Hospital Survival Guide for Friends and Family

[CaLLaCoDe]

On the same note as the thread "what would you bring to the hospital."

What would you tell family to prepare for a hospital stay?

What would you tell them to say or not to say?

What would you tell them to avoid?

What would you recommend for someone wanting to cut her/his stay in half?

What would you tell them is the worst thing they could ever do to prolong their stay?

How would you like them to treat you while you're at work on the same unit as a loved one?

[Antikigirl, ASN, RN]

I like patients and families to know that once you get onto a floor...we dont' have your orders in working order yet...and no I can't just get you food/drink the moment you come onto the floor! There will be a transition period and to be patient.

If you are a full admit (have not done the admit paperwork for stay) then the time before you get food/drink etc will be delayed a bit till we get the paperwork done and you are officially 'admitted to the floor'.

Along with that info, I would add that a nurse may not be necessary to retrieve typical items like a blanket, food/drink, tolietry items, or even tolieting...to be patient and tell the person who answers the call light what you need because if you ask for the nurse only...it could be an extended wait...but if a CNA can do it...it may happen quicker dependant..."it helps if more than one person can help and are aware of the need".

Other than that...and perhaps a blurb about not being upset if asked to leave the room, or staying out of the way...I would suggest to bring the following items!

Jammies that open easily for assessment, or a robe.

Any personal preferenced tolietry items (like deoderant, toothpaste...).

Items to pass the time

Pad and pen/pencil to write down questions or things you wish to know.

Personal preference pads or incontinence products

Favorite pillow and/or blanket

Non slip slippers/socks of your liking

Doctor approved non-refridge snacks (only eaten when okayed by a nurse).

Doctor approved naturalpathic or vitamin/mineral supplements

(our pharmacy doesn't carry much of them).

[Antikigirl, ASN, RN]

Oh and at our hospital if you are in a shared room (we have three on each floor except ICU/PCU/OB)..then no family/friend can stay the night. It is for respect of the other pt.

We have had double rooms that do not have another pt in it and people pitch a fit! Well...just because there isn't one in there now...doesn't mean a ER admit won't be in there at 0100 or so!

We try really hard to get those people a private room if one is available.

[PANurseRN1]

If you really want to stay overnight, then just pony up the extra $$ for a private room. That way, you're not an imposition on the roommate.

[sissyboo]

I have only had experience in Peds. One parent is always allowed to stay with ALL of our patients, no matter the rooming conditions. Patients were roomed by age, gender, and diagnosis or were roomed together if they were siblings.

Do NOT under any circumastance, have sex in pt room or bathroom. There have been several times the night staff would come in for vitals, breathing treatment etc... And parents would be just going to town! Sometimes two parents would be allowed (private room) or would have two kids in the hospital, meaning two parents could stay.

Bring your OWN snacks, the ones kept in the supply room are for our patients only.

The doctor put your child on a certain diet for a specific reason. Please do NOT feed your child off your tray if it is something not allowed in your childs BRAT, Clear Liq, Liq Only etc diet. When you do feed your child something not in the diet, don't be upset when he's having more trouble later. When they start having tummy troubles later, DO tell us what you gave them, even if it is not outlined in the diet. It will help us AND your child to know.

Keep your PEDS pt. off the floor. He may be the patient here, but that floor is STILL disgusting.

Do NOT take your child to visit other childrens rooms. If you know someone in the hospital when your child is admitted, let us know and we WILL try to accomodate you.

It is NOT your business why that newborn in the room right across from the nurses station does not have a parent with it. Do not ask any staff any questions about the baby or any other patient for that matter.

We do NOT know when the doctor will be through or what he's going to do with your child. Please do not ask.