HOW TO DO HOSPITAL
VISITATION
by Chaplain Dana Bratton
  
The first "how to do" is to go. A visit in the hospital is very much
appreciated and can be very helpful to a person's recovery and well being. Pray
for a heart of compassion and mercy. I Peter 3:8 says, "Finally, be ye all of
one mind, having compassion one of another, love as brethren, be pitiful, be
courteous."
I Cor. 12:26 says, "And whether one member suffer, all the members suffer with
it; or one member be honoured, all the members rejoice with it."
II Cor. 1:3-4 says, "Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,
the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort; Who comforteth us in all our
tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by
the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God."
In Matthew 25:35-40 Jesus said, "I was sick, and ye visited me: I was in prison,
and ye came unto me. Then shall the righteous answer him, saying, Lord, when
saw we thee an hungered, and fed thee? Or thirsty, and gave thee drink? When
saw we thee a stranger, and took thee in? Or naked and clothed thee? And the
King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, inasmuch as ye have
done it unto on of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me."
Ministering to the sick, making calls in the
hospital:
- Pray for the patient before you go to visit
and offer to pray during the the visit. You may ask, "what specific things
can I pray for, for you?"
- Be careful about your appearance,
cleanliness, and smell (avoid cologne or perfume).
- Check at the volunteers' information desk
for the location of the patient and directions. Be careful to observe
visiting hours and all rules of the hospital. You will be entering the
patient's bedroom as a guest, be sensitive to their privacy. Often there
are several patients in a room, be sensitive to them as well.
- Always consult the nurses when a patient's
curtain is pulled, the door is closed, or there are isolation signs on the
door about wearing gown, mask, and gloves, before entering.
- If the patient is sleeping, do not wake him.
Patients should not be visited right after surgery.
- Enter the room quietly, seriously, but
smiling. Be calm and settled, not rushed. Look the person in the eyes.
- Don't sit on or shake the bed. Don't touch
the IV machine or tubes.
- Limit the time of your visit, don't fatigue
the patient. But don't keep looking at your watch.
- Many patients will a appreciate a gentle
touch or holding the hand, especially during prayer, but don't squeeze the
hand with an IV.
- Most patients appreciate being given a
booklet, if they are able to see it. If distributing literature, be sure to
read it first yourself, and make sure it is acceptable for the patient
before giving it.
- Express love, and genuine interest in the
patient. The patient will generally like to discuss their sickness and other
needs, if asked. You should listen, more than speak. You want to express
some empathy but be careful not to share all your "war stories". Don't
belittle the patient's sickness.
- The patient my complain about the medical
treatment they are receiving, don't undermine the staff's authority or
expertise.
- You want to encourage the patients, so don't
bring bad news about the world. The patient may want, however, to talk
about the news. Men often enjoy talking about their work. Women often
enjoy talking about their family.
- If you don't know the patient's spiritual
condition, ask! But don't argue or theologize. Don't carry a large Bible.
If the person is unsaved share the Gospel using Scripture and/or your
testimony, and a non threatening Gospel tract.
- Accept any interruptions of your visit from
doctors, staff, or family. Often there will be opportunities to visit and
minister to the family.
- Wash your hands after touching the patient.
Some suggestions for comfort and
support with a terminal patient:
- Be honest in sharing your feelings. Admit
your helplessness and concern.
- Don't be shocked by whatever the dying
person may say.
- Try to anticipate physical needs without
being told.
- Don't stop being a comforter when the
patient accepts his impending death, or when others begin to avoid the
patient.
- If the person is saved, talk about Heaven
and the Lord's presence. Always have hope, look forward to something.
Questions to ask the terminal
patient:
- Is your house in order? i.e. bills paid,
apologies made, arrangements for the care of the family.
- Do you have any funeral arrangements?
- Have you written a will?
- Are you prepared to meet God? The person's
relationship to Christ is the utmost priority!
For additional help or follow up consult your local hospital chaplain or the
HCMA.
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