Hailey Tran
Hospitals are a common setting in writing, often serving as a backdrop for scenes of pain, recovery, and emotional turmoil. When describing a hospital, it is important to consider the perspective of the character and their dominant senses. Details such as the sterile environment, the beeping of medical equipment, the scent of antiseptic cleaners, and the bustling movement of medical professionals can all contribute to a vivid portrayal of a hospital setting. Additionally, the emotional atmosphere, ranging from joy to sorrow, and the impact of the surroundings on the patient's mental state can be integral to the narrative.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| People | Doctors, nurses, ambulance attendants, paramedics, volunteers, porters, priests, visitors, firemen, police officers, patients |
| Clothing | Pink, green, blue or patterned scrubs |
| Objects | Clipboards, IV bags and stands, casts, arm slings, gurneys, trolleys, wheelchairs, keyboards, radios, TVs, beds |
| Sounds | Doors sliding open and shut, furnaces, air exchangers, screams, cries, moans, grunts/hisses of pain, people talking in low voices, intercoms, squeaky wheelchairs, clacking keyboards |
| Smells | Cleaners (pine, lemon, bleach), antiseptic, metallic, bleach wafting from bedding, blood, vomit, sweat, perfume/cologne, flowers, food (meaty, soup, etc.), burnt coffee, bland food |
| Rooms | Numbered, with the beginning number often indicating the floor (e.g., 512 for the fifth floor). In large hospitals, the floor may indicate the type of patient (e.g., Cardiology patients on Med-Surg floor 5) |
| Emotions | A wide range of emotions, including joy, laughter, anger, fear, pain, and sadness |
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What You'll Learn
Sights and sounds: ambulances, doctors, nurses, clipboards, IV bags, etc
The hospital is a bustling place, with a constant stream of people coming and going. The sound of ambulances, with their blaring sirens and flashing lights, fills the air as they rush to bring patients to the emergency room. Doctors and nurses move quickly and efficiently, their scrubs a blur of pink, green, and blue as they tend to those in need. The sharp smell of antiseptic and the metallic tang of stainless steel hang in the air, mingling with the scent of get-well flowers and the occasional whiff of bleach from freshly laundered bedding.
The hospital is a place of constant motion, with doctors and nurses rushing to and fro, clipboards in hand. The squeak of marker pens and the clack of keyboards fill the air as they make their rounds, updating charts and entering notes. IV bags dangle from metal stands, slowly dripping life-giving fluids into their patients' veins. The soft beep of heart rate monitors provides a steady backdrop to the hushed voices of visitors and the occasional cry of pain from a patient.
Ambulances play a crucial role in the hospital's ecosystem, ferrying patients to and from the emergency department. These vehicles, based on vans, trucks, or even motorcycles, are equipped with two-way radios and mobile data terminals, enabling emergency services to communicate with the hospital and provide critical patient information. Inside, paramedics work swiftly and calmly, providing out-of-hospital medical care to stabilize patients during transport.
Doctors and nurses are the heartbeat of the hospital, their presence offering comfort and reassurance to patients and families. They move with purpose, their eyes constantly scanning the surroundings, assessing and evaluating. The nurses, with their gentle touch and soothing words, administer medications and change IV bags with practiced ease, while the doctors, with their stethoscopes and pens, make decisions that can mean the difference between life and death.
The hospital is a place where life and death coexist, where the sights and sounds reflect the delicate balance between healing and heartbreak. The squeak of wheelchairs and the soft shuffle of slippered feet echo in the hallways, while the intercom calls out codes and directions, guiding visitors to their destinations. The scent of burnt coffee from vending machines mingles with the aroma of bland hospital food, creating a unique sensory experience that is at once comforting and unsettling.
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Smells: antiseptic, bleach, blood, flowers, food, etc
Hospitals are often associated with the smell of antiseptic, bleach, and other cleaning agents. The scent of these hospitals is so strong that it lingers on the clothes and hair of medical professionals, and some people use surgical masks with toothpaste, lavender oil, eucalyptus oil, or peppermint oil to stifle the smell. The unique hospital smell is thought to be a combination of cleaning supplies, such as citrus-scented hand sanitizer, and the smells that come with treating various health issues.
For example, the smell of human flesh exposed to bacteria during certain surgical procedures, like amputations, can be overwhelming. Gastrointestinal bleeding is another smell that is ranked among the worst in hospitals. The scent of food in hospitals, such as oatmeal, mashed potatoes, and brown gravy, is also often mentioned as contributing to the overall hospital smell.
In addition to the cleaning agents and health issues, the smell of human excretions, sweat, and unwashed bodies can be noticeable. The scent of flowers, which are often brought as gifts for patients, can also be detected in hospitals. However, the smell of death is also associated with hospitals, and some people believe that the scent of death is what is most appropriate to describe.
The sense of smell is highly subjective and varies from person to person. It is also influenced by factors such as gender, with women reported to have a more dominant sense of smell than men. Therefore, when describing a hospital through scent, it is important to consider the perspective of the character or narrator through whose eyes the hospital is being experienced.
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Rooms: numbers, floors, beds, chairs, TV, etc
The size of a hospital varies depending on its location and the number of beds it staffs. For example, hospitals in the Northeast region of the US have the largest average square footage, while those in the Southwest have a smaller average square footage. The number of operating rooms is also a factor in determining the size of a hospital.
Hospitals typically have many floors, with each floor designated for a specific purpose or specialty. For instance, the fifth floor of a hospital might be for cardiology patients, while the seventh floor could be referred to as 7 South, indicating the south wing. The emergency room (ER) is where patients are first seen after a sudden illness or injury, and the surgical intensive care unit (SICU) is for those who need surgery or are recovering from it. There is also the coronary/cardiac care unit (CCU) for cardiac issues and the trauma intensive care unit (TICU) for injuries from impact-related accidents.
Hospital rooms are typically private or semi-private, accommodating one or two patients, respectively. Some hospitals offer deluxe accommodations with additional amenities. Most rooms have their own bathrooms, windows, phones, and televisions. There may be a table that can be moved over the bed and a nightstand beside it. Beds often have controls to adjust their height, and patients are advised to lower them before getting up.
Housekeeping staff routinely clean the rooms, and environmental care services are available around the clock. Volunteers may also visit patients with therapy dogs or play music. Patients can expect meals to be provided, with some hospitals offering menus to choose from or the option to order food at any time. Snack carts are also available, selling various items, and visitors can usually bring outside food if it aligns with the patient's diet.
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People and emotions: laughter, crying, anger, fear, etc
Hospitals are places of varied emotions. The range of human feelings on display is vast, from laughter to crying, anger to fear, and everything in between. People are often at their most vulnerable in hospitals, and the emotions of patients can be heightened due to their physical or mental state. They may feel scared, confused, embarrassed, or disoriented. They might be experiencing physical pain or discomfort, or be under the influence of medication that affects their mood. Some patients may feel trapped, or like they are in a jail, and this can evoke feelings of anxiety or panic.
The emotions of healthcare professionals are also important to consider. Nurses, doctors, and other staff members may appear stoic or even numb to the emotions around them, but they, too, experience a wide range of emotions. They may feel condemning emotions, self-conscious emotions, praising emotions, or suffering emotions. They could feel guilty, vulnerable, or angry if they believe they could have helped a patient differently but were unable to due to circumstances beyond their control. Ethical conflicts and a lack of teamwork can also evoke negative emotions in healthcare professionals.
The emotions of visitors to the hospital should also not be overlooked. Friends and family of patients may be experiencing a rollercoaster of emotions, from fear and worry to relief and joy. They may feel helpless, especially if they are unable to assist their loved one with basic tasks. Visitors may also be experiencing anger or frustration, directed at the hospital staff or even the patient themselves.
The atmosphere of a hospital can also impact the emotions of those within it. The sights, sounds, and smells of a hospital can be overwhelming and may evoke strong emotions. The constant noise, from machines to people talking or crying out in pain, can be distressing. The smell of hospitals, which can include antiseptic, bleach, blood, flowers, and food, can also be overpowering and may trigger emotions, whether that's pleasant memories of mealtimes or the unpleasant reminder of illness.
The emotions of those in a hospital are complex and varied, and it is important to consider the perspectives of patients, healthcare professionals, and visitors alike when describing this setting.
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Architecture: windows, doors, paint, lights, etc
When it comes to the architecture of a hospital, there are several key features to consider.
Windows
Windows in hospitals are often designed to maximise natural light, creating a bright and airy atmosphere. They may be large, spanning from floor to ceiling, or consist of multiple panes of glass to offer a sense of openness and a connection to the outdoors. In some hospitals, windows may be tinted to reduce glare and heat intake, providing a more comfortable environment for patients and staff.
Doors
Hospitals have a multitude of doors, from the main entrance to individual room doors. The former is often a set of automatic sliding doors, allowing easy access for patients, visitors, and staff. These doors are typically made of glass, creating a sense of transparency and openness. Within the hospital, doors may be sliding or swinging, and they serve to separate different areas, such as patient rooms, treatment rooms, and storage areas. They can be made of various materials, including wood, metal, or glass, and often feature windows for privacy or to display relevant information, such as patient names or room numbers.
Paint and Walls
Hospital walls are usually painted in neutral and calming colours, such as pale shades of blue, green, or yellow. These colours are chosen to create a soothing and relaxing atmosphere for patients. The paint is often washable and durable to withstand frequent cleaning and wear and tear. The walls may also feature artwork, murals, or paintings to add a touch of warmth and comfort to the clinical environment.
Lighting
Lighting in hospitals serves both functional and aesthetic purposes. Bright, fluorescent lighting is common in corridors, treatment rooms, and examination rooms to ensure adequate visibility for medical procedures. In patient rooms, however, softer lighting may be preferred to create a more relaxing environment. Adjustable lighting options, such as dimmable lights or individual reading lamps, can also be found in patient rooms to cater to different needs and preferences.
Flooring
Hospitals typically have durable and easy-to-clean flooring, such as linoleum or vinyl, especially in high-traffic areas like corridors and waiting rooms. This type of flooring is chosen for its practicality and ability to withstand frequent cleaning and disinfection. In patient rooms, however, a warmer and more homely feel may be achieved through the use of carpeted floors, providing a softer and more comfortable surface for patients.
By incorporating these architectural elements, a hospital can be described as a place that balances functionality and clinical efficiency with a sense of comfort and calm, creating an environment conducive to healing and well-being.
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Frequently asked questions
Hospitals are busy places with people always coming and going. You could describe the wide range of emotions on display, from crying to laughing, and the reactions of the doctors and nurses who see this every day. You could also mention the constant movement of ambulances, trolleys, and people rushing through the doors.
Hospitals are full of people in uniforms, from doctors and nurses to porters and paramedics. You might see people in scrubs, patients in casts or slings, and medical equipment like IV bags and stands. Don't forget the ubiquitous clipboards!
Hospitals can be noisy places, with people talking in low voices, the squeak of wheelchairs, and the clack of keyboards. You might also hear an intercom calling out codes or directions, a TV playing softly in a patient's room, or the buzz of a vending machine.
Hospitals have a distinctive smell, often described as sterile or antiseptic. You might also pick up the scent of cleaners like bleach, pine, or lemon, mixed with the smell of flowers, food, or coffee.
A hospital room could be described as clinical and sparse, with metal beds and functional cotton sheets. Or, you could focus on the patient's experience, where the room might feel like a cocoon of love and support, or a sterile, boring hotel room.
