Dreading that uncomfortable hospital stay? Here are a few tips to help you be prepared:

1.  Be sure to bring/organize all needed paperwork. For example: medical history, insurance information, ID information, medication list,  phone numbers of people you would like to update, etc. Be prepared.

2. Bring cash for vending machines, last minute lunches, coffee, etc.

3. Bring comfy clothes and comfy slippers (Do not walk around barefoot! Yuck!). Button up shirts are great for IV lines, monitor wires, etc.

4. Notepad and pen for reminders, questions, update information, etc.

5. Bring your own toiletries to help have the “comfort of home”. Be sure to bring your own towel!

6. Pick out a few “personal” items that can be easily sanitized to help spruce up the room a bit such as: colorful picture frames, decorative letters spelling your child’s name, etc.

7. Have you ever thought of bringing your own portable cot to sleep on instead of trying to “rough it” in an uncomfortable, squeaky chair?!

8. Bring your child’s comfort item such as a blankie or a favorite animal.

9. Most hospitals will NOT allow any kind of candle but it may be a good idea to bring a light scented oil diffuser. Sometimes a comforting, calm smell makes a big difference in your attitude and other people’s attitude as well!

10. Most of all bring plenty of PATIENCE!!! Treat others the way you would want to be treated. Be sure to consider other patient’s and their care as well as your own. You will not always have the perfect nurse or perfect physician. Remember, you can request different people to participate in your care! Sometimes personalities clash, and that’s okay! Be an advocate for yourself and your child.