During Your Hospital Stay
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Your healthcare team
Your doctor works with a highly trained team to meet your
care needs. The team members will introduce themselves and will have their ID
badge visible, but if you have any questions about their role, please feel free
to ask. This team may include:
- Your attending doctor — the doctor responsible for
coordinating care while you are in the hospital.
- Consulting doctors — your attending doctor may ask
other doctors (e.g., surgeons, specialists, your family doctor) to help with a
certain part of your medical care while you are in the hospital.
- Doctors in various stages of their medical training may
help in your care under the supervision of your attending doctor. This may
include:
- Medical students (currently completing four years
of medical school).
- Residents (finished medical school and in residency
training).
- Nursing staff (including nurses, patient care
assistants and technicians, nurse practitioners, case managers, and
educators).
- Other care givers (social workers, discharge planners, dietitians, pharmacists, respiratory therapists, physical and occupational therapists).
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Bloodwork
The lab technician may come into your room in the middle of the night to draw blood. This helps us get the bloodwork results back so that your doctor can see them on morning rounds and helps to coordinate your care more efficiently. We appreciate your cooperation.
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Tell us about your pain
You have the right to treatment of pain during all aspects of your care. We are committed to working with you and your family to help manage your pain. We believe that you are the expert on your pain. You can help by telling us about your pain and by working with us to develop a treatment plan that is best for you.
We believe that you are the expert on your pain so:
- Talk to your doctor or nurse about your pain and pain
relief options.
- Ask them what to expect regarding pain and pain
management.
- Work with your doctor or nurse to develop a pain
management plan.
- Ask for pain relief when your pain first begins.
- Help your doctor or nurse by describing your pain.
- Tell your doctor or nurse if your pain level is not
relieved or acceptable.
- Tell your doctor or nurse about any concerns you have about taking your pain medicine.
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Palliative care
Palliative care is a team approach to managing patients with progressive and potentially life limiting disease or illnesses. The palliative medicine team works with your doctor to provide "whole person care" to meet your physical, emotional, social and spiritual needs. The palliative medicine team will address your current or potential uncomfortable symptoms, help you define your wishes and honor your wishes by facilitating discussion about healthcare decisions throughout the course of your illness. If you think you may benefit from a palliative medicine consult, talk with your doctor.
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Pastoral care
Chaplains are available to provide spiritual and emotional support, as well as communication support as it relates to medical decision-making, patient rights and medical ethics. Upon request, we will notify your minister, priest or rabbi of your hospital stay. To request a chaplain, please ask your nurse or call Pastoral Care at (614) 566-5307. The chapel and a small private meditation room are located near the main lobby. An interdenominational religious service is offered on Sunday at 10:00 a.m. and Wednesday at 11:30 a.m.
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Patient and family education
We want you to be a part of your care. Our healthcare team
will keep you informed about the outcomes of your care, treatment options and
home care. There are many educational materials (videos, written handouts, etc.)
available to help you understand your disease/condition, tests, care, treatment
or medicine. If at any time you have questions about your care, ask your doctor
or nurse. We encourage you, your family and the community to use these resources
to find out more about your health. The Donald J. Vincent Medical Library (on
the first floor of the hospital) (614) 566-5230 offers Internet access, books,
brochures, videos and other information.
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Customer service and employee recognition
Our healthcare team works together and wants to make sure your special needs are met and your concerns are addressed. If you have questions or need assistance in any way, please talk with your doctor, nurse or the department manager. Our staff is dedicated to providing you with the highest quality healthcare. To recognize an employee or physician for excellent customer service, please feel free to complete a Power of 1 recognition form. These forms are available on nursing units, in hospital departments, and in Power of 1 drop boxes located around the hospital. Your comments are appreciated and they will be shared and celebrated with staff.
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Valuables We encourage you to leave valuables (jewelry, money, credit cards, checkbooks or anything else of value) at home or with a family member. Valuables can be locked up in Security (614) 566- 4400. Lost and found services are provided by the Security Department.
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