Tips for Staying at Integris Health Baptist Medical Center
If you find yourself spending a lot of time at Integris Health Baptist Medical Center in Oklahoma City, you’re not alone. My family has had many extended stays here, and my mom even worked at Baptist for years as a labor and delivery nurse. After countless visits, I’ve picked up a few tips that can help make your stay a little more comfortable.
Food Options: What to Expect
The main cafeteria of Integris Health Baptist Medical Center is located on Floor C (the basement). Breakfast is probably the best meal of the day, especially the soft, fluffy biscuits. When you walk in, the salad bar is straight ahead. It’s usually fresh and has a nice selection, which is my go-to most days. The hot bar is to the left. It’s hit or miss, but taco day is worth checking out. I like to build nachos using the hot bar and salad bar together. I can recommend the pork tamales at the hot bar! I’m downstairs and just had them and they were delicious and filling.
To the right, you’ll find the grill. The food is decent, but the menu rarely changes, so it gets repetitive if you’re here for a while. There’s also a small pizza section, but unfortunately, the pizza tends to be disappointing. You’re not the only one who might think that—others in the cafeteria have made similar comments.
Right outside the cafeteria is the deli. Sandwiches and salads are available here, and they sell warm chocolate chip cookies that are absolutely worth trying. The only problem is finding it open—it’s closed on weekends and often closes unexpectedly during the week.
Weekends at Integris Health Baptist Medical Center, in general, are tough for food options. Staffing tends to be lighter, and the food selection is limited. I’ve seen the salad bar go mostly empty, the coffee run out, and very few hot bar items available.
The food here has really declined over the years, and not what I would expect for a private hospital.
Coffee Spots You Might Miss at Integris Health Baptist Medical Center
There are two lesser-known spots for coffee. Perk’s Place, also on Floor C down the hallway from the cafeteria, serves Starbucks coffee, muffins, and a few sandwiches. Then there’s Eote Coffee, which offers a variety of coffee options and light breakfast or lunch items. Just keep in mind, Eote is closed on weekends.
Nursing Staff and the Daisy Award
Our experiences with the staff on different floors at Integris Health Baptist Medical Center have been mostly good, though it’s clear they’re very busy. Response times can be slow, but it’s usually due to how many patients each nurse is responsible for. That said, the nurses on Floor 7 are phenomenal—attentive, kind, and always willing to help.
If a nurse goes above and beyond, ask to nominate them for a Daisy Award. It’s a great way to show appreciation.
Tips for Overnight Caregivers at Integris Health Baptist Medical Center
If you’re planning to stay overnight with a loved one, ask if a cot or bed can be brought in. The hospital will usually provide blankets, sheets, and a pillow, but I recommend bringing your own pillow for comfort. Towels and washcloths are also available. I typically go home to shower, but if you plan to use the hospital showers, pack your own toiletries so you have what you like.
Some floors at Integris Health Baptist Medical Center, like Floor 7, have a nourishment center where you can help yourself to coffee, tea, broth, hot cocoa, and ice water.
Get on the Therapy Dog List at Integris Health Baptist Medical Center
One special service that many patients and caregivers aren’t aware of is the hospital’s therapy dog visits. These trained dogs provide comfort, emotional support, and a sense of calm during what can be a very stressful time. If you’d like your loved one to receive a visit, simply let the nurses’ station know and ask to have them added to the therapy dog list. If the patient’s condition allows for it, a therapy dog will come up for a visit, often brightening the entire room with just a few tail wags and gentle nuzzles. It’s a simple request that can make a big impact on a patient’s day.
Case Management Support
The Case Management team is available to help both patients and caregivers. They can assist with everything from home health and hospice to transportation and assisted living options. If you feel like you’re not being heard or need additional help, reach out to them. They are your advocate.
Whether you’re here for a short visit or an extended stay, a little preparation can go a long way in making your time at Integris Baptist more manageable. If you’re supporting a loved one during their hospital stay, you might also find these posts helpful: How to Build a Care Package for Hospital Stays (For Patients and Caregivers) and What to Pack in Your Hospital Go Bag. Being informed and equipped can make a big difference—not just for your comfort, but for your peace of mind.
-
Wellness Investments That Pay Off
Explore wellness investments that pay off and discover how small changes can lead to lasting health benefits and more energy.
-
Benefits of CBD Edibles and Why You Should Try Them
Disclosure: This statement has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. It has been hard to miss the hype surrounding CBD edibles. There are all sorts of methods to enjoy the benefits of cannabidiol, but CBD edibles are proving to be…
-
Hiya Kids Vitamins Are 50% Off For New Customers
The Hiya Kids Daily Multivitamin is 50% off for new customers right now. Plus, shipping is free. If your kid’s current vitamin looks more like candy than anything useful, this is worth a look. Hiya is one of the fastest-growing kids’ health brands for a reason. Their daily multivitamin is made for kids, but designed…
-
FITT Cube HIIT Deal: Grab This Compact Home Gym for $39.99
The FITT Cube HIIT machine deal is one of those rare finds that actually makes working out at home feel doable. It’s compact, simple, and currently down to $39.99. That’s a huge drop from the $262.50 reference price, which is about 85% off. FITT Cube HIIT Machine at Woot This set is basically a mini…
-
Support Your Health for Winter
Disclosure: I’ve partnered with Procter & Gamble and Source Naturals as part of an Influencer Activation and all opinions expressed in my post are my own. These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. I am excited to…
-
Heating Pads and Massagers for Pain Relief for Cold Weather Aches
Heating pads and massagers for pain relief are one of the easiest upgrades when winter makes everything ache. Also, sometimes we just sleep wrong and pay for it all day. So we pulled together a mini lineup that actually makes sense: heat where we need it, plus massage when our muscles refuse to cooperate. These…
