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In the Hospital: How to Get the Best Care

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In the Hospital: How to Get the Best Care

In the Hospital: How to Get the Best Care (00:01:54)
Video Transcript

If you were served the wrong meal at a restaurant ... a meal you didn't order ...

you'd probably say something, right?

So ... when you're in the hospital and something happens that's not ... on the menu, you would speak up there too, right?

This is your health now, not a meal.

Asking questions about your own care may not feel comfortable, but remember, the staff is there to help you get better.

You're all on the same team.

Let's look at some examples.

Ask why.

"Um ... excuse me. Why am I getting an X-ray on this hand when it's the other one that hurts?"

Double-check.

"Is this my regular medicine? Because the last pill I got was blue.

Can you check and make sure it is for me?"

Take charge.

"Would you ... please wash your hands before you examine me?

I want to do everything I can to help prevent getting an infection while I'm here.

I really do appreciate it."

Think ahead.

"The nurse helped me figure out how my care is going to work once I leave the hospital. She gave me a checklist so I won't forget anything.

Don was there too. I want both of us to know everything."

To get the best care while you're in the hospital, remember to ... ask why ...

double-check ... take charge ... and think ahead.

I actually ordered the soup.

"Oops!"

Remember ... you and the hospital staff are on the same team.

And the better they do their jobs, the better it is for your health.

Just like you'd ask for the right meal in a restaurant, be sure you ask questions for your health.

Just ask.

Current as of: April 30, 2024

Author: Ignite Healthwise, LLC Staff

Clinical Review Board
All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.

This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. Healthwise is a URAC accredited health web site content provider. Privacy Policy. How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.

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Contact Us In Nampa Nampa
  1. Baker City
  2. Boise
  3. Buhl
  4. Caldwell
  5. Eagle
  6. Fruitland
  7. Hailey/Ketchum
  8. Jerome
  9. McCall
  10. Meridian
  11. Mountain Home
  12. Nampa
  13. New Meadows
  14. Ontario
  15. Riggins
  16. Sun Valley
  17. Twin Falls
(208) 381-2222