Disclaimer: Every hospital, department, and manager operates differently—be sure to check with yours to get the most accurate information. This blog post is meant to be a starting point, not a definitive guide.
When the winter storm hit Houston, I was called into the hospital to stay overnight because Team A/B was activated. It’s one thing to prepare for a 12-hour shift, but knowing I might be there from Monday night through Thursday afternoon was a completely different challenge. I had no idea what to expect, but I knew I needed to pack smart since I didn’t know when the code would be lifted. I had never worked during a code before.
Every hospital system is different, so it’s crucial to reach out to your manager directly to ask:
- How long might you be there?
- What’s expected of you during the emergency?
- What resources (like food or bedding) will the hospital provide?
- Where do you check in?
Here’s a look at what I packed to make it through those three days as comfortably as possible:
Clothing
- Three sets of scrubs – enough for three full days of work
- Two shirts and jeans – to wear around the hospital while off the clock
- Six pairs of socks – I always pack extra socks
- Nightgown
Bedding Essentials
- Twin-size air mattress – this was a game-changer. It was easy to inflate, and having my own “bed” made a huge difference.
- Blanket and pillow
- Earplugs and eye mask – the earplugs blocked out noise from codes being called at night, and the eye mask helped me sleep despite the bright lights from computers and phones
Personal Care Items
- Face wash, body wash, toothbrush, and toothpaste – all the basics to feel refreshed
- Face moisturizer – hospitals are dry, and this helped a lot
- Towel and shower shoes – if your hospital has showers, you’ll be glad you brought these
Entertainment and Tech
- Kindle
- Phone charger
- Headphones
Snacks and Food
Since I am a vegetarian, I packed my own meals and snacks. While the hospital provides three meals a day, it’s always safer to have options you know you’ll enjoy.
What I packed:
- Pre-made lunches and dinners
- Granola bars
- Fruit and nuts
- Water bottles
Have you ever had to stay overnight at work during an emergency? What would you pack for a multi-day hospital stay? I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments!