Anyone who has ever had a loved one spend an extended period in the hospital is familiar with hospital etiquette. Although many health care facilities no longer have set visiting hours, there are still rules and expectations for the family members who wait through a surgery, for a newborn to arrive, or have someone in an ICU Unit. Whether a sudden illness, accident, or chronic condition brings someone into the hospital, gathering together to wait is often standard procedure for most families.

Basic Knowledge For While You Wait

Hospitals normally have special waiting areas set aside for the families of patients. Depending on the size of the facility there may be separate waiting rooms for ICU families, for OB families, for surgery, and for other areas of the hospital. Small hospitals may combine one area into waiting for more than one procedure, i.e. a surgery and ICU waiting room may be one and the same.

Such rooms normally offer both telephone and television, magazines, couches and chairs. Often a restroom is adjacent. Some may provide hot coffee or other beverages. Increasing numbers will provide hand sanitizer dispensers on the walls of waiting rooms, restrooms, and patient rooms. It's wise to use the sanitizer to prevent carrying disease into or out from the hospital. Vending machines are often found nearby so carry a pocket of changes or small bills to get change. Most hospitals fill vending machines with fruit juices and bottled water in addition to soft drinks. Some vending machines may even offer fresh salads, sandwiches, or microwavable items that may include soups, pocket sandwiches, or fruit bowls.

Many facilities also will offer an in-house cafeteria on the lower floors with hot meals and sandwiches. Even smaller institutions may offer meals during limited hours. Gift shops where fresh or silk flowers, balloons, cards, and other items can be bought are also common.

Remember that waiting rooms are to be shared. It's likely that families will share the facilities with others so remember to be patient and polite. Don't abuse telephone privileges by hogging the phone - others may need to use it. Keep television volumes at acceptable levels - the sound may be grating to worried family members and could carry down adjacent hallways to bother patients. If seating space is limited, suggest that some family members visit the cafeteria, seek out another waiting room, or take time to visit the chapel if one is on site.

Hospitals are quiet zones so use low voices and avoid wearing anything but soft soled footwear. Bring as little as possible along - a book if it helps to pass the time, or a crossword puzzle - but don't spread a project over common surfaces. Don't carry a large amount of items into the facility. It makes for more to keep track of later and items left may unfortunately be lost or even stolen. Don't bring large amounts of money along or valuables. Remove any valuables (including wedding rings, watches, money, billfolds, or other items) from the patient upon admission.

Although most facilities allow beverages into waiting areas, ask to make certain. Some areas - such as emergency - may forbid any food or drink. Don't carry meals into the waiting areas but visit the in-house cafeteria or snack bar or leave the building to grab a bite. Never bring food or drink into a patient room without checking with nursing staff to make sure it is allowed. By the same token, don't offer a patient food or drink unless it has been approved by someone in authority, preferably the doctor.

How To Be A Welcome Visitor

If visiting a family member in an ICU (Intensive Care Unit), be wise. Obey any facility rules that limit length of visits and don't crowd too many folks into the room. Patients in ICU are often critical and require the use of quiet voices. Although such visits may be emotional, try not to disturb or distress the patient with a show of emotion. Remember that the old maxim that hearing is the last sense to go is true and that critical patients often recall things that were said over a sickbed. If family issues have been a problem in the past, discard them for the present and unify.

Respect the staff who cares for your loved one. The professionals are there to give the best care possible and although it might seem cruel to watch needles inserted for an IV, nothing is done that is not necessary. If asked to leave the room so that care or a procedure can be performed, go willingly. Cooperative family members stand a better chance of being allowed to return to visit with a family member. Always bear in mind that the staff are professionals and that you are not.

Patients in standard hospital rooms also require family care. Familial support is a vital force in healing but its' easier on both patient and staff if visiting family obeys the rules. Although many facilities no longer limit visiting hours as was once the norm, don't overstay. Allow patients time to rest and recuperate. Too many visitors and too much excitement can hinder recovery. And, again, respect staff. Leave during personal times like baths or restroom visits. Be encouraging and positive. Remember that people who have been ill or injured may not be cheerful. People may say or do things that seem hurtful when they are not meant to be.

If visits from children are age restricted, honor the rules. And keep visits from children - even to a parent or grandparent short and sweet. Rather than have long, extended visits, let the kids make get-well cards or drawings. Staff will, in most cases, be more than happy to hang special pictures or even school papers on the wall where the patient can see them. If an extended stay is necessary, consider posting photos of the family in a prominent location. Bringing something familiar from home - a blanket, pillow, or other item - can also help patients but be sure to ask before you bring.

Remember it is better NOT to visit if ill or suffering from a fever. Don't risk carrying additional illness or added risk to someone in the hospital.

If a spouse wants - or feels it is necessary to spend the night - ask the staff. In many cases, provisions can be made to allow this to happen. Some facilities provide folding beds, chairs that make out into a temporary bed, or even rooms for family members to stay.

Respect for the facilities simple rules will make a hospital stay easier for everyone involved, from the patient to the family to the staff. Mutual respect and adherence to rules works