CHECK:

• Check with the patient, family or hospital before bringing or sending fresh flowers or live plants. Some areas do not allow them, or the patient may be allergic to them.
• Check to see what are the visiting hours. Especially in the critical care units, there are specific times allowed for visitation.
• Check with the family or patient before going to visit a patient in the critical care unit. There is usually a short time for visitations, and you would not want to take away precious time the family can visit with the patient. 
• Allow yourself plenty of time to get to the hospital and for the visit. You do not want to seem rushed or frustrated.

• The patient wants you do know all about their illness/injury/etc.
• The patients wants to be put on the church’s prayer chain or be mentioned in the prayers in the worship service.
• That because the patient is a Christian and goes to church that he/she has no doubts or questions of God about why this illness/injury/etc. is happening.
• That because the patient is going home, they are happy about it.
• That the patient has a loving, caring relationship with family.

• Preach little “sermonettes” which are not requested.
• Tell the patient how he/she ought to feel.
• Talk about your own illness, condition or family problems unless the patient brings it up.
• Introduce the subject of church struggle, politics, etc. 
• Defend or tear down hospitals, doctors, nurses, etc.
• Reprimand or scold the patient either directly or indirectly.
• Gossip about mutual acquaintances. 
• Stay so long as to fatigue the patient.
• Think you have to solve all the patient’s problems.
• Try to force the patient to cheer up
• Ask “What can I do?” unless you are prepared to do it.
• Defend church, God, Jesus if patient attacks them. Allow he/she to vent, allow she/he to have their feelings.

• LISTEN to what is being said verbally and nonverbally. 
• Be attentive.  Try to leave your problems outside the patient’s room.
• Help where you are able.
• Accept where the patient is emotionally right now without blaming or acting shocked, or trying to convince he/she that it is wrong to feel that way.
• Pray for God’s guidance during the visit even before you go to the hospital.
• Offer prayer.
• Offer to read Scripture.
• Assure her/him of God’s love, mercy and care.
• Assure him/her of your love and care
• Take along a Portals of Prayer to leave if he/she would like it.