During a hospitalization, it can feel like you’re stuck in bed most of the day unless you are going for a test or a procedure. This doesn’t mean the days aren’t busy; between medications, physical therapy visits, meetings with the case manager, and visits from specialists, patients’ schedules are pretty jam-packed. Meeting with the hospitalist is an essential part of the day that sets up the plan and moves a patient’s care forward.
Have you ever wondered what your hospitalist is doing all day? Though you may meet with your hospitalist once a day for a few minutes, their days are jam-packed with various clinical responsibilities, from morning rounds to critical decision-making; a hospitalist’s role is a balance of medical expertise, teamwork, and patient advocacy.
A hospitalist may see upwards of 14 patients daily, so time management is key. Let’s look at what a workday might look like in my life as a hospitalist.
5:30–6:30 AM- Preparing for the Day
I am a mom to three young children, so when I need to be at the hospital by 7 AM, my day has to start very early. In the wee hours of the morning, I get up to make lunches and breakfasts for everyone. During this hour, my husband and I chat a bit, make a plan for the day and maybe even throw in a load of laundry. This hour is the calm before the storm, so we try to accomplish as much as possible.
6:30 AM – Get Dressed/Leave
While my husband wakes the kids up, I’m usually in the bathroom, getting dressed and ready to run out the door. I’m grateful my commute is relatively short, but I still feel rushed to get out the door.
7:00–7:30 AM – Get my list of patients & plan for the day
My hospitalist group has a robust administrative team that works hard to ensure that each hospitalist knows which patients to see for the day and that every patient who needs a hospitalist will see one. My list of assigned patients usually includes a mix of new patients, consult requests, patients transferred out of the ICU, and patients who have already been hospitalized for a few days. I will review the list until 7:30 AM, when we have a team meeting to discuss vital updates about the department and hospital operations, ensuring we all understand what challenges may lie ahead for the day.
7:30-8:30- Reviewing clinical information + Breakfast
Now that I have my list of patients, I will spend the next hour or so reviewing each patient’s chart to make a plan for each patient’s care. New labs, radiology studies, consultant notes, and other tests are important updates that may necessitate medication changes or a specialist consult.
8:30-10:30: Seeing Patients
Now that I have reviewed my list, I’m ready to hit the halls and start seeing patients. I see patients who are very sick first and then move on to those who may be ready to go home. Interdisciplinary rounds usually occur around 10 AM, so I ensure I’m on time. This meeting is an opportunity to speak with other members of the care team so we can address each patient’s clinical and social needs.
💡 Hospital Tip: Always ask your doctor about your care plan! Understanding your condition can make a big difference in your recovery.
11:00 AM -1:00 PM – Managing Emergencies and New Admissions
Hospitals are fast-paced, and every day is different. At any moment, I may be called to evaluate a patient whose condition has worsened or admit someone from the emergency room. These high-stakes situations require quick thinking, teamwork, and a calm bedside manner. I see at least half of my patients by the early afternoon and ensure that essential orders are entered so patients receive the treatments they need.
1:00 PM – Collaborating with the Healthcare Team + Lunch
Patient care doesn’t happen in isolation. I spend a large part of my day in discussion with specialists—cardiologists, surgeons, infectious disease experts—to ensure my patients receive comprehensive treatment. The lunch hour is my chance to speak with my colleagues between bites.
2:00–4:00 PM- Tying up the details
In the afternoon, I will see the rest of my patients, focusing on those who had specialized tests or procedures earlier in the day so we can discuss the results and make a plan. While I’ve been seeing patients, I’ve also been completing documentation throughout the day and tying up most of my notes by 4 PM.
4:00 PM – Family Meetings and Critical Conversations
Not every hospitalization comes with easy answers. Some patients and families face difficult diagnoses, and it’s my job to guide them through their options with empathy and clarity. These conversations are some of my job’s most challenging—but also the most meaningful—parts. I do my best to schedule meetings in the late afternoon so my attention is less fractured and I can focus on these important discussions.
5:00 PM – Wrapping Up and Looking Ahead
As my shift winds down, I check in on my patients’ labs one last time, update notes, and coordinate with the night team. Though my day may end, hospital care never stops, and ensuring a smooth handoff is essential for continuous, quality patient care.
Why This Matters to You
Hospitals can feel overwhelming, but knowing what happens behind the scenes can help you feel more prepared and empowered. My goal as a hospitalist is to ensure that every patient and their family understands their medical journey.
Have you ever had a hospital experience where you wished you knew more about what was happening? Share your thoughts in the comments or reply to my newsletter—I’d love to hear from you!
