Vanderbilt Safer Visit

Safety is everyone's responsibility. Your participation is the best way to ensure your own safety.

Prepare for your visit

• Learn as much as you can about your illness, procedure or test.
• Verify with your doctor's office when you are to be admitted and where you should park.
• Learn about your choices. There are always choices to be made in your treatment plan. Find out what they are so you can make the best decisions.
• Make a list of all your current medications, including over-the-counter products and dietary or herbal supplements.
• Check to see that your immunizations and vaccinations are up-to-date.

What to bring

• A list of all your current medications
• A trusted friend or family member to act as your advocate
• A list of any questions you have to ask your provider or care giver.
• Personal items such as toiletries.
• Click here for a printable sheet to describe any pain you are having.

While you are here

• Ask questions. Click here for questions you might want to ask.
• Provide any and all information that you feel may be important.
• Let us know any allergies or sensitivies you may have.
• Ask everyone who enters your room to wash their hands.
• Ask every person to identify himself or herself when they enter your room.
• Ask questions about medications before they are given to you. 
• Make sure your nurse or care giver checks your armband before giving you medicines.
• Report anything unusual to your doctor, such as any changes in your condition.
• If you feel that something is "just not right, or there is a medical emergency, call for the Rapid Response Team and notify your nurse. Call 1-1111.

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Before you leave

• Make sure you understand your discharge instructions - to make sure you understand, repeat back the verbal instructions.
• Make sure you understand any written information and that it is readable.
• Get the name and number of someone you can call if you have any questions.
• Make sure you do not leave any personal items.