A long stay in the hospital can be unpleasant.It can be better with some planning and preparation.To get the most out of the professionals at your disposal, you should come with all of your favorite pastimes.
Step 1: Put a bag in it.
To make your stay comfortable, you need a large bag of luggage.Keep a bag by the door if you know you will need to go to the hospital.You can run off when it's necessary.It is a good idea for people with chronic diseases, as this is very common among couples who are expecting a child.If there is an emergency, you will be prepared to go to the hospital.
Step 2: You should bring your medication.
An accurate list of medications is what most doctors want.A comprehensive list of medications will suffice.Sometimes it's best to bring everything with you, because the pharmacy might not carry your preferred brand of non-prescription medication.Most hospitals in the United States will not give home medications due to health and safety regulations.Unless medication is very expensive.The hospital will provide general medication for common illnesses.
Step 3: A cell phone is required.
The hospital phone is hard to reach from your bed, and your friends will have a hard time getting through to you when calling on the hospital line.A cell phone can make it easier to reach people and provide a good source of entertainment.
Step 4: You should bring a notebook and pen.
If you keep this on hand, you can ask your doctors questions and record what they tell you.If you don't have much time with your doctor, you need to be prepared to give as much information as possible.When providing a record of your medication, this will be useful.
Step 5: You should bring ear plugs.
You never know when your roommate will want to watch tv in the hospital.Plugs are brought to block the sound.Consider noise canceling headphones.
Step 6: You can bring your own pillow.
Hospital pillows are usually wrapped in plastic.If you want a good night's sleep, you should bring one of your own.It's nice to have a favorite blanket from home, even though hospital blankets are not as bad.Reducing stress hormones can be helped by the smell of your own pillow.
Step 7: There is a large thermos with you.
Sometimes nurses don't always deliver water in a timely manner.Hospital cups may be small, and won't insulate your beverages very well.You can have something to sip on all day long if you have your own large thermos or mug.
Step 8: Take something to read.
It's a good idea to read books on a slow day.Don't forget your reading glasses if you plan to spend a lot of time reading.
Step 9: Something to watch is what you should bring.
Hospital TVs are small and hard to hear if you have a neighbor watching.An online streaming account is required to bring a DVD player.Don't forget your earphones.You will need them to drown out other sounds.Before you bring an expensive electronic item, check with the hospital.Some hospitals will not allow you to bring these items as they don't want to be held responsible if they go missing.
Step 10: You can choose music.
You can bring a CD player.There's a lot of music on the phone.A pair of earphones can be used to block out outside sounds while you read.Check with the hospital before you bring these items.
Step 11: The snacks are important.
Hospital food can be hard to digest.Bring things that will keep well without the need for preparation.Depending on procedure, specific health conditions, and your reason for hospitalization, this may not be recommended.While in the hospital, you may have specific recommendations on what to eat.You should check with your doctor first.Bring fruit and pastries.Sugary treats aren't good for your healthThey might not be the best option for you if you are in the hospital.
Step 12: Pick your favorite item.
You should bring your body wash, toothpaste, toothbrush, brush, and powder.Some of these things should be in the hospital.If you are attached to a particular product, bring it with you.
Step 13: Pack a robe and shoes.
For the sake of your fellow patients, if you want to share your rear end with the rest of the hospital, you should bring something that is comfortable and covers you up.You can get in and out of bed with ease if you bring non-slip slippers.Bring a hat or coat if you are going to be cold.Alternatively, ask your nurse for multiple hospital gowns.It is possible to wear one facing forward and the other backward so that you are completely covered up.You can wear a robe or pajama pants to the hospital.
Step 14: Ask for a longer bed.
If you are tall, your hospital bed might be cramped.Most hospital beds can be extended.Ask if you can have your bed extended when you are a nurse.
Step 15: Ask for more blankets.
Hospital mattresses are usually made of plastic.If you put a fitted sheet on top of the plastic, it can make the mattress hot and sweaty.If you want to have more comfortable bedding, place a couple of extra blankets under you.Warm blankets can be brought to the hospital for additional comfort.
Step 16: Ask if you can walk.
Your nurse may be willing to let you go for a walk if you have someone with you.It can be a relief when you are stuck in the same room for a long time.If you can't walk on your own, ask your nurse for a wheelchair.
Step 17: You should move around a bit.
If you lie in the same place for a long time, it will affect your circulation and cause bedsores.The nurses and certified nursing assistants are trained to help prevent bedsores, but you can also do your part by moving around a bit yourself.This might mean getting up for a walk, but even moving around to different positions in the bed can help.Reposition yourself every couple of hours.
Step 18: You should appreciate your caregivers.
You are more likely to get good care if you are nice to your nurses.Don't call for help when you need it.Depending on the severity of your condition, how much your nurses visits will vary.You will be checked on every two to four hours after the surgery.You will be checked on less frequently as time goes on.You are not the only patient in the hospital, and the nurse has many patients to care for.Being a patient requires patience.