As you prepare for your inpatient visit, planning ahead can not only streamline the admissions process but also contribute to the safety and comfort of your stay. First and foremost, you will need a photo ID and your insurance cards. Even if you are scheduled for surgery you will need these two items.
In addition, there may be other items you will want to have during admission. These include printed physician orders, a list of your medications, as well as copies of your advanced directives. For your convenience there is a medication form available below which you can download and print that will help guide you as you as you catalogue the medications you are currently taking. There is also a link below for more information about advance directives.
Make time to consider these items as you plan for your visit. You may also wish to bring a small overnight bag including a change of clothing for when you leave the hospital.
Other suggested items:
- Personal toiletries
- Eyeglasses or contact lenses with case
- Names and contact information for next of kin, family and friends
- Please do not bring valuables such as jewelry and money
Medication Form
Advanced Directives Planning
Communication Aids
To facilitate patient communication and understanding, the hospital will provide or assist in obtaining special devices, interpreters or other aids. Patient or family members can request assistance from any hospital staff member.
Discharge Planning
Your physician will decide when you are well enough to go home. At that time, he or she will enter orders for your discharge. When the orders are received on the floor, your nurse will coordinate the details and if necessary can help arrange for transportation. They will give you detailed printed and verbal instructions about your medications and any type of care you will require after your discharge. If you are not clear on any part of the discharge instructions, don’t be afraid to ask for clarification. Your team will also schedule a follow-up appointment with your physician. It’s important for you to keep your follow-up appointment and follow any instructions you are given. Your full recovery depends on your strict adherence to the physician’s instructions.
Guest Relations Representative
A Guest Relations Representative serves as liaison between patients, families and hospital staff, providing assistance in resolving questions or concerns. Our representative will likely visit you during your hospital stay. Please feel free to call the Guest Relations Representative any time Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. weekdays. On weekends, ask for the Charge Nurse on the unit or contact a Shift Coordinator by simply dialing (870) 541-7100.
Guest Relations Representative: (870) 541-7662 or (870) 541-4035
Hospitalists
Depending on the reason for your hospital stay, you may see a Hospitalist. Hospitalists are internal medicine physicians who only see patients inside the hospital. They specialize in hospital medicine and they do not spend any time in outpatient clinics. This makes them readily available to meet the needs of Jefferson Regional’s patients as well as their families. Hospitalists partner with your Primary Care Physician (PCP) to provide quality care during your hospital stay. This partnership was created at the request of your PCP and it’s a relationship built on trust and communication. Your primary care physician can provide information about your past medical history to the Hospitalist, and the two doctors can discuss any significant findings or events. Your PCP is welcome to check on you and discuss your care with the Hospitalist at any time during your stay.
Maps and Directions
Click here for maps and directions
Medications
Keeping an accurate record of your medications is critical to your treatment. During your stay, your physician will prescribe any necessary medications, so we ask you to leave any previously prescribed medications at home. If you choose to bring them with you, please inform your nurse.
Patient Nutrition
Patients will be served three meals a day from either a regular or modified menu based on your medical condition and according to a physician’s instructions. Patients will be able to select from a menu one day in advance. Jefferson Regional provides a dietitian who is available for a nutritional consultation should a patient have any questions or concerns. We ask that patients check with the nurse prior to supplementing a diet with foods that are not on the menu. Call (870) 541-3663 for more information.
Pre-Admission Testing
Patients scheduled for a medical procedure must complete diagnostic testing 3-7 days before the procedure to ensure clearance by anesthesia. These tests may include lab work, chest X-ray, and EKG. Diagnostic testing is performed at the pre-admission testing department, located at the front of the main hospital. Testing is conducted Monday-Friday from 7:00 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. Please call (870) 541-7447 to schedule a pre-admission testing appointment.
Pre-Registration
Based on the specifics of your visit, it may be possible for you to register in advance. Contact Centralized Scheduling for details. Their numbers are (870) 541-7393, (870) 541-8771 or (870) 541-8772.
Registration
Registration for an inpatient visit takes place in admissions on the first floor near the main entrance. The front desk can direct you to the location. This is where you will need your photo ID and insurance cards. They will verify the test or procedures you are scheduled for and give you any further instructions. Based upon what you are scheduled for, it may be possible to preregister in advance. For any questions concerning registration you may contact centralized scheduling at one of the following numbers: (870) 541-7393, (870) 541-8771 or (870) 541-8772.
Social Services
Jefferson Regional provides social workers as needed to assist patients and their families. Talk with your physician or nurse to request a visit from a social worker. You may also call discharge planning at (870) 541-7180 to request social services assistance.
Smoking Policy
Effective October 1, 2005, Arkansas Act 134 banned smoking on all hospital property. The prohibition against smoking inside Jefferson Regional buildings and on Jefferson Regional property applies to everyone.
Calling a Patient
If you are outside the hospital, you may call a patient room directly by dialing 541 followed by the room number. If you do not know the room number, the hospital operator is available to connect patient calls between 6:30 a.m. and 9:00 p.m. Patients are not able to receive calls after 9:00 p.m. These calling instructions do not apply to phone numbers in the Clinical Decision Unit.
Valuables
It is recommended that patients not bring valuables such as jewelry and money to the hospital. If patients have valuables, we recommend sending them home with a friend or relative. The hospital cannot be responsible for any personal property kept in a patient’s room. However, valuables can be collected by Jefferson Regional Security and stored in the hospital safe until discharge.
Security Phone Number: (870) 541-7107
Visitors Policy
Click here for Visitor Information
Wireless Internet Access
Wi-Fi is available to patients and visitors through the “JRMC-GUEST” network. There is no password but terms and conditions must be accepted before access is granted.
