Nebraska Medical Center patients and family members who are staying at Nebraska House or Ronald McDonald House may use the UNMC Center for Healthy Living at 39th and Jones streets free of charge. Contact staff at these locations for further details.

Support Staff

Nurse Case Managers

Patients who are admitted to the hospital often receive complex and highly technical care. Nurse case managers screen every patient admitted to The Nebraska Medical Center to assist in coordinating care for patients who will have needs after discharge. The nurse case managers will then work collaboratively with physicians and other professionals (Dietary, Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy, Respiratory Therapy and Social Work) to ensure that any complex needs are addressed and planned for prior to dismissal or transfer to a skilled health care facility. In addition, case managers identify patient educational needs and ensure follow-up appointments are made with the patient’s primary physician to optimize the continuum of care when returning home.

Spiritual Care Services

Through the Spiritual Care Services Department, staff chaplains and volunteers from a variety of faith traditions are available to offer spiritual and emotional support to patients and families 24 hours a day, every day. Or if you prefer, we will assist you in contacting representatives of your own faith community. We can be reached by calling our office at 402-552-3219 or through the hospital operator. Any of the hospital staff can also help you contact us. Please feel free to call anytime.

The Spiritual Care Services office is located on the first floor of Clarkson Tower, room 1874. St. Luke’s Chapel is located on the first floor of Clarkson Tower near the main entrance and is open 24 hours a day for prayer and contemplation. A variety of worship services are offered in St. Luke’s Chapel and are televised on Channel 31. Please call our office for a current schedule of services.

Patient Relations

We encourage you to partner with your care team members to answer any questions or concerns. This will ensure you have the best possible experience. You may also contact the Patient Relations office directly for additional assistance. If, at any time, you believe that any of the rights afforded to patients have not been fulfilled, contact Patient Relations at 402-559-8158. Sharing a concern will not affect your access to care now or in the future.

Rapid Response Team (RRT)

The Nebraska Medical Center’s Rapid Response Team provides rapid and early intervention for patients whose condition may be deteriorating in order to promote better outcomes. The patient and/or family can activate the RRT, but should seek assistance from a nurse if the need for activation arises.

Activating the RRT:

A caregiver feels that a patient needs immediate or emergency intervention and dials 9-5555 stating, “Activate RRT to room ____.”
The primary attending physician is to be notified by the patient’s nurse also when the RRT is activated.

Social Work

Illness can cause major changes in your life and the lives of your family members. The Nebraska Medical Center social workers are trained to help you and your family to adjust to such changes, which may include emotional, physical, social or financial.

The social workers also assist in making plans for after your discharge from the hospital, which includes placement to nursing facilities, home health services or meals to be delivered at home. They can also assist with completing your Advance directive. Social Work services are available to all patients and families at The Nebraska Medical Center at no charge. If you would like to talk with a social worker, ask your nurse to call 402-559-4420.

Volunteer Services

The Nebraska Medical Center has a diverse group of individuals who generously share their time and talents with you as hospital volunteers. The Nebraska Medical Center volunteers can be identified by their red jackets or polo shirts and volunteer name tags. For more information about these services, please call Volunteer Services at 402-559-4197.

Food and Nutrition

Patient In-Room Dining

"At Your Request" Room Service Dining
As a patient of The Nebraska Medical Center, you may select your meals from our “At Your Request” room service dining menu, which is located at your bedside from 5 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily. Patients who have not ordered by 8 p.m. will be contacted and encouraged to request a meal Menu items are prepared to order and meals are assembled and delivered to your room. Patients may place their orders by dialing 2-FOOD (2-3663). If you need assistance, your nurse or a Food and Nutrition Services staff member are available to help order meals. Please note that meal choices may be restricted by dietary guidelines established by your physician.

Guest In-Room Dining

Guests of patients being treated at the medical center may dine at any of the cafes on campus. They may also order from the “At Your Request” menu 24 hours a day and pay for their selection with the ordering attendant by credit card.

Cafes on Campus

Nebraska Café, University Tower, level three, open daily

Monday through Friday: 6:30 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Additional Vendors available in the Nebraska Café

Brioche Doree: Everyday: 6:30 a.m. to 8 p.m.
The Grill: Monday through Friday: 6:30 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Mein Bowl: Monday through Friday: 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. & 4 to 8 p.m.
AFC Sushi: Monday through Friday: 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. & 4 to 8 p.m.

Clarkson Café, Clarkson Tower, main level, open daily

Monday through Friday: 6:30 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Additional Vendors available in the Clarkson Café

QuickFire Grill: Monday through Friday: 6:30 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Saturday and Sunday: 6:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
OH! OH! Burrito: Monday through Friday: 6:30 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Saturday and Sunday: 6:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Subway: Everyday: 6:30 a.m. to 2 a.m.

Storz Deli, Clarkson Tower, main level

Monday through Friday: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Coffee Bars, several campus locations

Storz Pavilion

Monday through Friday: 6:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Located in Storz Pavilion

Espresso prn

Monday through Friday: 6:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Located in Clarkson Doctors Building North

Lagniappe

Monday through Friday: 6:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Located in DOC East Atrium, University Tower

Crossroads Express Convenience Store, University Tower, level three

Monday through Friday: 6 a.m. to 2:30 a.m.
Saturday and Sunday: 11 a.m. to 2:30 a.m.
Located In University Tower

Available for take-out are sundries, hot and cold beverages, snacks and a selection of soups and sandwiches.

Vending machines with assorted beverages, candies and snacks are located in various locations throughout the hospital.

Television and Internet

Television and Radio Programming

Patient rooms equipped with a color television are able to receive network, satellite, video-on-demand, and radio programming on channels 2 through 51. On the right you will find a list of channels and stations. Special thanks to the University Hospital Auxiliary for making this programming possible.

Conversion devices can be attached to television sets in patient room for closed-captioned viewing for the hearing impaired. Please contact your nurse if you need this service.

Internet Access

The Nebraska Medical Center would like to assist you in keeping your lifestyle as normal as possible during your hospital stay. One of the ways we help achieve that is by providing patients with high-speed Internet access. Computers are available for public use in Storz Pavilion.

Wireless Internet connection is available in several locations on campus, including patient areas. If you have technical questions, please contact the IT Help Desk at 402-559-7700.

Individuals using the wireless network are subject to having all of their activities monitored and recorded by systems personnel. The Nebraska Medical Center reserves the right to revoke and deny access, without warning, in the event that abuse of policy is detected.

Internet users have several responsibilities during their time online at The Nebraska Medical Center, including:

Responsible use of resources
Refraining from illegal or unethical Internet use
Respect of copyright laws by making only authorized copies of copyrighted materials
Refraining from altering hospital-owned equipment and software
Accurately represent self by access code, password and/or signature as appropriate
Acknowledgement that email is not confidential and may be read by others
Acknowledgement that Internet use is a privilege
Refraining from use of Peer-to-Peer (P2P) software products, which are restricted by the hospital

In rare situations where problems occur, unlawful activities will be referred to the appropriate legal authorities. The hospital is not responsible for any damages - direct or indirect - or any liabilities that may arise from a customer’s Internet use.

Follow Us - Social Media

The Nebraska Medical Center posts regular updates on hospital events, support groups and medical advances online.

Telephone Services

For the hearing impaired, closed-captioned television and a telecommunications device (TTY) for the telephone are available. Please contact your nurse if you need one of these devices.

Cell Phone Use

Cellular phone use is permitted throughout the campus of The Nebraska Medical Center except within three feet of a Sensor- Medic Oscillator Ventilator. Warning signs are placed on the ventilators and at the entrances to the areas they are used.

Hospital Department or Campus Number

Dial the last five digits of the telephone number.

Local Calls

Dial *9. At the dial tone, dial the local number with the area code. You are not charged for local phone calls.

Long Distance Calls

Dial *90 and the operator will help you.

Collect Calls

Collect calls cannot be accepted at the hospital.

Calling Cards and Pay Phones

Calling cards and pay phones are located in various public areas throughout the hospital.

Helpful Phone Numbers

Access services (admitting)
(402) 552-3251

Billing - Hospital
(402) 559-3140

Environmental services
(402) 559-4073

Gift Shop - University Tower
(402) 559-4198

Gift Shop - Clarkson Tower
(402) 552-3290

Nebraska House (lodging)
(402) 559-5599

Pastoral care (chaplain)
(402) 552-3219

Patient room information
(402) 552-3344
(402) 559-4144

Patient relations
(402) 559-8158

Security
(402) 559-5111

Social work
(402) 559-4420

Volunteer services
(402) 559-4197

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