Preparing for Your Stay

Thank you for choosing Saint Luke’s for your hospital stay. Whether you’re here for a planned procedure or unexpected surgery, our team is ready to provide exceptional care. You are an important part of your recovery, and we’ve created this guide to help you understand what to expect before, during, and after your stay.

Before you arrive

What to bring 

  • Identification, insurance, and hospital cards (Medicare, private insurance, etc.) 
  • A list of your current medications, including any herbal supplements 
  • Copy of advance directive and durable power of attorney 
  • Personal care items (toothbrush, toothpaste, comb, hairbrush, etc.) 
  • Underwear and socks 
  • Loose-fitting pants or shorts 
  • Comfortable shirts 
  • Sweatshirt or sweater, if desired 
  • Sleepwear 
  • Supportive shoes, such as walking shoes or tennis shoes 
  • Glasses, contact lenses, hearing aids, or dentures (bring storage containers labeled with your name)
  • Health-related items used at home (cane, walker, CPAP machine, incentive spirometer)

What not to bring 

  • Jewelry and valuables 
  • Credit cards or large amounts of cash 
  • Tobacco products, marijuana, e-cigarettes, or vapes 
  • Pets, including service animals 
  • Tight-fitting clothing 
  • High-heel, open-toe, or open-back shoes 
  • Floor-length bathrobes 
  • Medications from home, unless specifically requested by your provider 

Review the visitation guide 

Friends and family should review our visitation guide before visiting to keep you and other patients safe.

During your stay 

Settling into your room 

  • Rooms are assigned based on diagnosis and availability. 
  • Most rooms include a private bedside phone.
  • Rooms are cleaned daily, and linens are changed every other day or more frequently as needed. 
  • Complimentary WiFi is available.

Personal belongings 

Store these items in their protective cases when not in use

  • Dentures
  • Glasses
  • Hearing aids  

If needed, ask your nurse for a denture cup to protect dentures.

Ask a nurse to inspect these items before using

  • Electric hair dryers
  • Razors
  • Radios 

Your care team 

All physicians, nurses, staff, and volunteers wear identification badges. You have the right to know the name, role, and purpose of anyone involved in your care. 

Safety and comfort 

Using your hospital bed 

Your nurse will show you how to safely operate your hospital bed and side rails.

Calling for assistance 

Use the call light on your bedside remote to request a nurse when you need assistance.

Preventing falls 

If you feel unsteady due to your procedure or medication, use your call light to request assistance getting in and out of bed.

Leaving your unit 

Check with your nurse before leaving your inpatient unit, as medical restrictions may apply.

Pain management 

Our goal is for you to be able to sleep comfortably, visit, and participate in activities important to your recovery while in the hospital. While complete freedom from pain isn’t always possible, you and your care team will work toward a daily pain management goal.

  • Report pain as early as possible using specific terms. 
  • Tell a team member if you experience any side effects, such as dizziness or nausea.
  • Let your nurse know what works best at decreasing your pain.

Meals

  • Meals are ordered through hospital dining services. 
  • Diets are based on your physician’s orders. 
  • You may require special diets or fasting before certain procedures. 
  • Registered dietitians are available for nutrition guidance.
  • Ask for nurse’s approval before ordering outside food.

Discharge and recovery

Discharge planning 

  • Discharge planning begins when you are admitted to the hospital. 
  • Your physician will sign off on your discharge. 
  • You may meet with a nurse or social worker to discuss next steps and support services. 
  • Our goal is always for patients to return home whenever possible. 
  • Some patients may need additional services at home, such as home health and hospice.
  • Transportation after discharge is your responsibility. Be sure to arrange someone to pick you up from the hospital.
  • Discharge happens throughout the day. During periods of high demand, you may be asked to wait for your transportation in a discharge lounge.

Discharge checklist 

  • Pack personal belongings.
  • Check drawers, closets, and bathrooms. 
  • Retrieve any valuables stored for safekeeping.
  • Arrange transportation.
  • Review discharge instructions with your nurse.

Paying your bill 

  • Hospital bills may be paid by online at MySaintLukesKC.org or by check.
  • Physician, specialist, and consulting provider fees are billed separately.
  • If you are experiencing financial difficulty, you may call the Billing office at 816-932-5678 for guidance.

Stay connected with mySaintLuke’s

Sign up at MySaintLukesKC.org to easily and securely access your medical information: 

  • Access virtual visits 
  • View visit summaries 
  • View test results and reports 
  • Message providers 
  • Schedule appointments 
  • Request prescription refills 
  • Pay bills