When a family member or friend is in the hospital near me, it can often cheer her up to see that you are willing to take time out of your day to stop by for a visit. Before you go, brush up on the rules of etiquette in a place where there are sick and injured people.
Basic Rules
a. Know the hospital rules
Most hospitals have their visitation rules posted in or near the main lobby. Before you visit your friend or family member, read them.
b. Don’t go if you are sick
Stay home if you have a fever, cough, or any other sign of sickness. You don't need to spread your germs in a hospital where people's immune systems are weak.
c. Be clean
Wash your hands before and after you visit your friend or family member. You don't want to take germs into or out of the hospital.
d. Set a time limit
You don't need to stay for hours and hours unless you are the spouse, parent, or child of the patient. Most of the time, 15 or 20 minutes is an adequate amount of time to allow. Don't stay too long, or you may interfere with the person's need for rest.
e. Observe privacy
The patient has to give up privacy to the medical staff, but that does not extend to others. Before entering the room, knock and enter after you are invited. Observe personal space rules while you are in the room.
f. Don’t touch the equipment
Keep your hands off all the medical equipment. This includes tubes, monitors, and the actual machine. It is never okay to reset anything.
g. Keep the noise down
The hospital is not a good place for loud voices, booming laughter, or ringing cell phones. Put your cell phone on silent or vibrate and plan to visit in a quiet tone.
h. Let the family go first
If the hospital policy states that only so many people are allowed in the room at one time, family members should go first. After all, this isn't a party.
i. Avoid fragrance
Don't wear perfume or heavily scented toiletries to the hospital. Some of the patients may have allergies, or worse, be on ventilators.
j. Remain positive
When you arrive at the hospital, be as positive as you can and smile if it is appropriate. Don't share negative past experiences in the hospital, or you may frighten your friend or family member who is in the hospital.
k. Don’t go empty-handed
Bring the patient a card, gift, or a bouquet to help cheer up the patient. Leaving something for the person to enjoy later may help keep her spirits up after all the visitors have left.
l. Keep your opinions to yourself
Avoid the urge to diagnose the patient, unless you are a doctor. Never tell the person how bad she looks, and if you are shocked by tubes and beeping machines, don't show it.
Conclusion
Before you visit the patient, think about a few conversation starters to help prevent letting the conversation get too intense.