The hospital room is a familiar setting for many people who have been to the doctor. It is a sterile environment to prevent infection and it provides the necessary equipment for surgeons to safely perform surgery and quickly respond to any complications that might arise during a procedure. The hospital room is also home to many members of a medical team, including nurses, nurse’s aides, physician assistants, therapists and technicians. In large hospitals, you may even see students and resident doctors who are training to be medical professionals. You may even get to meet a few volunteers who are there to help.
When you check into the hospital, you will go to an admissions area where the staff will ask questions and complete paperwork. They will then take you to your room, if you are staying for an inpatient stay. Many hospitals have special floors or areas to accommodate kids and teens, with nurses who are trained in working with young patients. Some even have their own schools, which can help teens keep up with their schoolwork while they are hospitalized.
Most hospitals have a mix of private and semi-private rooms, and some offer deluxe accommodations as well. Typically, patient rooms have a bed with controls for the bed and TV, a bathroom with a toilet and shower, and an over-bed table with lights and outlets. Hospital rooms are cleaned daily and staff follow procedures to disinfect surfaces in the rooms and bathrooms, including the beds, linens and other personal items. If you notice any issues with your room or its cleanliness, please let the nurse know or press the nurse call button.
You may be required to wear a hospital gown, but you can often bring your own clothes and slippers. You may also be asked to pee into a cup or have your blood drawn so that lab technicians can test it for things like bacteria, sugar and protein. The results of these tests are used by your medical team to assess your health and determine your treatment plan.
Some people who are hospitalized for long periods of time may find it hard to get enough exercise, which can lead to weight gain and fatigue. Some hospitals have gyms or recreation centers to give patients a chance to move around and burn some energy.
There are also many activities that hospital patients can participate in to make their hospital stays a little more fun. Many hospitals offer movies and television, as well as board games and cards. You can often ask your family and friends to come visit you at the hospital to play games or watch movies together, but only if it is cleared by your nurse or doctor.
It can be very lonely to spend a lot of time in the hospital without much interaction with your friends and family. Thankfully, with modern technology, it is easier than ever to keep in touch with your friends while you are in the hospital. Many hospitals have Facebook or Twitter accounts that you can use to connect with other patients and share updates from your stay. If you’re having trouble getting in touch with your friends, your nurse or doctor can usually arrange for a video chat.