Hospitals can be scary places for everyone, but seem especially so to a child. Children have special needs, both emotional and physical, and you should choose your hospital very carefully, with that in mind.
The first thing you should know is that not all hospitals are appropriate (or the safest) places for children facing surgeries, cancer treatments or care for a serious illness. You should also know that just because a hospital uses the words "for children" in its advertising, does not necessarily mean they are the best place for them.
In general, hospitals that have special licensing to treat children (ie: Children's Hospitals that ONLY treat children) are among the best choices to assure that your child will receive the best and most appropriate care. Children's hospitals have specially licensed staff that includes all the pediatric specialties (cardiac, cancer, surgery, etc) and all the appropriate equipment (child sized) that comes with these special places.
Your child's doctor or surgeon should also be licensed in his/her pediatric specialty. Nurses and other ancillary staff should be specially trained to meet both the physical and the emotional needs of a hospitalized child.
The ambiance of a children's specialty hospital should seem brighter, cheerier and have toys, videos and other options to help a frightened child feel more at home.
In addition, the following hospital tips can be used to further enhance a hospitalization for a child:
1. If possible, bring the child to the hospital for a tour before the day of his/her surgery or treatment, especially if it is their first time in a hospital. Make an appointment with the hospital liaison (through the Admitting Department) to have a sympathetic nurse walk the child through the process, to help lessen the scariness on the day of the surgery.
2. Allow the child to bring a beloved doll or stuffed animal to the hospital on the day of surgery. A well-laundered favorite blanket is also a good choice.
3. Talk to the child, in advance, about after the surgery/treatment, ie, how much better he will feel or how you will fix her favorite treat when she comes home. This gives the child something positive to fixate on that extends beyond the hospital experience.
4. Plan to spend as much time as possible in your child's room after the surgery or treatment. If possible, it would be best to spend the night with him, not only for his reassurance to have you close by but also to monitor the care that he is receiving. Many hospitals will provide a cot or recliner to sleep on overnight. You will probably be uncomfortable but your child will do better with you close by. Make sure you know what has been prescribed by the child's doctor and don't be afraid or intimidated to question any medication that does not match what you have been told.
5. Makes sure that your child is kept warm enough. Hospitals are notoriously chilly places. You should also bring a sweater and blanket/pillow for yourself.
6. Don't expect hospital staff to give your child a bath/shower. In most cases, you will be expected to provide this kind of care, yourself, should it be needed.
7. Bring all your child's personal hygiene needs with you, including a toothbrush, toothpaste, comb, mirror, etc. The hospital will not provide these items for you. In addition, bring her favorite pajamas, robe and slippers. The pj's should button or zip up the front, to allow ease of examination by the staff.
A hospital visit for a child can be much less traumatic if you follow these simple hospital tips. And remember, most important of all is your own personal attitude. If you seem calm and patient, your child will pick up on that and feel that she is in good hands. A relaxed child is much more likely to heal faster and do better, in general, than one who is rigid with anxiety and fear.
Author CL Davison is a former hospital administrator with a national hospital chain and is now a business owner and writer. Please visit [http://www.med-tips.com].
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