[jaxnRN]

I came to work at a different hospital a few months ago. The previous hospital that I was at, our OB department was VERY homey. Newer hospital in general, but the rooms were HUGE (all LDRP's) Futons for dad, table with chairs, rocking chairs , nice bed, new hard wood floors, etc.

Now, the hospital that I am working at, is a much older building with VERY septic-like setting. White walls, white floors, older beds, no LDRP's. Only LDR's and then the PP room. We are talking about fixing it up, to make it more of a home-like atmosphere. Small budget though.

What do you have at your hospital that you think the patient's really appreciate? ESPECIALLY in the PP rooms. Sometimes small changes mean a lot!

[SmilingBluEyes]

All Our LDRP's are designed to feel like "home."....all wooden furniture, including warmers, wallpaper, window treatments, etc. All are private rooms with private bath/shower attached. We have a kitchen in which a patient can find nourishments such as soup, frozen dinners, fresh fruit, yogurt, fruit juices/milk, sodas and coffee. The rooms have pull-out beds for spouses or s/o as well as rocking recliners. The one thing I wish we had was a HOT TUB for each patient. THAT would be one AWESOME perk. NO plans here for one hot tub at all, let alone 12 of them.

[kimmicoobug]

We have hot tubs for laboring moms. And massages are supposed to be included in the tab. Also we are a baby friendly hospital...and as of yet, I am not sure how that really differs from the hospital down the road except that we don't give binkys and we really encourage rooming in. Our L&D rooms are absolutely georgious. Wood floors, large windows, hot tubs in the rooms, couches for family, and then there is a guest lounge right outside the room with a fridge and microwave. The rooms are quite large, as well. One other thing I like about these rooms is that all of the "hospital" stuff like monitors and warmers are hidden until absolutely necessary by wood cupboards.

[OBNurseShelley]

I did clinicals at a hospital that had large double beds in the PP rooms, there were mixed feelings about it, but apparently the patients LOVED it, the whole family could hang out in bed together, to me it was a little weird going to assess your patient and dad is in bed too, I also like the thought of all the equipment being hidden and a WELL-STOCKED kitchen with fruits, juices and other snacks IS A MUST, the place I'm at now, you can barely find one thing of OJ let a lone a snack for someone! I think oversized tubs are a good idea too, and a bonus with jets! Water therapy can BE AWESOME, and a good shower can be just what a PP mom needs to perk herself up.

[NICU_Nurse]

Kimmi, the "Baby-Friendly" designation is an initiative started by the WHO to establish centers of excellence in which breastfeeding is a core part of their philosphy with regards to their Maternal/Child departments. You can read more about it here: http://home.onemain.com/~ct1008688/bfusa.htm

[dawngloves]

Originally posted by jaxnRN
Now, the hospital that I am working at, is a much older building with VERY septic-like setting.

I hope you mean ANTI septic!!!
And had I not PROMed I would have killed for a hot tub!

[mother/babyRN]

I give all my patients who want them, heated lotion back, tummy and leg and foot rubs with lotions my sister in law makes...

[mother/babyRN]

Coco mango is the best.....Although fresh fruit slices are also popular.....(AngelsinHeavencandles)

[Jolie]

I worked in hospitals with lush LDRPs with all the bells and whistles: nice decor, large rooms, recliners for dads, audio/visual equipment, hot tubs, access to well-stocked kitchen-ettes, etc. They were very nice, and the patients seemed to appreciate the luxuries.

I had my first baby in a similar setting, and was so exhausted that I didn't have the time or energy to enjoy the perks. That was back in the days of 24 hour maternity stays. Between pregnancies, my insurance changed, and I couldn't go back to the same hospital to deliver my second baby. The hospital where I delivered her was, quite frankly, much better in terms of handling emergencies. The staff was better trained, and their Level II+ status was reassuring with my high risk pregnancy. I labored in an old-fashioned, hard, cold, sterile labor room, and frankly it didn't make a bit of difference to me. I was relieved to have a well-trained staff, and so focused on having the baby that I couldn't have cared less about the lack of luxuries.

The post partum floor was nicely decorated, but basically the same as any other hospital unit. No special perks for the new parents. My only request was to have a private room. I have never understood how it is acceptable from an infection-control standpoint to have 2 freshly delivered mothers share a shower and toilet. EEEAAACCCHHH!

[HazeK]

no perks...just great nurses!