This will be my last hospital post. I promise.
Lesson 1: Mom was freezing us out in her first room. We were dressing warm just to sit in her room with her. The first night I stayed the night, I was free-zing! A nurse came in, saw me shivering and brought me, get this, a heated blanket. I was warm the rest of the night. It blessed my soul (it really warmed my soul too) to have a heated blanket. If you have to stay the night at the hospital, ask for a heated blanket.
Lesson 2: The nurses have access to popsicles. They don't always tell the patient they can have them, and most patients, even with the strictest dietary concerns can. The best thing is patients family members can have them too. They also will give you a coke. This is great for those of you that can eat and drink in hospitals. I, however, didn't partake of free popsicles or cokes. I can't seem to eat or drink where sick people have been. I tried. I spent quite a few dollars on Sonic drinks before I realized that I won't drink in a room.
Lesson 3: Dress to impress. We decided to dress nicely for the hospital. I originally thought we would only be at the hospital for 3-4 days, so I took 3 outfits for the hospital and the rest of my clothes were t-shirts, shorts and jeans to wear around mom's house. Needless to say when day 3 became day 11 I was re-wearing all my clothes. But I will say this was the best decision we made. It seems like we were taken seriously, and as if we "had it together" by the hospital staff. And we talked to many different members of hospital staff. We were in no way delussioned into thinking we knew what was going on, or had it all together, but I think it was easier to be taken seriously when we dressed up. My baby sister brought me clothes when she came back into town so the last week I was not in repeat mode. I love that girl.
Lesson 4: The best bathrooms are in admitting. The admitting offices aren't open very much of the day and there aren't many sick people in that area. Therefore, these are the best bathrooms. I give credit to Aunt Janet for this one. Great tip!
Lesson 5: If you are on the 4th floor and can walk the stairs, do so. The elevators are slow and the exercise is good for you. If you are on the 5th floor take the elevator. I couldn't have made it to the 5th floor!
Lesson 6: This was a hard lesson for me to learn. The nurses really like it if you use the call light instead of bugging them at the nurses desk. The nurses' chief concern is the patient, not the patient's family. It is best for the patient to hit the call button if she needs something.
Ok, I'm through. No more hospital talk! My next post will be about birthday week!
Julie
Lesson 1: Mom was freezing us out in her first room. We were dressing warm just to sit in her room with her. The first night I stayed the night, I was free-zing! A nurse came in, saw me shivering and brought me, get this, a heated blanket. I was warm the rest of the night. It blessed my soul (it really warmed my soul too) to have a heated blanket. If you have to stay the night at the hospital, ask for a heated blanket.
Lesson 2: The nurses have access to popsicles. They don't always tell the patient they can have them, and most patients, even with the strictest dietary concerns can. The best thing is patients family members can have them too. They also will give you a coke. This is great for those of you that can eat and drink in hospitals. I, however, didn't partake of free popsicles or cokes. I can't seem to eat or drink where sick people have been. I tried. I spent quite a few dollars on Sonic drinks before I realized that I won't drink in a room.
Lesson 3: Dress to impress. We decided to dress nicely for the hospital. I originally thought we would only be at the hospital for 3-4 days, so I took 3 outfits for the hospital and the rest of my clothes were t-shirts, shorts and jeans to wear around mom's house. Needless to say when day 3 became day 11 I was re-wearing all my clothes. But I will say this was the best decision we made. It seems like we were taken seriously, and as if we "had it together" by the hospital staff. And we talked to many different members of hospital staff. We were in no way delussioned into thinking we knew what was going on, or had it all together, but I think it was easier to be taken seriously when we dressed up. My baby sister brought me clothes when she came back into town so the last week I was not in repeat mode. I love that girl.
Lesson 4: The best bathrooms are in admitting. The admitting offices aren't open very much of the day and there aren't many sick people in that area. Therefore, these are the best bathrooms. I give credit to Aunt Janet for this one. Great tip!
Lesson 5: If you are on the 4th floor and can walk the stairs, do so. The elevators are slow and the exercise is good for you. If you are on the 5th floor take the elevator. I couldn't have made it to the 5th floor!
Lesson 6: This was a hard lesson for me to learn. The nurses really like it if you use the call light instead of bugging them at the nurses desk. The nurses' chief concern is the patient, not the patient's family. It is best for the patient to hit the call button if she needs something.
Ok, I'm through. No more hospital talk! My next post will be about birthday week!
Julie
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