Your experience in the hospital may be different each day. The following are descriptions and explanations of some of the typical routines that will be part of your stay.
Surgical patients will return to their hospital room after the surgery is over. Your physicians will visit with you after surgery and your nurses will provide your treatments.
Vital Signs will be checked by a nurse or patient care assistant several times a day. This may include your temperature, blood pressure and oxygen level. At times, this routine may seem inconvenient (for example, when you are sleeping), but measuring your vital signs is an important way of making sure that you are responding to your treatment.
Medications will be given by your nurse. These may take the form of pills, liquids or
intravenous fluids. Before accepting any medication, make sure your doctors and nurses know about any allergies that you have experienced or any side effects that you have had to medications. You should learn about the medicines you are given, the correct dosage and any side effects. Please be sure to ask your nurse if you have any questions about your medications. If you are taking medication through an IV and the equipment starts to beep, please signal your nurse so that adjustments can be made.
Medical rounds are when your physicians visit each day. These typically occur between
7:00 a.m. - 9:30 a.m. Your physician may also return later in the day to check on your progress. During your hospital stay, specialists or consultants who will assist your medical team for specific issues may also visit you.
Tests you will undergo may include blood work, x-rays (radiology), heart examinations or endoscopy (a lighted tube used to examine your stomach or intestines). A phlebotomist (person who draws blood) will probably visit you on most mornings, but tests in
the hospital may occur at any time of the day, including occasionally in the middle of
the night, if necessary. Because there are many patients in the hospital who require
many different tests, you may occasionally have to wait for a test to be scheduled or completed. It is our goal that all tests and treatments are accomplished on time and in
a convenient manner. However, we ask for your patience if you encounter any delays
or inconvenience.
Meal service is provided three times daily. You will be given menus so that you can choose food that you like. A dietary worker or patient care assistant can help you complete the menus if needed. Please ask to speak with a dietitian or dietary assistant if you would like to request a special diet such as vegetarian or kosher meals. Also, snacks and beverages are almost always available at the nursing stations.
