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Neglect to wash and sanitize your hands -

This needs to be done before you touch or even hand something to the patient. Proper handwashing with soap removes potentially dangerous germs, and even saves lives.

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Show up without permission -

Not all hospital patients are up for visitors, and there are many reasons for this. They might be too tired, dealing with pain, or simply feeling self-conscious. So have some courtesy and ask for permission.

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Arrive sick to the hospital -

You don't want to spread any illness that could worsen the patient's fragile state. So if you have any cold or flu-like symptoms, or have recently been around someone sick, stay home.

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Remove your mask in the hospital -

Regardless of your vaccination status or local pandemic restrictions, COVID is still circulating. Do respect that facemasks need to be worn in all healthcare settings.

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Become overly emotional -

While it's understandable that you may feel emotional, it's important that you don't let it overwhelm the patient. If it happens, make sure you step out of the room to compose yourself.

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Bring certain items before checking -

You may want to bring flowers or balloons, but check first with hospital staff, as there are restrictions on certain items due to allergies.

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Compare medical horror stories -

As a visitor, try to provide the patient a source of relaxation in order to help them stay focused on recovery. Sharing sad news of someone "sicker" or about 'bigger' tragedies will only distress them.

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Be rude to hospital staff -

It doesn't matter if you're frustrated or upset with something involving the patient, you should never be rude, aggressive, or threatening towards the hospital staff.

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Bring outside clothes, pillows, or blankets -

Hospitals are full of microorganisms that you don't want to take home. Bringing outside clothes, pillows, or blankets to then take home only creates a vessel for these bacteria to get into your space.

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Bring young children -

Unless it's absolutely necessary, don't bring young children. In-patient hospital visits can scare them, and there might also be age restrictions for hospital visitors.

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Disrespect the roommate -

Not all patients get to have a room of their own. So when visiting, remember that the roommate(s) is a patient too. They also need quiet and rest.

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Stay in the room when medical staff arrives for examination -

The conversation or treatment is private, unless you're a partner, parent, or an official advocate for the patient. Step outside and return once the provider leaves.

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Bring a whole village -

Too many people will not only possibly overwhelm the patient, it can also make others uncomfortable, including staff. Remember: you're in a hospital, not a recreational area.

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Eat the patient's food -

It doesn't matter how hungry you are, never eat from a patient's tray, as it contains the nutrition they need. Plus, hospital staff may monitor what the patient eats and doesn't.

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Expect the patient to entertain -

Patients are in hospitals to heal, not to chat or keep you busy. It may be better for them to sleep or just rest rather than having a conversation.

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Visits that can cause stress or anxiety -

If there's any problem in the relationship, wait until after the patient is well enough before seeing them. A visit that can trigger anxiety can disturb their recovery.

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Smoke before visiting - Avoid smoking before and during your visit. The odor from smoke can be nauseating to many people. Some have a heightened sense of smell while taking certain drugs, which can make them feel sicker.

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Interrogate the patient when visiting -

When you visit someone at the hospital, respect that they're more than just their condition. Some will freely share details about their health, and some won't. Avoid asking too many questions about it.

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Pretend to understand -

Even if you, or someone you know, went through something similar, each person and experience is unique. Pretending you’ve been there or completely understand can create distance.

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Bring food to the patient -

Don't bring any food, unless you know the patient can tolerate it. Many patients are put on special diets while in the hospital, so bringing in food from outside could cause big problems.

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Force prayer -

If you're the type of person who likes to pray, you might want to do so with the patient. But sometimes they might be struggling with their faith or not even believe in what you do. So don't force any prayer on them.

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Not respect their privacy -

Privacy is an important factor when it comes to hospital settings. This involves everything from knocking on the door to asking permission before touching someone.

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Overstay your welcome -

The hospital is a place for treatment and recovery, so keep that in mind when you plan your visit. In the end, patients need enough rest for proper healing.

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Sit on the patient's bed -

In order to reduce the risk of transmitting infections, don't sit on the patient's bed. Not only will you bring germs from the outside, but you're also taking germs with you.

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Question a person's faith -

Never question a patient's faith when visiting the hospital. Some develop comfort in religion to get through tough times, and others might be challenging what they believe in.

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Keep your phone on -

Make sure to turn off or silence your phone. Some hospitals have different rules about where and when cell phones can be used, so keep that in mind.

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Speak for patients -

Even if the patient is ill, they're still able to express their views and explain how they feel. Trying to speak for them is both disrespectful to them and the hospital staff.

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Force alternative medications on them -

Even if you mean well, the last thing a hospitalized person want to hear is where to shop for essential oils or healthy drinks.

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Assume that they don't want visitors -

You may be  tempted to just stay home in order to avoid any trouble. However, hospital visits have been proven to boost morale, relief, and provide patients with comfort. So if you're allowed to visit, do so properly.

Sources: (Health Digest) (Verywell Health)

See also: Bad hygiene habits you didn't know you had 

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