During Your Stay: What to Expect
What to Expect During Your Hospital Stay
Understanding hospital routines and procedures will help you feel more comfortable and confident during your stay.
Morning
Morning vital signs, blood draws, medication administration
Mid-Morning
Breakfast, physician rounds, nursing assessments
Late Morning/Afternoon
Procedures, therapy sessions, tests, consults, discharges, and family visits
Core Medical Team
Hospitalist
The main physician or advanced practice provider overseeing your care and treatment plan
Bedside Nurse
Provide direct patient care, administer medications, and monitor your condition
Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs)
Help with daily activities like bathing, eating, and mobility
Pharmacist
Reviews medications for safety and provides drug information
Case Manager or Social Worker
Help coordinate your care and plan for discharge
Specialized Support Team
Physical Therapist
Helps improve movement, strength, and mobility
Occupational Therapist
Assists with daily living activities and adaptive techniques
Speech Therapist
Helps with communication, swallowing, and cognitive skills
Respiratory Therapist
Specializes in breathing treatments and lung care
Dietitian
Provides nutrition counseling and meal planning guidance
Consultants
Providers with expertise in specific areas related to your condition
Charge Nurse
Supervises the nursing staff and coordinates patient care on the unit
COPD (Lung Disease)
A lung condition that makes breathing difficult, often related to smoking
DM (Diabetes)
A chronic condition in which the body cannot properly use or produce enough insulin, leading to elevated blood glucose levels
AKI (Acute Kidney Injury) and CKD (Chronic Kidney Disease)
A decline in kidney function that affects the kidneys' ability to filter waste and excess fluid from the bloodstream
Acute Coronary Syndrome
An emergency condition that occurs when a blockage in the coronary arteries reduces or stops blood flow to the heart
Atrial Fibrillation
An irregular and sometimes rapid heart rhythm in which the upper chambers of the heart beat irregularly and ineffectively, which can increase the risk of blood clots and stroke
Important to Know
- These services focus on comfort and quality of life
- Palliative care can be provided at any stage of illness
- Your care team will discuss if these services might be helpful
- Both services involve your family in care planning
- You have the right to ask questions and make informed decisions
Palliative Care
Comfort-focused care that can be provided alongside other treatments to improve quality of life
- Pain and symptom management
- Emotional and spiritual support
- Help with medical decision-making
- Coordination of care
Hospice Care
Comfort-focused care for patients with advanced illness, emphasizing quality of life over cure
- Comprehensive comfort care
- Family support and counseling
- 24/7 on-call support
- Bereavement services