We recently had a winter storm pass through Houston, and part of working in a hospital is that sometimes you get stuck there, either by choice or by the hospital calling a code grey, aka the ride-out team. I volunteered both times, last year and this year, to be on Team A. I recently recapped the weekend in my reflections, so if you want ot know how I really felt about this, you can read it here.
This time around, I knew what I needed to bring and was able to pack the necessities. I learned last year that it gets cold at night in hospitals, so layers, thick socks, and jackets are a must. Oh, and the hospital never sleeps, so earplugs are essential. A good, noise-blocking pair is definitely worth investing in.
I already keep my drawers stocked with snacks, so this time around, I only brought my meal-prepped lunches and dinners and kept them in the refrigerator. The hospital does serve breakfast, lunch, and dinners however, I am a vegetarian, so I know that I need to bring meals in case they don’t serve vegetarian options.
Here is everything I pack to make my life somewhat comfortable at the hospital during the code:
Bedding/ Sleep
- Air mattress– This is the exact one that I have used for the last two years, and it works like a charm. It’s nothing fancy; it’s a twin-size air mattress that inflates/deflates with a turn of a nob when you plug it in. I wouldn’t recommend anything larger than a twin size since you never know what office or area you’re going to be sleeping in, and if there is space.
- Bedsheet
- Blanket
- Pillow
- Earplugs– these are the exact ones that I have, and I swear by them. I have had mine for several years now, and take these for all my travels.
- Eye Mask
Clothing
- Three pairs of scrubs
- Four long-sleeve shirts to wear under my scrubs
- Undies
- Bra
- Four pairs of long, over-the-knee socks
- One thick wool sock to wear at night
- Coat (when walking in and out of the hospital—it was below 30 degrees)
- Jacket (a normal one to wear around the hospital)
- Pajamas
- A tracksuit to wear around the hospital
- Flip-flops
Personal Care Items
- Face wash, body wash, toothbrush, and toothpaste
- Face moisturizer
- Towel and shower shoes for showers
Entertainment and Tech
- Kindle
- Phone charger
- Headphones
Last year taught me what not to forget; this year was all about being prepared.