According to the American Hospital Association, approximately 33.6 million Americans were admitted in 2024. Compared to the 34 million admissions in 2023, hospital visits are relatively common and may stay in this range for the foreseeable future. With a population of 340 million in America, you (or someone you know) may eventually visit a loved one in the hospital. Following proper etiquette for visiting someone in the hospital is a thoughtful way to show your care and support during a challenging time.

However, it’s important to note that hospitals can be complicated to navigate, and depending on the location of where you’re visiting, it is wise to approach hospital visits with consideration and mindfulness to minimize disruptions to other patients, ensure your loved one feels comforted, and that the staff can carry out their work without interruptions. Finally, we’ll cover what to bring when visiting a friend in the hospital to help cheer up spirits and speed up recovery.

General Rules for Hospital Visits

Common sense goes a long way, and so does hospital visitation etiquette. While each hospital system is different and comes with its own set of rules, these are some general rules that will help avoid bringing any unwanted attention (and disruptions) while visiting your friends or family:

Knowing is Everything: One of the most important aspects of hospital visit etiquette is knowing the facility’s visiting hours and rules. Be sure to check the hospital website for visitation guidelines and hours, or contact the hospital to confirm the best time for your visit. Different visitation rules often apply to different patients, and hospitals have specific guidelines depending on the patient’s condition or the unit they are in. Avoid visiting during meals, rest hours, or medical rounds unless the patient or hospital staff specifically invited you.

Don’t Overstay Your Welcome: While wanting to spend time with your loved one is natural, lengthy visits can tire the patient. This is especially true if the patient is recovering from a procedure or illness. The recovery phase often involves resting. Aim for shorter visits that provide comfort without overstaying your welcome. Take cues from the hospital staff and be prepared to leave if asked to return the next day.

Mind the Patient’s Needs: Each patient’s needs are different, and they must remain sensitive to their physical and emotional state. Pay attention to any posted signs before entering the patient’s room. Many hospitals will put a warning or notice on the door indicating specific health precautions, such as wearing a mask or sanitizing your hands. If you come across a posted warning or notice and are unsure what it means, ask for clarification from the staff. Regarding care, it’s always better to be safe than sorry.

Pay Attention to Posted Signage: As stated earlier, hospital visit etiquette is fairly simple when you follow common sense and hospital rules. One thing that many visitors (and patients) overlook is posted signage. Look on the walls and ceilings for directions or relevant information. Some hospitals also have posted rules for visitors and patients when interacting with hospital staff. There is also typically posted signage for navigating to different parts of the hospital. When in doubt, ask the staff for directions to your destination quickly.

What to Avoid During a Hospital Visit

Now that we’ve covered hospital visit etiquette “to do’s,” let’s cover what not to do when visiting a loved one. Again, common sense for public behavior can go a long way!

Loud or Distracting Behavior: Hospitals are places of rest and recovery, so minimal noise levels are essential. Be sure to speak softly and keep your phone silent. Loud or disruptive behavior can make the environment less conducive to healing and make it difficult for staff to do their jobs.

Avoid Wearing Strong Scents: Be mindful of strong fragrances like perfumes or aftershaves, as these strong odors can be overwhelming or even trigger sensitivities in some patients.

Smaller Groups Are Better: While it’s nice to have a large group of visitors to show how much the patient is loved, it can create more disruption and chaos than intended. Many hospitals limit the number of visitors at one time to avoid crowding the patient’s room and overwhelming the staff. A small, calm group is always more considerate than a large, noisy one.

Respect Patient Privacy: Hospitals are technically public spaces but are often governed by special rules. Do not record conversations or video-record patients or other visitors. When following etiquette for visiting someone in the hospital, avoid asking probing questions about their condition unless they bring it up themselves. Always knock before entering their room, and be mindful of the patient’s and other visitors’ personal spaces.

What to Bring When Visiting a Friend in the Hospital

Bringing a gift can brighten your loved one’s day and show how much you care. So, what to bring when visiting a friend in the hospital? Opt for considerate and practical items, such as books, magazines, or puzzles, to help pass the time. Non-perishable snacks, like granola bars or dried fruit, can be a welcome treat if allowed by the hospital. For a curated selection of thoughtful gifts, Cloverkey Hospital Gift Shops offers options specifically designed for hospital stays and can deliver to patient rooms at select locations!

Other gift ideas could include items to help their stay be a little more comfortable. Visitors sometimes forget that hospital stays can be very uncomfortable because the standard-issue blankets and pillows are designed to be easy to clean or dispose of. Soft blankets, cozy socks, or even a pillow from home can make a big difference. Lastly, if you’re too far away to visit or want to let the patient know they’re in your thoughts, a heartfelt note can mean as much as a physical gift. A personalized card or message can lift a patient’s spirits without being intrusive. Cloverkey Hospital Gift Shops have a variety of cards and stationery to help you convey your thoughts with care and style.

How Cloverkey Can Enhance Your Visit

Visiting a loved one in the hospital is a meaningful way to show you care, and Cloverkey Hospital Gift Shops are here to make the experience even more special. Look at our online store; our selection makes browsing and purchasing gifts easy, whether you’re planning on practicing etiquette for visiting someone in the hospital in person or you want to send something long-distance. Hospital gift shops are versatile, and you can find almost anything and everything to make your visit memorable. Let Cloverkey be your trusted partner in making hospital visits more thoughtful and comforting for you and your loved one, and shop at Cloverkey today.