Hospital inpatient etiquette and advice please!

Errata

Tell your personal nurse that you'd like a chaplain's visit. They will come and bring you Communion if you'd like

How do patients identify their 'personal nurse'?

margaretclare

Normally they're told on admission to the ward. 'Your named nurse is...'

luxor4t

In hospitals here the nurse introduces him/her self to the patient "I'm XXXXX and I am your nurse today" - even to toddlers.

kathrynha

From my past experience my hospital bag always includes:
Nightshirt - short sleeved, v-neck (loose enough to get access to check breathing/heart), knee length, darkish coloured, at least a size too big
Dressing gown - nice warm fleecy one as I find wards can be cold at night, so can use it as a blanket
Crocs - Floor can be yucky, and can be worn in the shower if that doesn't look to clean
Soft bra - I need one, but underwires aren't comfortable in bed especially post-op
Comfy pants
Jersey skirt - lovely and soft, I don't do trousers, but my equivalent of slobbing tracksuit bottom
T-shirts - loose, darkish colour
Cardigan - easier than jumpers to take off and on
Bed socks
Wash kit - travel size shampoo, conditioner, shower gel, toothbrush, toothpaste, deoderant, hairbrush. Also dry shampoo and babywipes for days you aren't up to showering. Also own decent quality sanitary protection if you are on gynae.
Towel - my own are nicer than hospital ones
Small zippable bag - big enough for phone, kindle, small amount of money that you take everywhere with you. Get a relative to look after it during op, and to top up your money when required
Chargers
Book
Puzzle book and pen
Tissues
Squash
Snacks
Tea bags

Then friends to bring in Costa coffees on the way to ward, and mother to bring in home made ready meals in food flask in the evening if dinner was inedible.