Cheering Up Patients Some really simple things can make a patient's hospital stay tolerable. Little things can make a patient more comfortable. For example, tall patients can be uncomfortable in beds; however, most hospital beds can be extended. It's at least worth checking. If your patient will be in bed for any appreciable amount of time, they will be more comfortable if lying not just on the mattress, but also on a bed pad designed to improve her blood circulation. The new approach is an inflatable bed pad that automatically adjusts itself under the patient to avoid sustained pressure in one spot or another. Bed sores can be an issue, but even if they’re not a concern for your patient, a pad will make a hospital bed much more comfortable. To protect patients, mattresses and pillows are encased in plastic. Hospital beds are covered to preserve them, which can make for a very uncomfortable sweaty patient. When changing linens, add a cotton blanket under the patient. Related: Patient Family History Many hospitals are very dry environments, your patient may have hands that are dry, and that would welcome an application of moisturizer. Consider asking the patient if they would like a humidifier, and offer lotions to help the skin. Decorate your patient’s room. Hospital rooms are usually all bland, and what art they have is mediocre. Just a few changes and additions will make all the difference in the world. Be sure, of course, not to do anything that will get in the way. Decorations can be as simple as hanging up a reproduction of a piece of art or a child’s artwork, and bringing in a colorful quilt, suggest family members bring some amenities from home. If your patient’s circumstances prevent them from wearing clothing of their own, you can help make do with what the hospital has to offer by asking for extra hospital gowns. Worn the other way around with the ties and opening in front, a second gown will function like a robe, and cover your patient’s backside. You may well find your patient tired to the point of delirium, and if it appears that the problem is due at least in part to all the visits they receive throughout the day, you can ask if they prefer to have their visits grouped. It may work, it may not, and you may have to advise as the shifts change,
but ideally, it’ll mean that your patient gets their visits in clusters, giving them more of a chance to rest between all of the activity. It will boost your patient’s spirits to be groomed. Happily, many hospitals provide access to grooming services, beyond the basic care that nurses provide. Ask about getting someone to come into your patient’s room to care for their hair, shave her legs, or give a pedicure and massage. If the services aren’t available in-house, ask family to arrange for an outside provider to visit. Flowers are always welcome, well, not always. Some hospitals don’t allow them, but even if they’re allowed, your patient may find them unusually sensitive to scent. Stuffed toys or a scentless flower may be a better solution. Related: Nursing Specialist in High Demand Today The main gift you can give your patient, however, is your company. Visit and talk if you think that would cheer them up, or read aloud, provide a sympathetic, listening ear, or just sit with them. Your presence, whether you’re interacting with them, or working on them, is always appreciated times from a patient's perspective. Doing a few little things to make your patients stay more welcoming can make a huge difference to them, and we all aim to have comfortable and happy patients. Related: International Nurses Association Please follow us on Facebook, Linkedin, Pinterest and Twitter