How to Survive a Hospital Stay

When you are admitted into the hospital, you may be overloaded with information that is coming at you in every which way. In order to survive your hospital stay, follow these simple tips and keep the ball in your court.

Instructions

Let's Get Serious

• 1

  If you are going to have a successful stay in the hospital, you are going to want to make sure that you ask questions. This applies to the nurses, to the doctors, and anyone else who is present in your care team. If you are not sure of what the doctor or nurse is talking about, then ask them to explain the information in a way that you can understand.

• 2

  Ask of additional teaching if needed. If you're not quite getting crucial details about your diagnosis, then ask. Most hospitals now can provide printed material that serves as education regarding conditions that you may experience as a result of your diagnosis.

• 3

  Don't be afraid to ask for a second opinion. Some medical conditions can be potentially life threatening. Always go with another opinion. You can always explain to your doctor that you are concerned and would like to explore other options. A good doctor will not take offense.

• 4

  Ask about the medications that your doctor has prescribed for you. Make sure you know what it is for and the possible risks and side effects of taking this medicine. You can ask for teachings on the medicines via a printout that explains in more detail what the medicine is for and the side effects of taking the medicine.

Common Sense is Not So Common

• 5

  Treat all of your caregivers; from the nurses, the aides, and the doctors with respect. Everyone involved in your care wants to see you get better and resume the activities that you participated in before you became hospitalized. Sometimes, this might mean that you will be doing some things that you just don't want to do. While you may not want to get out of better at all, sometimes just sitting up for a meal will do wonders.

• 6

  When you need help, be sure to ask for it. Sure, you may have been getting up and pretty much doing your own thing during your hospital stay, but if you are just feeling a bit sicker than you have been, then ask for help when needed. Do not assume that you are a bother. The patient care staff at the hospital is there to assist you and help take care of you.

• 7

  Ask them to wash their hands. Of course, this is something that everyone should be doing. usually after any sort of contact with patients, hands should either be washed or the hands should have some antibacterial cleanser applied. Most of the patient rooms have this, so before having anything done on you, ask the person to clean their hands again. Also make sure that they are wearing gloves. This protects you and them.