HOSPITAL SURVIVAL GUIDE

The first 24 hours set the tone for the entire hospital stay. Focus on information gathering and establishing yourself as an active family member.

• Get the name of the attending physician and their expected rounding time
• Ask for the case manager or social worker’s name and direct number
• Identify the charge nurse for the shift
• Ask: “What is the current plan of care?”
• Request access to the patient portal (MyChart, Epic, etc.)
• Write down every medication being administered and why
• Ask about visiting hours, Wi-Fi, and where to get food nearby

Do not wait for doctors to find you. Be present during rounds (usually 7, 10 AM) and ask these questions daily:

• What happened overnight? Any changes?
• What tests or procedures are planned today?
• Are there any new medications? What are they for?
• What is the discharge goal? What needs to happen before we go home?
• Is physical therapy, occupational therapy, or speech therapy involved?
• Are there any concerns I should know about?

Every patient has federally protected rights. Knowing them changes how you are treated.

• Right to informed consent, no procedure without your understanding and agreement
• Right to refuse treatment, including the right to refuse discharge
• Right to a second opinion
• Right to access your own medical records
• Right to have a patient advocate present
• Right to file a grievance without retaliation
• Right to interpreter services if English is not your first language

Hospitals are motivated to discharge as quickly as possible. Your job is to make sure it is safe.

• Ask: “Is my loved one safe to go home today?”
• Get written discharge instructions, do not rely on verbal only
• Confirm all new medications: name, dose, frequency, side effects
• Ask: “What should I watch for that would require a return to the ER?”
• Confirm follow-up appointments are scheduled before leaving
• If going to rehab or skilled nursing, visit the facility first if possible
• If the discharge plan feels unsafe, say: “I do not agree with this discharge plan”, they must document your objection

You cannot advocate for your loved one if you collapse. Caregiver burnout is real and it often starts in the hospital.

• Eat real meals, not just vending machine snacks
• Sleep when you can, ask a trusted person to take a shift
• Step outside for fresh air at least once a day
• Accept help when people offer, give them something specific to do
• Pray, even when you do not have the words, God hears your heart
• Call ECO Bedside Village if you need someone to talk to or pray with

• Hospital main number: ___________________________
• Attending physician: ___________________________
• Case manager / social worker: ___________________________
• Charge nurse (current shift): ___________________________
• Patient advocate: ___________________________
• Pharmacy: ___________________________
• Insurance company: ___________________________
• ECO Bedside Village: [email protected]