Content Overview
- Summary
- If You Are Hearing Or Vision Impaired, Or If English Is Not Your First Language, Ask For Help.
- Learn What Is Supposed To Happen On A Daily Basis.
- Become Acquainted With The Staff
- Do What You Can To Avoid Infections And Medical Errors
- Have Guests. The more the better. It Helps
- Get The Care You Need When You Need It
- Keep In Touch With Your Primary Care Physician
- How To Take Steps To Permit Sleep
- Know Your Rights
- You Do Not Have To Put Up With Unnecessary Pain
- How To Complain When You Don't Get What You Need
- What You Can Do To Prevent Surgical Errors
- Common Words Professionals Use In A Hospital
- Ask For Spirituality Care If You Want It
- Do What You Can To Avoid Identity Theft
- Think About How You Look
- Ask If You Are On "Observation Status"
- Consider Health Care Power of Attorney and Other Advance Directives
How To Maximize A Stay In A Hospital
Get The Care You Need When You Need It
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You should expect a timely response to reasonable requests and questions.
If you are not getting timely care, be politely insistent. Even though you may not be feeling well, a smile, even a weak attempt at one, can go a long way.
If no one answers your call bell, rather than wait and wait and wait pick up your phone and call the hospital operator. Ask to be connected to the nursing station on your floor. When the phone is answered, politely say you need attention in your room -- immediately. If you're in a semi-private room, consider enlisting the help of your roommate.
If you can afford it, you may wish to consider hiring a private duty nurse. You will receive undivided medical attention, which may result in better compliance with medical orders and minimize your chance of medical error. However a private duty nurse may not be as skilled in all aspects that require attention, as a regular
room nurse is.
NOTE: While we suggest that you insist on what you need, keep in mind that complaining frequently or too aggressively about minor delays and inconveniences can work against you. As they say: "Pick your battles."
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