When I got home I mentioned this to the housemate who just said that she probably says that to all of her patients. With a snort I said nuh-unh. So she wanted to know how I knew that the nurse meant it.

My nurse was not the hovering type, but on each of her stops in my room she had the presence of being able to relax, or to be on a break. She told me how easy I was to take care of. She took time out to tell me about herself. She also told me some of the things that other people do to make them bad patients. Which were things that I didn’t do.

So, to be a good patient here’s my advice:

Get used to being alone.
Meditate through your alone time.
Or sleep through it.
Only ask for drugs if you need them.
Try and think of a list of things you need and ask for them all at once, so the nurse can go get them and then move on.
Don’t think of the nurse as your servant.
Don’t expect your nurse to be your friend, that way they will be.
Don’t call your nurse names.
Don’t complain too much about the food – the nurses aren’t the cooks.
Keep your personal items close to you so you can get things for yourself.
If you push the red button by accident, apologize.

Enjoy your stay! And post any clue cards you might have in the comments!