Things to Take to the Hospital
Living Will - this document spells out your wishes regarding CPR, intubation, life support and the like. If you know what you want, put it in writing.
Prescription List - if you can't take it, bring your prescriptions. If you have a list, please leave your medications at home. You don't want to take something the nurse already gave you.
Insurance card - this one is kind of obvious.
Pacemaker Card - if you have a pacemaker, the hospital needs to know some details about it. This lets them know what type of pacemaker you have and if it's MRI safe.
Walker or Cane - if you need a device to get around, please bring it.
Change of clothes - at least a change of underwear for the day you go home will feel nice.
Cell Phone Charger - no, we don't have a charger for your cell phone.
Phone List - we will likely have a hard time looking up somebody's number for you. Most people have cell phones that we can't just look up on line.
Razor - yes, we have razors, but they don't feel as nice as the one you have at home.
Toothbrush - yes, we have toothbrushes too, but they are the cheap kind.
Hairbrush - we probably only have combs, and those aren't very fancy.
Deodorant - many places don't carry this, and if they do, they probably don't carry your brand.
Feminine Hygiene Products - if you need these, you won't like the hospital quality, or lack of selection. It may also be a good idea to bring underwear to go with the products.
Books or Magazines - unless you want to watch television all day, we don't have many activities for you to do.
A Good Attitude - the hospital staff works hard for you, a good attitude lets them know you appreciate it.
Things to Leave at Home
Prescriptions - just bring the list.
Jewelry - please don't wear jewelry, you may have to remove it at some point.
Valuables - many places have a safe, but it takes time to get your things out when you are ready to leave.