by Charles Simmins

Created on: February 05, 2009

Hospital stays can be frightening, boring, and uncomfortable. Some tips for preparing for a hospital stay can make the experience bearable.

Have a conversation with your doctor. Find out why you are being admitted. Ask about the tests that may be performed and the treatment that may be provided. You will feel better if you understand what is happening.

Find out what you will need to bring. It sounds simple but it isn't. Hospitals can provide some basics but you will want much more than they can give you.

Can you bring your own pajamas? Hospital gowns challenge both your modesty and your ability to tie a knot behind your back. If you can bring your own night clothes you will feel a little more comfortable. You can ask if you can bring your own pillow, because you might sleep better with it along.

You will want slippers and a robe, as well. Hospital slippers are just socks with an attitude and hospitals have no robes. Backless gowns, remember?

The length of your stay affects some of your choices. Will you need a shaving kit for your beard? A toothbrush and toothpaste will be nice to have. Deodorant may be a necessity. Will you need tampons during your stay?

It's decided. You'll be packing a bag and bringing it with you to the hospital. What else will you need to prepare?

You will be spending a lot of time in bed or in a chair. Would a book or some magazines help the time pass? Take your reading glasses, too, and a pen if you do crossword puzzles.

If you decide to pay for the television in the room, you may want the television schedule from the newspaper or the TV Guide. If you are a music buff, your Ipod with the ear phones would be a good choice to bring. Many hospitals have free WiFi access so you could bring your laptop.

The hospital will ask about your religious preference on admission. They may also ask you if you would like a clergy member to visit you.

The hospital will also ask who you would like to allow them to talk to about your condition. They are not allowed to tell anyone anything about your status without your permission. You will want to decide before you go in and you may include your spouse, a relative, or no one at all.

Do not bring jewelry, watches, items of value. Lots of people work in a hospital or visit there and not all of them are honest. If you cannot secure your valuables at the hospital, do not bring them.

It is not a hotel. The staff will wait on you based on your needs and your abilities, and not your wants. They are not servants and you should not come in to the hospital expecting to be waited upon hand and foot. Try to anticipate what you will want and bring it with you.

These tips for preparing for a hospital stay should help you make your visit less traumatic and more bearable.

Learn more about this author, Charles Simmins.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.