Hospital Visitation System

System Owner: Gisela Rivera

Purpose/Scope:  The purpose for the Hospital Visitation System is to share the love of God by offering prayer, compassionate support, and face to face visits to our hospitalized members, friends and family members. In times of sickness and or recovering from surgery, it is very important to know that we are loved and thought of.

Procedure: If you would like to be part of this ministry, please coordinate with the systems owner to be notified of needs as well a coronation of visits. If you are requested to visit a patient, please ask the patient's permission to visit before you arrive. Ask him or her to be candid with you, and if he or she prefers you not visit, ask him or her if another day would be better. Many patients love visitors, but some just don't feel up to it. Do the patient the courtesy of asking permission. When you go, you will be representing pastor and theCrossroads, so make sure you speak that to the patient verbally in love.

Observe hospital rules
  • Use the parking area designated for visitors.
  • Obtain room numbers.
  • Make visits only during hospital visiting hours.
  • Identify yourself to the nurse.
  • You might be asked to wear a mask, a gown, and gloves, especially if you are called to a sterile area such as an operating room, or are entering a room in which the patient is in isolation. Remember this is to protect both the patient and you.

Observe the patient's environment
  • Look for signals. Notice any call lights above the door or signs attached to the door, such as "Universal Precautions" or "No Visitors." If the signs are there, consult with the nurse or leave a note and some devotional material with the nurse.
  • Blend visit with the patient's treatment schedule. The patient's day begins early with blood tests, treatments, and altered meal schedules.
  • Ask yourself, "How do I make the best use of the time?"

Observe Good Hospital Manners
  • Wash your hands and sanitize them before you touch the patient or hand the patient something you've been touching. Infections come from almost any source and the pathogens can survive on surfaces for days. You can't risk being responsible for making your favorite patient even sicker than he or she already is.
  • Knock for permission to enter and wait for an invitation to enter the room.
  • Focus on the patient once you are in the room.
  • Position yourself in the line of the patient's vision.
  • Introduce yourself to the patient.
  • Let the patient invite a handshake.
  • Sit down only at the invitation of the patient.
  • Never sit on the bed.
  • If you arrive at mealtime, make your visit brief.
  • Let the patient do most of the talking.
  • Instead of asking, "How are you feeling?" you might ask, "How are things going today?"
  • Avoid being drawn into speculation about the patient's physical condition or hospital procedure. Keep in mind you are there to uplift the patient, not to serve as the doctor..
  • Make short visits (Normal visits should last 5 to 10 minutes depending on relationship, purpose, and the patient's state of health).
  • Do not wake a sleeping patient. Leave a handwritten note along with a devotional magazine.
  • When it is time to leave, offer a prayer with the patient's permission, and, when possible, hold the patient's hand or gently place your hand on the patient's arm or shoulder.
  • When praying, be comprehensive and specific. Pray for the patient's freedom from pain, family concerns, and God's will to be accomplished in this sickness and recovery.

When not to visit?
  • When you have a cold or other illness (call, send a card, and arrange for others to visit).
  • When you are going out of obligation instead of love.
  • When you have unresolved issues with the patient that would keep the visit from being helpful.

Privacy
Because of an increased emphasis on safeguarding patient privacy and confidentiality in the United States, it is important that you be cautious about discussing sick patients with others. You should request permission directly from patients or their families before printing any names in church bulletins or before reading patients' names aloud in church, even when the congregation prays for the sick.

As you make this important visit, remember that you go as a representative of theCrossroads UPC.

Acknowledge 
This system has been reviewed with me and I have had an opportunity to ask questions and discuss pertinent details. I understand my role on the team.