Before Your Stay
Advance Directive
An Advance Directive allows you to provide direction about your care even if you cannot speak for yourself at the time. It also allows you to state your wishes regarding the withholding of life-sustaining treatment and pain control, and allows you to appoint someone of your choice to direct this care, if you wish. All information is helpful to your doctor, the nursing professionals caring for you and the family or friends who may be called upon if and when you cannot speak for yourself.
If you already have an advance directive, bring a copy with you to the hospital and give it to the nurse during your hospital admission. It will be placed in your medical record.
If you do not have an advanced directive, you may fill out the form available online or ask for the form when you arrive at the hospital. A chaplain or social worker will assist you if you have questions while filling out the necessary information.
View the Advance Healthcare Directive form
Instructions for completing an Advance Directive
What to Bring
- For your comfort, we suggest that you bring a pair of pajamas or a nightgown, slippers, robe, toothbrush and hairbrush
- Bring a list of prescription medication(s), as well as any over-the-counter drugs and herbs you are currently taking.
Please leave your medication at home, unless specifically directed otherwise by your doctor
- Insurance cards
- If you wear eyeglasses, dentures or hearing aids, be sure to store them properly with your belongings
when they are not in use
We are unable to look after valuables in your room. Please leave cash, jewelry or other important items at home. We urge you to keep no more than $5 in your room or check your valuables in to be itemized on a receipt and placed in the medical center safe until your discharge. We cannot be liable for any possessions not placed in our safe and itemized on a receipt.
To ensure your safety, you may not bring any electrical items that operate on household voltage (such as hairdryers, curling irons, hot rollers, radios, computers, VCRs, razors and tape recorders). Some personal appliances are available for loan. Ask your nurse for more information.
