Preparing for Admission
We want your hospital stay to be as smooth and comfortable as possible. Here’s what you can expect before, during and after your inpatient visit, and what you and your family can do to prepare.
Before Your Hospital Stay
You play an important role in your care. By sharing your health history and any concerns, you help your care team provide the safest, most effective treatment possible. Be sure to tell your doctor if:
- You have any other health conditions.
- You are allergic to medications (like penicillin), latex or contrast dye.
- You or a family member have ever had a bad reaction to anesthesia.
For your safety:
- Make a list of all medications, supplements and vitamins you take. Some may need to be stopped before your procedure; your doctor will tell you which ones and when.
- If you smoke, your doctor may recommend quitting ahead of your procedure to help prevent complications and support healing.
Before your procedure, you may be instructed to have a number of tests performed in advance of your procedure date. Your doctor will let you know which tests are required and when they should be done.
Having a trusted family member or friend with you can make a big difference. Think of this person as your partner in care — someone who can offer comfort, ask questions and share information with your care team.
To keep communication clear, your doctors and nurses prefer to work with one primary contact. Be sure to introduce this person to your care team so they know it’s okay to share your health information with them.
Before your procedure, check with your health insurance plan administrator or employer about requirements for second opinions, pre-certifications or prior authorizations. Confirming these details in advance can help you avoid delays or unexpected costs.
Before you’re admitted, be sure to arrange a safe ride home. For your safety, you will not be allowed to drive after your procedure and must leave the hospital with a responsible adult companion.
- DO NOT EAT OR DRINK ANYTHING AFTER MIDNIGHT unless instructed differently by our staff. Failure to comply with this requirement may result in the cancellation of your procedure. If you need to take a pill, take it with a small sip of water.
- Take medications as instructed by your care team.
- Shower the night before surgery.
When you arrive, please check in at the Admitting section, located off the Main Lobby. An Admitting Registrar will meet with you to collect important information for your medical and insurance records. All information shared is kept strictly confidential.
You’ll also be asked to sign a standard agreement confirming responsibility for any services not covered by your insurance.
Patients should bring with them:
- Any personal items, such as a robe, slippers, toiletries and reading glasses that will make their stay more comfortable.
- A small amount of cash on hand is recommended for incidentals.
- All medications, vitamins and herbal products you are taking, along with a list of each medication, including the names, the prescribed dosage and how often you take them. However, you should be prepared to send the medicines home after you are admitted.
- If you have an Advanced Directive or Health Care Proxy, be sure to bring a copy with you.
- You will be asked to present your insurance coverage card and identification (such as a driver's license, Social Security card, etc.) during the admitting process. If you have secondary health insurance, bring this information as well.
Do NOT Bring:
- For safety reasons, please leave electronic devices and jewelry and other valuables at home. Cell phones may be used in designated areas of the hospital, including the lobby, the cafeteria and the elevator lobbies on each floor, but not within inpatient units.
- Smoking is not allowed in the hospital.
During Your Hospital Stay
We want your time with us to be as safe and comfortable as possible. Here are a few important things to know during your stay:
For your safety and comfort, please keep your room windows closed. The hospital’s air system provides cleaner, better-managed air quality.
Smoking is not permitted anywhere in the hospital. If you need help managing cravings while you’re here, talk with your doctor or nurse about support and resources to help.
Before any test, procedure or medication dosage, you’ll be asked to confirm your name and date of birth often. This is an important safety step, so please make sure every staff member asks.
All staff members are required to wash their hands before providing care. If you’re ever unsure, it’s okay to politely ask them to do so, your participation helps keep you safe.
Children under 14 may visit only with prior permission from the nurse manager or clinician and must be accompanied by an adult.
You can arrange for television or phone service by calling 4-1465 from your hospital room.
Patient Care Team
The patient care team at Stony Brook University Hospital consists of many professional and volunteer individuals.
A registered nurse (RN) directs all caregivers in the care team. Unit teams include registered nurses (RNs), licensed practical nurses (LPNs), hospital clinical assistants (HCAs) and nursing station clerks.
Attending and resident physicians will be part of your care team.
More than 400 dedicated volunteers contribute nearly 50,000 hours of service to the hospital. They are trained to assist in a variety of services from greeting patients and guests to delivering flowers and mail.
Volunteers are easily identified by their identification cards or their uniforms (pink smocks for women, tan jackets for men and male junior volunteers and candy-striped uniforms for female junior volunteers).
The Auxiliary manages the gift shop and patient television service.
