Unfortunately for most of us there will come a time when we will have to accompany someone to the hospital emergency room. There is nothing joyful about it so I’m not even going to go there. Over the years I have been in the ER with my dad or mom a bunch of times. I know how much it sucks but here are a few tips on how I get through it.
- Remember that your loved one is where they need to be. We all hate hospitals but the doctors and nurses are trained to help your loved one in ways that you cannot. If things get worse they are only feet away in most cases.
- Remember your faith. Now is a time for prayer not only for your loved one but for everyone. Pray for your loved ones healing. Pray for yourself in managing the stress, anxiety, and fear that comes with having a sick love one. Pray for the well being of and guidance for all of the doctors, nurses, pharmacists and staff involved in your loved ones care.
- Reach out to your support system. Send a quick text to your friends and family. These would be the people who will not only check in on your loved one but on you as well.
- Assuming you have a few minutes before heading to the ER take a moment to grab all of the medications that your loved one is currently taking. It is much easier for the staff to take your bag of meds and document everything than for you and the patient to try and remember the names and dosages of everything.
- Feel free to ask questions. The doctors and nurses want you to understand what is happening. Just be tactful. For example asking what is that medication or test for is way better than yelling why you doing that?
- Do not get annoyed when every new doctor or nurse who enters the room asks you or the patient to repeat what brought them into the ER. I know it is tiresome and annoying but it is their way of making sure that no one misses anything. Kind of like a checks and balance.
- I’m sure all the nurses would agree with me on this one. The nurses are the ones who actually care of your loved one while the doctors provide diagnosis and draft orders. Treat the nurses with respect. Say please and thank you. Do not ask them for things for yourself only ask on behalf of the patient. Stay out of the way and do what simple things you can to help your loved one when the nurse is busy. Fix your loved ones pillows and blankets, help them to the bathroom and with their food (if allowed).
- Bring your own entertainment. A smartphone or ipad can really help you past the time. Don’t forget your charger.
I hope none of you head to the ER any time soon. If so I hope some of these tips come to mind to help you through.
Tell me how you got through it when you had to go to the ER with a loved one. Did i miss anything? What tips would you add?
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I have been to the ER both to accompany loved ones and for myself, this is definitely a great list! I know activating my prayer circle is why I am still alive that's for sure. My Grandmother was a nurse, so I definitely already had a strong respect for Nurses and all they do!
Tracy @ Ascending Butterfly
It's always scary if I have to be in the er with a loved on. It's good to remember that everyone there is there to help, even if it's not always as fast as we'd like!
These are great tips. The last time I took someone to the ER I also had to bring along 3 small children. It was not the greatest!
These are really great tips. No trip to the ER is ever fun, but at armed with these tips at least it will be bearable.
It's very important to bring their medications to the ER. Relying on your memory in those situations can be tricky.
This is a really wonderful post, I haven't had much experience with loved ones being in a hospital but I can see how this would help me get thru it!
This is really helpful. Having my sister and brothers with me helped me through a lot.
All great advice. I've been the emergency room a few times with my kids and it's exactly as you describe it to be. Another reason to love a cell phone (the hours of waiting)!
These are great tips. I am hoping we don't have any trips to the ER this year. Another good tip is to bring some cash or change for the coffee and snack machine in the waiting room.
These are great tips. I've had my fair share of trips to the ER, and it can be an extremely frustrating experience.
Yes, bring lots of snacks and your phone charger! You're gonna be there for a while.
This rings very true to me. I have a child with a chronic health condition, that unfortunately has her going to the ER or being admitted almost every month.
I always bring a snack and her medical log. Having the log allows me to easily ask any questions that may be posed on medications of previous hospital visits.
Great insight! This is the insight that we all wish we never need. Your steps are simple to follow and cover the things that we may sometimes overlook. Thank you for sharing, that advice it very helpful. Thanks for sharing.
#BLMGirls
I've been to the ER before with a loved one. Scary. Unpleasant. You gave good advice. Thanks for sharing.