Hospital Tips

The great fear and dislike of hospitals tend to all stem from “the unknown”.  Going in, anxiety and stress can build up in not knowing what to expect. It can be very unsettling to be thrown out of your comfort zone. But that is where I would like to help.

I too used to have a massive fear of hospitals. Heck, I was even afraid of a routine wellness visit. And don’t get me started on needles or medicine.

If that isn’t enough, being raised “sheltered”, I was not used having any of my personal business out there. It was always more ladylike to keep matters to myself.

But hospitals have a fond way of breaking you of all humility. All you can do is tell yourself that they’ve seen far worse and have trained themselves to block out almost everything.

Things might seem uncomfortable at first, but as soon as you can accept this idea yourself, you will begin to fit right in.

Outside of overcoming any mindset you might have about hospitals, I thought it might be helpful to show you some ways on how you can make yourself at home in the hospital. Peace and comfort are key.

The following things are just some tips I’ve learned along the way. Given, all hospitals are different, but here are some thoughts to keep in mind that may help.

Hospital Bag

If at all possible, try to pack a hospital bag before you go. I personally keep one semi-packed at all times, just to make it easier on my family for emergency situations. It also helps to have a list of items that may need to be packed. Click here for “What to Pack in Your Hospital Bag”!

IV’s

Along with patience, this is one of the first things you will need when you are admitted to the hospital. I am one of those with “beautiful” yet “deceiving” veins. Sure, you can see them perfectly but good luck getting a good stick.

This is the main reason why I hate the IV’s more than anything. I honestly prefer spinal taps over IVS, but that is only because I work myself up too much over them, which possibly works up the nurse, too. If it bothers you, look away and talk to someone or think of a good memory. Relax and know it will all be over soon.

If you do experience any issues with the person administering the IV, do not hesitate to ask for someone else. If the person can’t get it right by the second attempt, please do everyone a favor by asking for someone with more experience.

Two things tend to make IV administration difficult: dehydration and leaving the tourniquet on too long, which can build up pressure and cause the vein to roll away. Thankfully, there are many that are still skilled enough to make it work.

And yes, you can request the location of your IV. Personally, I do not like to have the IV on my hand where I feel the skin is too fragile. I also do not like to have them in the crease of my elbow where I am constantly moving. My preference is on my forearm where the skin feels tougher and less in the way.

They do use some pretty strong tape, so don’t worry about it coming undone. Speaking of which, if by chance you are able to prepare for this hospital visit, I recommend shaving beforehand!

Rooms

There may be a situation where you might have to share a room with another patient. If this is something you absolutely dread or couldn’t handle in your state, ask for a private room as soon as you find out you’re being admitted. This isn’t something I recommend being picky about though because you could slow down your admission time even longer.

(Side note: if you’re a migraine sufferer, you might also want to mention not to get a room with bright sunlight pouring through.)

Baths

While of course hospitals try to keep everything sanitary, you may have to be the one to speak up about your own sanitization.

There are various reasons for being in the hospital, some more debilitating than others. But let’s assume this isn’t a situation where the nurses are responsible for cleaning you.

If you are fairly capable of moving around, with no (or limited) fall restrictions, you are more than welcome to use the shower in your room.

If you are concerned about your IV, the nurses have a fantastic way of wrapping it up with plastic and tape to where water cannot get to the area (still be careful).

Typically, they provide the basic cleaning necessities: toothbrush, toothpaste, mouthwash, deodorant, bar soap, and lotion. I have never asked for shampoo or conditioner because I usually pack my own bags. If these items aren’t provided, there are shops in the hospital that sell them.

While you are asking your nurse for a towel, feel free to ask for a change of hospital garments and bedsheets. There is nothing better than feeling completely refreshed after spending time in the hospital.

If you are unable to take a shower in your state, you still have the option of a sponge bath. There are these fantastic cloths that foam up with soap by just adding water. They can be used for your body, hair, and even sensitive areas. It might not sound like much, but I’m telling you, every little bit of feeling cleaner and more refreshed helps.

Food

If you are admitted to the hospital, they will provide you with your meals.

There is usually a set menu for every day of the week where they serve breakfast, lunch, and dinner. However, you can always get a menu to see what other options they may have, and they have lots of options!

I find hospital food to pretty much have everything under the sun, and they tend to give you a decent amount of food. You can substitute, add, or remove anything you please. You can also order a guest tray (possibly with cost).

While they do try to work with you on any dietary restrictions, you sometimes have to be your own advocate. Some procedures require fasting, and the kitchen will not serve you until that order is removed. If someone forgets to remove that order, you could end up without any food. So if something doesn’t seem right, speak up!

Keep in mind, they do close at certain times. If by chance you end up stuck without a meal, ask your nurse for something from the nurse’s lounge. It may just be a sandwich or some fruit, but at least you can eat.

Visitors

It is very important to respect the hospital’s rules about how many visitors are allowed and for how long. There are often rules specifically about child visitors as well. ICU is very strict about this.

Rest assured though that you can have somebody stay with you in your room. If you can, I strongly recommend taking advantage of this.

Depending on your situation, you may not always be able to pay attention to what is going on around you. There can be a lot to remember between what doctors and nurses say, and it always helps to have another set of eyes and ears there with you.

If you’re in a bit of a rougher state or hooked up to several things, it can be a pain to constantly ring in a nurse just to reach your cup of water. Having someone always in the room with you is a huge help. Just make sure they also have their own belongings packed. Hospitals aren’t usually as inclined to help guests as much as they are to help the patient.

If, however, you don’t want any visitors at all, let the nurses know. They can work with you as a team to say when people can come or need to leave.

Medications

Nowadays, it seems everything is “in the system”. But unfortunately, the system isn’t always updated with the latest thing your doctor came in and discussed with you. If you can, please pay attention to what medications are being administered. Pay attention to what times you should be taking things, and speak up if anything seems wrong.

Entertainment

While I was never a big tv watcher, I spent many of my hospital days writing down which channel was what on their tv. (Yes, I could have just asked for a tv guide, but what fun is that?) Point is, there isn’t much to do in a hospital room or bed.

If you’re sick, in pain, or tired, then none of this part really matters because all you need to do is rest and feel better. But, if you’re recovering, here for a procedure, or some other reason leaving you bored and waiting, it helps to have something to do.

You might not always have visitors to keep you company. I suppose nowadays our phones are all we need, but you might also want to have a book, journal, deck of cards, coloring book, puzzle book, or anything else you can think of that might keep you entertained or break up the monotony of staring at a screen.

Miscellaneous

• Overnight stays tend to require bloodwork to be taken, often repeatedly (like 4/5am every morning). Thankfully, you’re usually half asleep through it. Feel free to stay half asleep.
• Hospitals tend to be freezing, so be sure to either wear or pack warm items or ask your nurse for more blankets. They can even heat them!
• Hospitals also tend to be loud, from sensors and alarms constantly going off to nurses having conversations to get them through the workday. Noise machines or headphones help.
• Write everything down! From medications to what the doctors say. You think you will remember but don’t count on it. Write it down!
• If anyone has given you beyond excellent service, help them out by completing an appreciation card (provided at the nurse’s station). Your input may be the reason for their next promotion.
• If your caregivers are great, keep complimenting them! If your caregivers are terrible, ask for someone else.

Overall, there’s only one important concept about staying in a hospital – speak up. The doctors, nurses, and staff are doing everything they can to help you. But if something doesn’t seem right to where your health might be at stake, speak up. Only you know your body.

If you have any questions about what to expect at your hospital stay, feel free to contact us!