Hospitals have long provided care for people in need. In the early eighteenth century, almshouses were often the only sources of medical care. In Philadelphia, William Penn opened an almshouse in 1713. The Pennsylvania Hospital later received a charter from the crown, and became the nation’s first incorporated hospital. There are many types of hospitals, depending on their size, administration, and types of services.
Nurses are among the first people a patient will meet in a hospital. They will ask about your symptoms and medical history, and help you settle into your room. They will also take your vital signs, including your blood pressure and heart rate. Then, they will help you choose the appropriate medication. In addition to doctors, nurses will take care of your room and make sure you are comfortable during your stay.
Hospitals are divided into two main types: rural and urban. Rural hospitals tend to serve small communities, where the resources to provide quality care are more limited. Urban hospitals, on the other hand, serve a larger population and must offer a wide variety of treatment options. Their ownership can also reveal a lot about how they operate. Some hospitals are privately owned, while others belong to larger networks. Some physicians argue that this improves efficiency, while others claim it makes treatment less personal.
The doctors in a hospital are typically family practitioners, family physicians, or specialists specializing in specific medical conditions. In addition to the doctors on the ward, you can also find medical students, interns, and residents. Each doctor has different responsibilities and roles, depending on their experience. For instance, a resident will be assigned to a ward, whereas a senior consultant will attend specific meetings.
Generally, hospitals provide care for a variety of patients, from children to elderly people. General hospitals may also have an emergency department and a trauma center. Some may even have outpatient departments or rehabilitation services. Lastly, some may have a department of nursing, headed by a chief nursing officer. This department is responsible for professional nursing practice, research, and policy.
There are many types of hospitals in the United States. Some are government-funded, and others are private. A community hospital is generally a hospital that serves a local community. The American Hospital Association lists 4,840 community hospitals in the U.S. as of 2015. Then there are district and federal hospitals. These hospitals receive public funding from state or federal government agencies.