Hospital room guide

How to use The White Board

The whiteboard in your hospital room is a quick reference for your care team, daily plan, and important schedules. Knowing what to look for helps you stay informed and involved.

A hospital room with a bedside whiteboard divided into areas for care team names, today's plan, diet and mobility, schedules, and updates — 1care team names2plan of care for the day3diet and mobility details4turning and medication schedules5board up to date

Five places to look

Read the board at a glance

01On the board

Find your care team names

Look for the name of your assigned nurse for the current shift.
Many boards also list CNA names, the charge nurse, and sometimes the manager.
If a name is missing or hard to read, ask a staff member to update it.

02On the board

Check the plan of care for the day

The whiteboard often has a short summary of goals for the day, such as walking, sitting up, or tests scheduled.
Compare what is written with what your nurse or doctor tells you during rounds.
Ask questions if the board does not match what you were told.

03On the board

Look for diet and mobility details

Your diet order may be written as clear liquid, regular, low-sodium, or another specific diet.
Mobility notes may say bed rest, up with assistance, or independent.
These details help you understand what you are allowed to do and eat.

04On the board

Note turning and medication schedules

A turning schedule shows how often staff should help you change position to protect your skin.
Pain or medication timing may be listed so you know when the next dose can be given.
Use the call button if you are uncomfortable before the next scheduled time.

05On the board

Keep the board up to date

Names and plans can change every shift, so glance at the board after shift change.
If something is outdated or unclear, ask your nurse or CNA to update it.
The whiteboard is a quick reference for you, your family, and every staff member who enters the room.

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