Preparing for a Hospital Stay

Prepare Your Child  |  Prepare Yourself  |  What to Bring

Prepare Your Child

At Golisano Children’s Hospital, we recognize that a hospital can be a confusing and scary place for children. You are your child’s best support. Talking honestly and openly is an important way to inform and reassure your child about the visit to the hospital.

Choose the Right Time

Your child’s age is a good guide to determine how soon to share information.In general, tell:

• Pre-school children, one or two days ahead of time
• School-age children, about a week in advance
• Adolescents, as soon as possible

Select a quiet time when you will not be interrupted.

Set the Tone

• Use a calm, relaxed tone of voice.
• Let your child know it is OK to ask questions and express feelings.

Explain Only What Your Child Can Understand

Use language appropriate to your child’s age. For younger children:

• Be careful with medical terminology. A child might conclude that when the nurse “takes blood,” he or she will take it all.
• Check as you go along to make sure your child understands new words. Just because a child uses a new word does not mean he or she understands it.
• Look for ways to substitute familiar words in place of medical words. For instance, if your child will be on a heart monitor, you can refer to the electrodes (the small conducting patches) as “stickies.”
• Try not to overwhelm your child with too much information at one time. You can judge how well your child understands by the questions he or she asks. For example, if your child asks why she has to go to the hospital, you can compare it to going to the doctor’s office. Explain that it is another place where doctors and nurses work to help children get better. It is a place where children stay overnight and get all the special care they need.
• Children make sense of information more easily in terms of how things will feel, look, sound, or smell.

Be Honest but Reassuring

Explain the reason for the procedure or hospitalization, stressing the benefits.

• Use “gentle” words whenever possible. For example, you might say that a surgeon will “make” an opening rather than “cut” an opening. Also avoid words that your child will associate with a bad experience. “Being put to sleep” may remind him or her of a family pet take to the vet, never to return.
• Try to save topics that you believe will cause your child the most stress until the end of the conversation.
• Do not tell your child that a painful procedure will not hurt. If you do, he or she will not believe you next time. On the other hand, do not plant fears. Children, like adults, are unique when it comes to experiencing pain. What is uncomfortable for one may not be for another. Reassure your child that, if there is pain, people are here to help with it.
• Ask your child’s doctor for guidance on how much discomfort there might be, how long it will last, and how it will be managed.
• If your child will be sedated during a procedure, explain how anesthesia (or “sleeping medicine”) works. Reassure him or her that they will not wake up until everything is over.
• Practice coping skills ahead of time with your child, such as deep breathing, counting or singing.
• Share feelings. Let your child know that it is OK to cry or to be afraid, but that you are there.
• Unless asked, avoid talking about possible complications.
• Your child may have questions you cannot answer. You can work together to make a list of questions to ask someone else.

Help Your Child Express Their Feelings

• Ask your child questions to make sure he or she understands what you have said.
• Take all questions seriously.
• Encourage younger children to express themselves through play or art. Play “hospital” with dolls, stuffed toys or action figures. Read and write stories, draw pictures, watch movies, etc.
• Reassure your child that he or she is not to blame.
• Choose a favorite toy, blanket, etc., to bring with you to the hospital. This provided security and a sense of familiarity in an unfamiliar place.
• If your child shows signs of excessive fear or worry, talk to your healthcare team about other available supports.

Reach Out to Child Life Specialists

The Child Life Specialists at Golisano Children’s Hospital are available to help children and families prepare for and cope with the health care experience. We provide pre-admission tours and opportunities for play, self-expression, and support. To contact a Child Life Specialist, please ask your nurse, or call the Child Life Office (585) 275-9878.

Prepare Yourself

Learn as Much as Possible About Your Child’s Illness and Treatment

• Ask your child’s doctor or nurse for information packets and a list of resources, including library materials and websites. As you review the information, make a list of questions to ask him or her. Don't be afraid to ask questions and advocate for your child.
• Ask a Medical Librarian or visit the Mucci Family Resource Library when you arrive.

Learn as Much as You Can About the Hospital

Take a tour on the computer. If you would like to come to the hospital for a tour, contact a Child Life Specialist at (585) 275-9878. She will take you to see the patient units, have you meet some of the staff and let you learn more about us prior to your child’s admission.

Be a Support for Your Child

You are your child’s biggest support, so we welcome you and encourage you to be at the hospital as much as you can. You may need to:

• Arrange for time off from work or for a more flexible schedule.
• Line up people you trust to stay with your other children.
• Find family or friends who are willing help with day to day details such as carpools, laundry.
• Make arrangements to stay close to the hospital. One adult family member can stay overnight in your child’s hospital room. The Ronald McDonald House can provide inexpensive lodging nearby for immediate family members who live outside of Monroe County on a first come/first served basis. Talk to your doctor’s office or social worker about making a referral for you.

Plan for Ways to Manage Your Stress

Parents who take care of themselves are better able to care for their children.

• Get enough sleep.
• Ask if there are parents of other children with similar medical conditions who would be willing to talk to you.
• Ask if there are support groups you can join.
• Write about your child’s medical experiences in a journal or create a website to share information with family members.
• Take breaks from caring for your child when possible. Take advantage of the activity programs and the pediatric volunteers.
• Identify ways to relax that work for you like deep breathing, meditation, exercise, or music.
• If you start to feel overwhelmed, do not be afraid to ask for professional support.
• Your child’s nurse can contact a social worker or chaplain on your behalf.

What to Bring

• Comfy PJs, slippers, robe (if you do not want to wear the hospital pajamas)
• Comfy clothes (PJs, pants, shirts and slippers) if your situation will allow you to wear them
• Favorite toy, stuffed animal, blanket, or book. Be sure the items are labeled with your name.
• Cell phone and charger
• Homework if you have any
• A list of your child's medications and any special dietary needs
• Glasses and/or contacts, solution and case
• Body soap
• Shampoo
• Lotion
• Healthy snacks