While You Are A Patient
Nursing
Penn Medicine's professional registered nurses (RNs) plan and coordinate your care with you, your physicians and other members of the health care team. They provide treatments, administer medications and intravenous fluids, and teach you about your health and taking care of yourself after your discharge from the hospital. The nurses are assisted by certified nursing assistants and technicians who help you with your personal hygiene and meals.
The Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania is recognized as a Magnet hospital. Magnet is a prestigious designation bestowed by the American Nurses Credentialing Center for excellence in nursing care.
Medications
The medications that you take while in the hospital are prescribed by your doctor specifically for your hospital stay. A hospital pharmacist reviews your medications and dispenses them as they are needed. You should not bring your own medications to the hospital, and should never take your own medicine unless your doctor approves and a pharmacist double-checks it with the other medications you are taking.
Valuables or Lost Items
The hospital maintains a safe and secure environment, but we strongly recommend that you send your valuables home with a family member or friend. Please notify your nurse if you need to secure personal items with the security department. The hospital is not responsible for personal belongings or valuables that are not secured with the security department.
Staff Identification
All employees and volunteers at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania wear photo name badges. Anyone providing care to you should be wearing proper identification. Please feel free to contact your nurse or the nurse manager if you have questions or concerns.
Smoking
The Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania is a smoke-free facility. Smoking is not permitted at any hospital entrance.
Fire Drills
For your protection, fire and disaster drills are conducted regularly. If a drill occurs while you are here, please remain in your room and do not become alarmed. The hospital is a fire-resistant building, and the staff is trained in fire protection and fire safety. The hospital also participates in all severe weather watches and warnings.
Room Comfort
Please inform your nurse if any aspect of your room is uncomfortable. Maintenance will be notified and make every effort to resolve the issue as quickly as possible.
All inpatient rooms at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania are equipped with an interactive television. Patients can use the television to report feedback or concerns they may have, including room cleanliness and quality of meals. To report a concern, go to the "Main Menu" on the TV, select "Report – FOOD/OTHER," and choose the option that applies. The interactive television electronically notifies the appropriate department of the patient’s concern so the matter is addressed promptly.
Pain Management
As a patient of this hospital, you are responsible for expressing your expectations regarding pain and pain management and discussing pain relief options with your doctors and nurses. Ask for pain relief when your pain first begins and tell your doctor or nurse if your pain is not relieved.
