What can I do to participate in my care while in the hospital?
We encourage you to know and participate in your care plan. Here are some ways you can be involved:
- Listen carefully when the risks, benefits, and alternatives for any procedure are being explained. Repeat what the doctors and nurses say in your own words and take notes.
- Ask any questions you may have. Speak up if something is unclear or confusing, and keep asking until you understand.
- Only agree to the things you fully understand.
- Remember that you have many rights as a patient including the right to refuse any treatments.
- Provide complete and accurate information about your medical history, conditions, and allergies. Also, let us know if you are participating in a research study.
- If you are having surgery, participate with the care team in marking your surgical site.
- Tell us who your family members or friends are and how you want them to be involved.
Nursing and clinical staff will visit you throughout the day to make sure you are comfortable and that all your care needs are met. We call this “hourly rounding”, and we will “round” on you once each hour while you are awake and every two hours through the night. We will ask about your pain and any other discomfort you may be experiencing. We will also help you to the restroom and make sure you have everything you need within reach. If at any time during your stay you feel you are not getting very good care, please let us know. Speak up! This is your time to ask questions and be an advocate for yourself or your loved one.
Keywords: what to expect, my care plan, participating in my own care