We've all heard the expression "You only get one chance to make a first impression." When patients come to the hospital, often the first person they interact with is a Patient Access team member. The friendly staff in Admitting and Registration play a key role in ensuring patients, family members and visitors have a positive hospital experience.

Once a year, we pause to recognize their accomplishments and pay tribute to the hard work they do. National Health Care Access Personnel Week was established by the National Association of Health Care Access Management (NAHAM) in 1982. Northwest Hospital in Baltimore began its celebration Saturday, April 4. Activities are planned all week.

"Our actions have a direct impact on keeping our organizations financially stable," says Eleanor L. Evans assistant director for Patient Access at Northwest.

If you've been admitted to a hospital, you know how stressful the process can be. What were your impressions of the Admitting staff? Did you have a positive experience? Was there anything the staff could have done differently to improve it?