Is your hospital in the Arctic Zone?

[Joe V]

As nurses, we are on a constant go. We usually like it a little cool where we work. But what about the patients? There they are with flimsy hospital gowns and a sheet....maybe even a thin blanket if they are lucky. What do you do to help take the chill off for your patients?

[proud nurse, BSN, RN]

We have a few staff that fiddle with the thermostat all night. At least take the time to ask people if they are hot or cold, or do they mind if they make it into an igloo. Last weekend, I dug up all my long sleeves that I wear under my scrub tops. And I have a warm up jacket. The patient rooms have their own thermostats, and we keep the blanket warmer well stocked.

[Stcroix, ASN, PhD, RN]

Ya it's cold. I tell patients the truth: "It's cold in here to you, but if it were any warmer your nurse would be melting from all the running around I do!"

[No Stars In My Eyes]

EGADS! Ever since menopause, I've REALLY been bothered by working in really warm home or room; it just KILLS me when I have to give a patient a shower. It requires them being naked and wet, so naturally they need the room heated. But I need a shower after I'm through with theirs! My hair is totally drenched, sweat is running down my temples, my glasses smeared by drops of sweat, my shirt is wet and my feet are swimming in my shoes. I did not like A/C previously, but NOW..............

[nrsang97, BSN, RN]

I run hot all the time. I have a hormonal issue, and run HOT! I totally understand when a woman in menopause is having a hot flash. It sucks.

My office is either like the arctic or hotter than heck. I prefer it to be cooler.

While doing pt care I will offer extra blankets, warm blankets, and even adjust the thermostat. I will not go above 72. Just too warm.

I once worked at a hospital where the secretaries turned the heat up on the floor to 85, and had a heater under the desk. I swear I would look like I ran a marathon in my first hour on shift. I hated that heater.

[Here.I.Stand, BSN, RN]

Warm blankets, Bair hugger, thermostat