What’s in My Pre-Packed Hospital "Go Bag"

By Amber Blackburn, RN

3 min read

When you are chronically ill, you’ll have seasons where you are constantly running around between different doctors appointments. At times, it even feels like trips to the ER aren’t that uncommon. I don't know about you, but I’ve been in the hospital more times than I can count in the last 8 years.

What I learned from my ER visits

In that time, I’ve learned a few things. Some of which I would like to pass on to you because we like to share helpful information around here. Possibly the most important thing I’ve learned is to always have a hospital bag packed and ready. Sadly, this bag is not near as fun to pack and have ready as the bag of an expectant mom.

Several years ago I was in and out of the hospital so many times that I gave upon having what I needed. My family was more than willing to help me, but it became difficult to tell them exactly where each item I needed was.

They always tried their best but would always end up grabbing things from years ago and clothing from many sizes ago. The longer I was there, the longer my list became of things I wish I had with me.

Staying prepared

Eventually, I made a master list of things that always live in my hospital bag. When I come home, they go straight in the washer and back in said bag. The goal of the bag is to ensure I have the things I need and to ensure my family doesn’t hate me by the end of my stay for asking for something else from home.

What's in my hospital "go bag"

Here is my master list. It’s important to remember that this is my list of things I want/need while I’m in the hospital and my list won’t work for everyone. I hope that it at at least gives you an idea of what you might want in your bag, but I sincerely hope you never need to have a hospital go bag prepped and ready to go.

One important thing to remember is that all hospital units/floors, even within the same hospital, often have different policies as to what clothing the patient can wear while in that unit.

Clothing

At least 3 tank tops
2-3 short-sleeved t-shirts
1 long-sleeved t-shirt, pullover, or jacket
2 light-weight, yoga-type pants
Shorts (for the warmer months)
Sweat pants (for cooler months)
Pj sets or separates (I prefer t-shirts and yoga pants but whatever works for you)
Underwear - I prefer to keep 2 pairs minimum per day I think I’ll be there. Always better to have more than to few.
2-3 sports bras
2-3 pairs of fuzzy socks
Slippers- or something to wear on your feet around the room and in the hall
Flip flops- can be used to walk around the room/halls, but mostly for the shower. You do not want to walk on those floors or in the showers without shoes.

Toiletries

All the products I carry in my toiletry bag are travel size to take up less space.

Liquid body soap
Shampoo and conditioner
Hair brush
Detangler spray
Facial moisturizer (to combat the super dry air in the hospital)
Body lotion (same as above)
Extra hair ties
Dry shampoo
Toothpaste
Tooth brush
Tampons and/or pads. Just in case

Electronics

6-10 ft cellphone charger
External charging block for quick charges
Cell phone-for obvious reasons, as well as social media and all streaming services.
iPad
Ear buds or headphones (with the cord and proper adapter to connect phone to ear buds if not cordless) Noise cancelling is best if you have a roommate.
My kindle, e-reader, or a book- same books been in there a couple years I think.

Comfort items

These items will vastly differ from person to person, these are just my things. Also it’s okay if your pillow and blanket don’t fit, mine definitely doesn’t

Fuzzy/cozy Blanket
Pillow
Ear plugs
Sleep mask
Sound machine (only if I'm in a private room)

I will say I rarely take my bag into the ER. If I really think that I am getting admitted, I will take my bag but leave it in the car. If there’s only a small chance of admission, I will leave it by the door so if I need the bag it’s quick and easy for my family to get.

These are just the things that work for me. They won’t work for everyone, but take it from me who has learned the heard way- pack more than you think you will need, especially in the underwear department!

If I missed something please let me know and leave a comment so I can add it to my bag!

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Leslie Castro Moderator & Contributor
Although most of these are wonderful items, I would include button down pajama shirts with a pocket on it. As a lifelong heart patient going through multiple procedures, it’s just personally easier to keep the holter monitor and wires in the pocket of the button down night shirt pocket when walking the halls of the floor. Slippers socks with grips on the bottom are better for walking when you have heart failure especially when a patient is retaining fluids in the feet and ankles. Regular slippers are sometimes heavier and cumbersome. I would include adult coloring books, colored pencils, crossword puzzle and word search books to help pass the time and maintain cognitive function. Thank you for sharing. Leslie (Community Moderator)
1. Amber Blackburn, RN Moderator & Contributor
 <inline-mention username="Leslie Castro" user-id="4183146"/> great ideas. Thank you so much! For sharing these items!! I appreciate it!!
CommunityMember81aae3 Member
I would also add lip balm. My lips get chapped from the super dry hospital air. I would pack an extra pillow, if you are having a procedure. As a lifelong heart patient, i went through quite a few surgeries. The pillow will help if you have to cough. 
1. Leslie Castro Moderator & Contributor
 <inline-mention username="CommunityMember81aae3" user-id="6635245"/> Lip balm is great especially post surgery. Personally, I’ve always asked for at least two to three pillows from the hospital medical staff. Definitely helps with elevated one’s head to help with breathing. Another thing I tend to bring is unsalted pistachios, almonds, soybeans, or peanuts to improve my protein levels and remain <a href='http://healthy.Thank' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer ugc'>healthy.Thank</a> you for sharing. Leslie (Community Moderator)
2. Latoya Johnson Keelen, PhD Moderator & Contributor
 <inline-mention username="CommunityMember81aae3" user-id="6635245"/> lip balm is an excellent idea. I remember wanting crushed ice, which probably helped prevent my lips from cracking as much as they would have, but if i hadn't, i would have wanted lip balm. Oh and that extra pillow - i didn't know about that and was so heart broken when my LVAD Center didn't give me one following surgery. Thankfully, i received my special heart pillow from my transplant center when my LVAD was decommissioned.
Olivia Rose Moderator & Contributor
This is a great list. I would add the aromatherapy spray line from Bath and Body Works as another item. When I'm in the hospital, it keeps me calm and relaxed. -Olivia
1. Latoya Johnson Keelen, PhD Moderator & Contributor
 <inline-mention username="Olivia Rose" user-id="6617030"/> that's an excellent idea since you can't have candles. Another option might be reed diffusers.