What's the big deal about staying at a hospital overnight, right?
You go, get checked out, the morning comes, and you go home. But the reality is not that simple, and truth be told, it's anything but comfortable. You might expect you'll be able to rest while the doctors and nurses do everything else, but it doesn't go like that.
Staying at a hospital isn't bad, and the staff isn't careless or lazy, though it could seem like that at times.
And if it does, it's because you went into this unprepared.
What It's Like to Spend a Night in the Hospital
Here's what to expect.
You Won't Sleep Through the Night
Hospitals work 24/7, so even though the sun goes down, the work continues.
Patients who are stable get constantly woken up for things that could wait until morning, and that's just how it is. It could be midnight, and the nurse might come to check your blood pressure, then they might come back again at 3 A.M. for a blood sample. Plus, the machines on the wall beep and chirp all night, and the hallway isn't exactly quiet, either.
The staff isn't being disruptive on purpose; they're just doing their jobs.
The best thing you can do is to bring earplugs and try to rest when things are quiet.
If Something Feels Off, Speak Up
Sometimes, things don't feel quite right, but most patients don't want to say anything because it feels wrong, or they don't want to place themselves in an uncomfortable position, or don't want a confrontation.
But hospitals tend to be busy and stressful, which is a perfect environment for mistakes to happen/occur.
So if you notice your call button being ignored or your meds haven't been distributed properly today (or at all), then speak up. Say something.
Whatever you might be thinking, you're not being difficult, no. You're simply standing up for yourself.
It's not rude. It's literally necessary; otherwise, your health might suffer.
Sadly, some concerns get ignored no matter how hard you try to make things right, and some mistakes are way above normal delays. If that's the case, think about contacting a hospital neglect lawyer.
You'll See Many Different Faces
It would be great if you had that one doctor who knew all about you, and they're the only one you deal with.
But hospitals don't work like that, and many different people end up caring for a single patient. You'll see many different people, and some of them might even ask the same questions over and over.
Don't get annoyed because the only one you'll hurt is yourself. Be reasonable and cooperate.
Food and Water Aren't as Simple as You'd Expect
When you're in a hospital, there are rules about eating and drinking.
Maybe you're stuck on a clear liquid diet, so all you can get is broth, gelatin, and apple juice every single meal. Or perhaps your diet is low-sodium, so everything you get will taste bland. Plus, you'll get trays at weird hours sometimes, like breakfast at 7 A.M. or dinner around 4. It is what it is; you can't do anything about it.
Sometimes, meals are late, and that's not anything unusual because the food service doesn't have the same schedule as nurses and doctors.
You can make this easier on yourself if you ask the nurse about what you're allowed to eat and drink because you don't want to risk dehydration, or be hungry if you don't have to.
Staying Clean Depends a Lot on You, Too
Rooms are cleaned regularly, and the staff has strict protocols to follow, but this is a hospital, after all. It's full of germs, and they easily get from one place to another. Nurses handle a lot when it comes to hygiene, but a lot of it is on you, too.
Should anyone even mention that you need to wash your hands before eating and after using the bathroom? Hopefully not.
You can also have a small bottle of hand sanitizer with you so you can clean up if you need to, instead of waiting for a nurse to do it when they have the time.
Leaving Takes a While
The morning is here, so you can leave, right? Nope.
Getting cleared for discharge is a process, so there's a good amount of waiting around until that happens. You can ask the night before what exactly has to happen before you can leave, and how long it tends to last. And make sure to arrange your transportation beforehand if you can't drive, or you'll need to do it in a rush when you leave. The key is to be patient and polite. There's no use in rushing staff who are already crazy busy.
Conclusion
That wasn't so bad, was it? Nobody wants to stay in a hospital, and it's never going to be a vacation. These places are chaotic, and when you're also sick, it can be a lot if you don't know what to expect.
Well… Now you do.
Preparing can't make the experience perfect, but at least you'll be less confused and frustrated if you know what you're in for.