how to be a patient?

noodle929

Last night, I came to the sudden realization that I have NEVER been a patient in a hospital (except when I was born.) I'm not freaked out about childbirth and I've read all the what to bring/what to expect stuff about going into the hospital for delivery, but is there any general hospital advice that anyone can give?

StaceyLyn78

Wow, now that you say that, I realized I am in the same boat.  I've never been in a hospital before.

JenWen3

I think the biggest things are to be polite and grateful to the staff and to ask as many questions as you need.

My sister is a bit of a control freak and when she was having her babies, and also when my dad was in the hospital, she takes lots of notes. Like she keeps track of what happens at what times (IV inserted at 3:03 p.m....stuff like that). I'm not sure I'd ever do that, but it helps her.

SweetGirlC79

Wow I am also in the same boat.  I only ever went to the hospital for an outpatient surgery about 6 years ago, but that was in except when I was born too.  I am actually not looking forward to staying in a hospital.  I rather be at home, but nothing you can do.

BeetleLinz1125

JenWen3:

I think the biggest things are to be polite and grateful to the staff and to ask as many questions as you need.

Agreed 100%.  I don't care if they are wiping up your vomit or bringing you lunch, show them appreciation.  Also, if you need something, don't be afraid to ask.  Though it's not a hotel, chances are they are able to get you things that will make your more comfortable to help speed up your recovery. 

Also remember to be patient.  Unless the hospital you deliver at puts one nurse per patient, chances are they are also helping others.  Try to think ahead when they check on you, so that instead of you deciding in a half hour that you need it NOW, they can get it for you so you have it when you need it/their assistance.

Lucky_Dragonfly

don't be afraid to ask them for something because you don't want to bother them. That is what they are there for. They really don't care for the patients that try to do everything for themselves that clearly can't. It is such a fine line though because you don't want to be one of those people that is constantly calling them for every little thing. I would sometimes just wait until they came in to do med call and then just ask for a bunch of things at once to make it easier. Then its done and over with and you know that they won;t be coming back in until the next vitals check.

FutureMrsCaesar

The usual being respectful, appreciative type things.  But also, if something is making you uncomfortable don't be afraid to bring it up.  The blood pressure cuff kept going off every 15 mins all through the night and I wasn't able to get any sleep because of it.  I complained AFTER delivery that it was keeping me up and the nurse was like 'why didn't you say something, we could have turned it down to once/hr'  That would have been really helpful.  Also my IV site really bothered me, and it turns out there are other places they could have put it that may have been more comfortable

pattersg

As a nurse, I agree with PP. Ask questions and ask for help if you need it...don't be afraid to do that, but also be patient, the staff have typically greater than 4patients per nurse, and are there to help but need time to get things done too. Speak up if you are uncomfortable or in pain, we can't read your mind and don't know what's bothering you. Ask questions about what is being done and why if that helps you understand, but be respectuful too. If you ask for something and it hasn't been done... ask again, chances are they forgot or got sidetracked... it happens.

Be your own advocate and speak up, but be respectful and you will be fine. GL and  I hope you enjoy your experience!

starlily313

In addition to what others have already said, keep in mind that most shift changes occur at 7am, 3pm & 11pm, so if you do call for a nurse around that time & there's a slight delay, don't hold it against them too much.

iris427

pattersg:

Be your own advocate and speak up, but be respectful and you will be fine. GL and  I hope you enjoy your experience!

I agree with this.  Remember it's ok to ask questions, speak up for yourself, or say no.  If they tell you to do something or that you will need a procedure, don't be afraid to ask why it's necessary.  

Don't get caught in the good patient mindset to the point that you don't stand up for yourself or question anything.  And while I agree that you should be respectful to people, remember that your health and your baby's health are a lot more important than being nice to people. 

MrsTotty

iris427:

pattersg:

Be your own advocate and speak up, but be respectful and you will be fine. GL and  I hope you enjoy your experience!

I agree with this.  Remember it's ok to ask questions, speak up for yourself, or say no.  If they tell you to do something or that you will need a procedure, don't be afraid to ask why it's necessary.  

Don't get caught in the good patient mindset to the point that you don't stand up for yourself or question anything.  And while I agree that you should be respectful to people, remember that your health and your baby's health are a lot more important than being nice to people. 

I agree with all of this.  

Also - be HONEST about how you feel.  If you're in pain, tell them!  With DS #1, the nurses were constantly asking me (especially in PP), 'can you rate your pain on a scale of 1-10 ... 10 excruciating?' and I didn't know how to answer because I kept thinking, 'I'm a huge wimp, so what I think is an 8, is probably like a 3 to most people' ... so I'd tell them a 5.  ::headdesk::  I don't know what I was thinking.  They can't treat you if they don't know what's wrong and how YOU feel.  

iris427

MrsTotty:

iris427:

pattersg:

Be your own advocate and speak up, but be respectful and you will be fine. GL and  I hope you enjoy your experience!

I agree with this.  Remember it's ok to ask questions, speak up for yourself, or say no.  If they tell you to do something or that you will need a procedure, don't be afraid to ask why it's necessary.  

Don't get caught in the good patient mindset to the point that you don't stand up for yourself or question anything.  And while I agree that you should be respectful to people, remember that your health and your baby's health are a lot more important than being nice to people. 

I agree with all of this.  

Also - be HONEST about how you feel.  If you're in pain, tell them!  With DS #1, the nurses were constantly asking me (especially in PP), 'can you rate your pain on a scale of 1-10 ... 10 excruciating?' and I didn't know how to answer because I kept thinking, 'I'm a huge wimp, so what I think is an 8, is probably like a 3 to most people' ... so I'd tell them a 5.  ::headdesk::  I don't know what I was thinking.  They can't treat you if they don't know what's wrong and how YOU feel.  

LOL I hate that f-ing 1-10 scale.  They need to implement the Hyperbole and a Half scale.  It's much more objective. 

HoolahZinger

iris427:

LOL I hate that f-ing 1-10 scale.  They need to implement the Hyperbole and a Half scale.  It's much more objective. 

SUUUUCH A FUNNY BLOG! I agree!