If you go to the hospital by choice or because of an emergency, the following information may make the trip less stressful. Relatives and friends of patients also may find this information useful.

WHAT TO BRING
It's best to pack as little as you can and put your name on all personal items. However, bring the following items:

• a few nightclothes, a bathrobe, and sturdy slippers (put your name on all personal items)
  
• comfortable clothes to wear home
  
• a toothbrush, toothpaste, shampoo, comb and brush, deodorant, shaving cream, and razor
  
• a list of all the medicines you take, including prescription and nonprescription drugs
  
• details of past illnesses, surgeries, and any allergies
  
• your health insurance card
  
• a list of names and telephone numbers (home and business) of family members to contact in case of an emergency
  
• $20 or less for newspapers, magazines, or any other items you may wish to buy in the hospital gift shop

ADMISSION
The first stop in the hospital is the admitting office. Here, the patient or a family member signs forms allowing the hospital staff to provide treatment and to release medical information to the insurance company. Those who don't have private health insurance can talk with an admissions counselor about other payment methods and sources of financial aid such as Medicaid and Medicare.

HOSPITAL STAFF
After getting settled in your room, you begin to meet the members of your healthcare team.

• Doctors attend to each patient and are in charge of your overall care. It may be your regular doctor, one of the hospital staff, or a specialist. In hospitals where doctors are trained, in addition to the attending physician, medical students, interns, and residents (doctors training in a specialty) also may see you.
  
• Nurses of many types including registered nurses, nurse practitioners, licensed practical nurses, nurses aides, and nursing students provide patient-care services.
  
• Physical therapists teach patients to build muscles and improve coordination. They may use exercise, heat, cold, or water therapy to help patients whose ability to move is limited.
  
• Occupational therapists work with patients to restore, maintain, or increase ability to perform daily tasks such as cooking, eating, bathing, and dressing.
  
• Speech therapists work with stroke patients or those recovering from throat surgery, also neurosurgery.
  
• Respiratory therapists prevent and treat breathing problems.
  
• Technicians conduct a variety of laboratory tests such as blood and urine tests and X-rays.
  
• Dieticians teach you how to plan a well-balanced diet.
  
• Pharmacists know the chemical make-up and the correct use of drugs. They prepare the medicines you will use.
  
• Social workers offer support to patients and their families. They can provide details about how to obtain healthcare and social services after leaving the hospital and know about financial aid programs, support groups, and home-care services.

HOSPITAL GEOGRAPHY
Hospitals have many patient-care areas. You may be placed in a private room (one bed) or a semiprivate (two-bed) room. The intensive care unit (ICU) has special equipment and staff to care for very ill patients. Coronary care units (CCU's) give intensive medical care to patients with severe heart disease. In both the ICU and CCU, visiting hours are strictly limited and only family members are allowed to see patients. Surgery is done in the operating room (OR). After an operation, patients spend time in a recovery room.

In the emergency room (ER), trained staff treat life-threatening injuries or illnesses. Patients who are badly hurt or very sick are seen first. Because the ER is so busy, some patients may have to wait before they are seen by an emergency medical technician (paramedic), nurse, or doctor.

SAFETY TIPS
Because medical equipment is not familiar and medications can make you feel tired or weak, it's good to take a few extra safety steps while in the hospital:

• Use the call bell when you need help.
  
• Use the controls to lower the bed before getting in or out.
  
• Be careful not to trip over the many wires and tubes that may be around the bed.
  
• Try to keep the things you need within easy reach.
  
• Take only the medicines prescribed for you.
  
• If you brought your own medicines, tell your nurse or doctor, and take them only with your doctor's permission.
  
• Be careful getting in and out of the bathtub or shower. Hold on to the grab bars for support. Ask for assistance.
  
• Use handrails on stairways and in hallways.
  
• Smoke only where allowed, and never smoke around oxygen.

• What will this test tell you? Why is it needed?
  
• What treatment is needed, and how long will it last?
  
• What are the benefits and risks of treatment?
  
• When can I go home?
  
• When I do go home, will I have to change my regular activities?
  
• How often will I need checkups?
  
• Is any other follow-up care needed?
  
• Will I need physical therapy or occupational therapy?