Hospital Visitors

It's that time of year again.  No, I'm not talking about the time of year when we celebrate the holidays or the change in the weather.  I'm talking about the time of year when people start to realize that they need to get their medical procedures done so that the bill applies to this year's deductible.  If you don't know what I'm talking about, just get pregnant next April and have a baby during the next calendar year.  Somehow all the money you pay on the prenatal treatment in year 1 won't wrap into the next year's deductible.  Surprise!

Thus, begins the time when hospital activity picks up.  Everyone wants to get their surgeries right now so that they will be recovered by Christmas.  And of course, they want to fill up this year's expenses.  It's a nurse's nightmare.  Been there, done that.  Not missing November in the hospital.

Since I am aware that many persons will be visiting their friends and family in the hospital this "season" I thought I would share some rules that every nurse knows and nobody else seems to care about when it comes to being a patient's visitor. 

1) If the patient asks you not to come, then don't.  Some people really like their privacy and don't want visitors.  Ask the patient.  If they want you, they'll give you a time frame in which to visit.  Respect this time frame.

2) Never visit someone in the hospital without bringing a gift.  Trust me, they're going to be drugged up, in pain, or embarrassed.  To the patient, your visit makes them feel like a museum exhibit.  You get to see them without hair done, make-up applied, and in a horrible gown.  It's really a freak show.  But, if you come with a gift, you're demonstrating that your visit is not for personal satisfaction.  The gift demonstrates that your care about the person.

3)  A hospital gift doesn't have to be flowers.  Depending on the person and reason for the hospitalization, here are some other great gift ideas that I've seen: a toy for a child, playing cards for a man, cupcakes, candy, slippers with good soles (or socks), a robe, books or magazines,  MP3 player with songs downloaded, diapers for new parents, foot cream for a woman, shampoo/shower gel in 1, chewing gum, Carmex lip balm,  a Sonic or Starbuck's drink, or a nice blanket.  Be practical and creative.  There are great gifts at every price point.

4) Don't come during lunch or dinner hours unless you're bringing food.  It's really embarrassing to sit and eat while people are trying to visit.  But hospital food is gross enough when it's warm.  It's pretty unbearable when it's cold.  This really puts the patient in a bind.

5) If the patient is drugged up or sleepy, then leave.  They're not going to remember you at all.  But, they will notice your gift when they wake up. (This is why you HAVE to bring a gift.)

6) If you can't visit the patient, send flowers.  Patients love to show off their flowers and talk about who they're from.  Plus, the flowers get rid of hospital smells.

7) It's ok to wait and visit patients when they get home from the hospital.  They're going to need groceries and food.  Don't hesitate to bring a meal or to order them Chili's to go.  Just call before you drop by.

Any nurse will tell you that part of the healing process is feeling supported by your team of people.  But, if the patient is annoyed or stressed out about that team, the healing is going to be put on hold.  Be a nice visitor.  Be gracious. Obey your patient, even if it drives you crazy.  Trust me, the nurses will confront you even if your intentions are good.  And we all know the most important rule of all--never tick off the nurses.

Oh, and by the way, November really is a great time to have that knee replacement.