Cancer Treatment: Your Inpatient Stay

The idea of an inpatient stay may seem stressful. But it's a helpful part of your care. Knowing what to expect can help you get ready and feel more in control. Below you’ll learn what you need to know to make the best of your stay.

What is an inpatient stay?

An inpatient stay is when you stay at the hospital for 1 or more nights. The goal is to watch your health after treatment or during a health issue. In some cases, you may need an inpatient stay after chemo or radiation. People with cancer may need an inpatient stay after surgery, stem cell transplant, or other complex procedures.

What to bring and what not to

Knowing what to bring and what not to can make a big difference to your comfort. You don’t want to get to the hospital and wish you had a book. But you don't want to pack too much.

The hospital or care center may provide some items, such as a toothbrush and toothpaste and nonslip socks. But you should bring things such as:

• Comfortable clothing

• Toiletries such as lip balm, hand cream, and a comb or brush

• Reading glasses or other eyeglasses

• Your phone and phone charger

• Things to help you pass the time, such as books, magazines, manicure tools, a deck of cards, or knitting

• A list of all medicines, vitamins, and supplements you take

Leave these at home:

• Jewelry

• Cash

• Large electronics

• Valuable personal items

What to expect when you arrive

When you get to the hospital, you'll be greeted by staff who will guide you. Here's what you can expect:

• You will need to tell them your health history. This includes current symptoms and past treatments.

• You may need to show them your insurance information and sign consent forms.

• Your team will review your health history and check your current condition.

• You will be assigned a room and get information about the hospital's policies.

Getting to know your room

Your hospital room will be a home away from home during your stay. Here’s what you need to know:

• You may have a private or shared room. This depends on the hospital and your condition.

• You will have a bed that moves and adjusts. You can ask for more pillows and blankets if you need.

• You will have a call button to alert nurses if you need help.

• There will likely be a TV and remote control. Ask if you have to pay for cable.

• There may be a room phone. Ask how to use it.

• You will get information about meals and visiting hours.

• You may be told you are at risk for falling. This means hospital staff will need to help you get up and use the bathroom. You can use the call button for this.

• The bathroom will have an emergency pull cord. This is in case you need help.

Monitoring and care

The main reason for an inpatient stay is close monitoring and care. Nurses and doctors will stop by regularly. You will have a group of healthcare providers on your team. They may include:

• Day nurses and night nurses

• Cancer doctor (oncologist)

• A doctor who cares for people only in the hospital (hospitalist)

• Rehab specialists

Here’s what to expect:

• Nurses will check your vital signs every day. This means they check your heart rate, blood pressure, temperature, and breathing.

• Your medical team may do blood tests and other tests.

• Nurses will give you medicine as prescribed.

• You may have other treatments as prescribed.

• Your medical team will talk with you about your progress and any changes in your condition.

Talking with your team

Every member of your healthcare team is there to help you. Talk to them if you have any of these:

• Pain that is not managed well

• New symptoms

• Trouble with your food or drinks

• Trouble using the bathroom

• Questions or concerns about tests and results

• Problems with a bandage, tube, or bedding

• Pain caused by any device

• Trouble sleeping

Visitors and support

Cancer treatment can be stressful and hard. It may help to have visitors during your stay. Plan with family and friends so they can see you during visiting hours. When loved ones can’t visit in person, use video or texting to stay in touch. 

You can ask to have a social worker or spiritual advisor come to your room. They can talk with you. They may also suggest a support group and other resources for you.

Discharge planning

Discharge planning is an important part of your care plan. Before you leave the hospital, your medical team will work with you to create a plan for your ongoing care. The discharge plan should tell you about:

• Your current condition

• Medicines and how and when to take them

• Medical equipment you may need to use at home

• What symptoms to watch for and call a provider about

• How to care for yourself at home, such as changing bandages

• Changes to your food and drink you need to make

• Changes to your activity you need to make

• Follow-up appointments you have

• Contact information if you have questions or concerns