What a nurse wants you to know before you go into the hospital

A free printable checklist from a retired nurse with 23 years in nursing: hospitals, nursing homes and the community. The questions to ask, what to watch for, and how to speak up, for you or someone you love.

Most people go into the hospital unprepared. Not because they don't care, but because nobody tells them what to ask.

After 23 years in nursing, I've seen what makes the difference.

What's inside the checklist

What to get ready now, while you're well: your medications, your baseline, and who speaks for you

The questions to ask every day in the hospital

The warning signs to tell the nurse about right away

What to sort out before you go home

Hi, I'm Rupy.

I spent 23 years in nursing: in hospital wards, cardiac surgery, ICU, long-term care and retirement homes.

Again and again, I saw the same thing: patients who asked questions, and had someone asking with them, got better care. Now retired, I share what I learned in plain language, so you and your family know what to do before you ever need it.

23 years

In nursing

ICU

to long-term care

No jargon

Plain-language guidance