Top 5 things patients should (not) bring to the hospital.
By: Navi Concierge Nurses
Tags: Hospital, Money Management, Jewlery, Disease, Cash

Cash

With digital wallets on our phones, you just don’t need cash around anymore. Especially in the hospital. The only time you may need money is for picking up your scripts from the pharmacy, buying something in the gift shop, or grabbing some food. It is highly encouraged to send your family home with your money, and bring it back if needed at the end of your stay to pick up your prescriptions. Many vending machines take your card or Apple Pay, and many patients just order Uber Eats if they want food that is not from the cafeteria. (please just check with your nurse to make sure the food you are ordering will be okay with your diet restrictions ahead of time).

Medications

Unless you are taking a research medication that is really hard to come by, or something that is really specialized, please do not bring them. Most hospitals do not allow people to take their own medications unless verified, and often times have to be locked up and out of your possession. It’s much easier to just leave them all at home to begin with. But what is helpful, it your medication schedule that tells what you are taking, at what doses, and when. Many patients who have brought in medications are encouraged to give their pills to a loved one to take home. This also goes for CBD. If we see gummies or other products containing CBD, they will have to be stored away until you go home.

Firearms or weapons

While we know that weapons and firearms are not supposed to be in hospitals, somehow they can sneak in sometimes. No one wants to find this in your bag, and it truly is for everyone's safety. Any weapon that is found among your belongings goes straight to security. We want you to feel safe in the hospital- that’s exactly why there is security.

Tobacco, alcohol, vape pens, & illegal substances

We know that tobacco interferes with wound healing, so if you want to heal, it is really important to not be smoking. If you are having difficulty being away from cigarettes, just let your nurse and physician know. It can be addressed. Alcohol is not allowed, because chances are you may be taking pain medications, and alcohol is dangerous to take in combination with narcotics or benzodiazepines. When they are combined, it can lower your respiratory rate to the point of being dangerous. Again, if you are used to drinking every day, please let your healthcare provider know. Going cold-turkey in the hospital can also be dangerous. Illegal substances are also a big no-no for obvious reasons.

Jewelry

Jewelry is more than just a physical watch or bracelet. It often times comes with sentimental value, and it is the last thing you want to lose. Jewelry is also removed for a variety of reasons such as: swelling in the hands, need for an MRI, or to make room for wristbands. We never want to have to cut anything off, but sometimes it happens. And when we take jewelry off, it can get lost. Hospitals never intend to lose anything, but sometimes things can get lost or misplaced easily.

So the next time you are planning to head into the hospital, feel free to leave your valuables at home, or in the care of a loved one. It’s one less thing for you to worry about.

Nurse Jasmine

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