by Jan Kovarik

Let's face it—having to be in the hospital is no fun. In fact, even though it is the place to be when you are sick and need medical attention, it's just no place to be if you are sick. Walk through any hospital ward and you'll see that everything is in constant motion, people are talking, equipment is banging and beeping, and there's no place to get any peace and quiet. It's no wonder that people who are in the hospital are always asking the question: "When can I go home?"

Of course, if you have to be in the hospital, then you go and you make the best of it. However, if you have never been in the hospital, either as a patient or as a visitor, then there are a few simple tips and ideas that will help you get through the experience.

You Are the Patient

If you are going to be the patient, and you have time to prepare to be admitted to the hospital (that is, you are not being admitted as an emergency and have time to make plans), then here are a couple of things to think about:

1. Don't take anything that is valuable. Wear as little jewelry as possible (in fact, wearing nothing but a wedding ring is best). If you simply must wear jewelry to the hospital, then plan to give it to your spouse, grown son or daughter, parent, or good friend who can then take it home for you. Don't take your wallet or money. You will need your photo ID and your health insurance card, but once you've been admitted give them to whomever is with you (spouse, son or daughter, parent, friend). If there is no one who can take these things from you, then be sure you have the nurse who admits you do an inventory of those items and put them in a safe place.

2. Hospital rooms are usually very cramped and crowded. Take only essential items with you: robe, slippers, etc. You will usually get a plastic tub that contains items such as toothbrush, toothpaste, etc., but you can certainly pack a small toiletries bag with your own personal items. Keep it basic! You don't need a satchel full of make-up and hair products!

3. Think ahead about the time that you are likely to be in the hospital. If you will be well enough, you might want to take a book, magazine, crossword puzzle, etc. But bear in mind that you might have IVs in your arms (and other tubes and what not coming out of various places), so it might not be real convenient to sit and crochet!

4. Ask questions before you are admitted. If you are having surgery, then ask how you are likely to feel afterward. It is always better to know that "you won't feel like doing anything for a couple of days" than planning on being able to jump right out of bed the next day. If you are going to be getting heavy-duty medications, then ask what the likely side effects will be so that you'll have an idea of how you might feel for a few days.

5. You'll probably learn a few terms: NPO means you can't take anything through your mouth (no food or water). IO means "input/output" and the nurses will be monitoring how much fluid you take in versus how much fluid you put out (you'll be asked to pee into a urinal or basin so that the nurse can measure it, or you might have a catheter in your bladder called a Foley). PRN means "as needed" and usually applies to pain medications.

You really can make the best of things while you are in the hospital—just keep your wits about you and don't have unrealistic expectations about how the time will pass. Don't be afraid to ask questions and if you don't get an answer that you understand, ask again.

You Are A Visitor

If you are planning to visit someone who is in the hospital, please keep these things in mind:

If the person you are visiting has had surgery, then it is likely s/he will be sleeping most of the day for a day or so. Respect the patient's need for rest. Make your visit short. If it is obvious that the time you've chosen to visit isn't the best time for the patient, then leave.

Please remember that the person you are visiting may have a roommate and that roommate might not be doing as well as the person you are visiting. Please talk quietly and don't overwhelm the room with people.

If several family members and friends are likely to be visiting, then try to coordinate your visiting times so that the patient has plenty of steady company and never gets overwhelmed with the number of people in the room. If it is easier for several family members to go to the hospital at the same time, then find a sitting area outside of the hospital room and take turns visiting.

Balloons, flowers, and Get Well cards are very nice—but be mindful that you don't "fill up the room" and make it difficult for the nurses and doctors to walk around. Remember that the patient may have several IVs and monitors hooked up, which means there will be all kinds of things hanging on poles.

The best Get Well gift is your time and your smile! Save all the presents and what not for when the person is able to go home!

Jan K., The Proofer is freelance proofreader and copyeditor. Visit http://www.jansportal.com for more information about Jan’s proofreading and copyediting services and Jan's other free resources. Please visit Mom's Break (http://www.momsbreak.com/) for free printable crafts and projects. © Copyright 2005. All rights reserved.

© Copyright 2005 All rights reserved.