While in the hospital, I feel comfortable with acting as my own advocate and am more assertive in that environment than I am in everyday life. Although I'm assertive about asking for things when I need them and asking questions about what I'm being given, I do treat the staff with respect and thank them for their care. I also try to be understanding when they are busy. I know that many hospitals are cutting costs by cutting back on nursing staff and that they are all taking on more tasks. As in most situations, I've found using honey gets quicker results than vinegar.
Many women find ways to resist the depersonalization of hospital life.
I find that if it is going to be a long stay these things help a lot. I'm always in the middle of a book so that always goes. All this helped me to be able to tolerate my stay better. I get visitors and that helps unless I'm very ill. When I was in isolation for low white cells and an infection, I had an awful time and the only one allowed to see me was Mike.