Suggestions for Activities/Activity Room for Patients

[NextGen]

Happy Holidays to all!

My patient population is adults ranging in age from 18 to 92. Most are around the 50 to 65 year age range. The usual stay on my floor is 4 days. By day 2, they are able to leave their rooms. Many patients have told me that they are bored. The hospital is just not the most exciting place to be for 4 days!

I am applying for a grant to provide patients with something to do besides sleep and watch television. My floor has rooms that are not being used and could be renovated. These are not designated or unused patient rooms.

What does your floor have for patients to do to keep their minds active and maybe give them incentive to leave their rooms? My thoughts so far are magazine subscriptions, daily newspaper, renovate a room into a game room with games, art supplies and maybe a personal computer.

Thank you, in advance, for your thoughts and suggestions

[NotMyProblem MSN, ASN, BSN, MSN, LPN, RN]

Those are all great suggestions. However, I don't think it will be long before visitors take over that room as well and need the nurse to make sure the coffee maker remains full, styrofoam cups are kept stocked, condiments are in full supply, the room is kept clean, etc. We had such a room on our step down unit and we were interrupted so many times from our 'nursing' duties when management allowed this room to be treated like your everyday waiting room. Good luck!