Hospital Survival Guide

Whether you find yourself suddenly in the ER or sitting in the waiting room for a scheduled surgery, you can feel stressed, confused and helpless.  Unfortunately we have found ourselves in the ER and waiting rooms multiple times.  I hope our experiences can assist you through this event with a little less stress, less confusion and tools to help you feel slightly more in control.

Here are 10 simple tips to survive the hospital:


1. Put your patience hat on.

Nothing happens as fast as you would like it to.  Trust the system.  Breathe.


2. You feel like the most important case in the hospital, but you may not be.

Let them do their jobs.  They are doing the best they can based on their patient load.


3. Try to hear, not just listen.

Hear what your nurses are saying...to everything they are saying.  Try not to focus on only what you want/need to hear.


4. Wait before you conclude.

Five doctors will have five different opinions (especially in the ER or in a teaching hospital where you are seeing students or Residents).  Be careful not to get overwhelmed by all the voices.  Let some time pass and the test results come back before you get stuck on any one opinion/diagnosis.


5. Be a learner.  Being informed will help you feel more comfortable.   

Ask questions if you don't understand.  Don't be embarrassed or worry about looking dumb.  Doctors and nurses talk all day to numerous patients.  They may not stop to think that you need more information or have something explained better.


6. Kind words and a pleasant demeanor can only help you.

Be polite to those caring for you or your loved ones.  You will quickly draw people to you or push them away with your tone and attitude.


7. You need to be an advocate for yourself or your loved one.

Though this may seem like a contradiction to #1-6, it is meant to flow alongside them.  Your doctor and nurses don't know you or your loved one.  If you feel they are wrong or that they need more information, speak up.  No one is perfect, not even medical staff!


8.  Pack thoughtfully

If you have time to pack before going to the hospital there are a few things that are must-haves.

⧫Sweater/Sweatshirt
The temperature is often cool in the hospital - especially in the summer!

⧫Pair of socks and comfortable shoes (do not wear flip flops)

⧫Chapstick (lip gloss)
The air is often very dry in the hospital.

⧫Water and small snacks
This is just practical because you don't know how long you may have to wait in a room for the doctor, or for test results.  But it's also to help your mind stay clear and focused - dehydration and hunger are not helpful in these scenarios (see #9).

⧫Baby wipes
To clean yourself - cause you will feel gross and you don't always have access to cleaning supplies.


9. If you are the caregiver/family member make sure you don't neglect your own needs.

Food, water, sleep and time to meditate/pray is essential to be able to care properly.  It's easy to feel righteous to deny yourself while caring for them, but it's only counterproductive to their care.  Remember the oxygen mask scenario on a plane?  You need your oxygen to think clearly and keep you alive so that you can help others.  Caring for yourself is that oxygen mask.  You are no help to anyone without that essential "oxygen".


10. Let people help you.  (If you're like me, this one is hard)

People want to do something to help lighten your load, even if it's small.  Cook meals, make phone calls, pick up or watch your kids, or maybe just sitting with you while you vent/cry.   We can also think it's righteous to do it all on our own.  It's not.  It's pride.  Please let others hold you up as you carry this burden.



I am with you in spirit, my friend, as you travel down this path.  I pray these tips will truly help you through it, a little better.