THE PARENT REVIEW
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Pediatrics

UNITED REGIONAL Children’s Center

The Children’s Center nursing staff comprises specially trained RNs and LVNs. Because of changing conditions and the number of patients, your child may not have the same nurse each day. Feel free to ask the nurse(s) all your questions. They can help you understand the equipment, tests and procedures.

Admissions

Upon admission to the Children’s Center, your child will be weighed, measured and have vital signs (pulse, blood pressure, temperature and respirations) taken. These are generally taken on a regular schedule during your child’s stay, as ordered by your physician. Blood tests and X–rays may be included in your child’s plan of care. While these tests are common during a hospital stay, your physician may request other tests necessary to monitor your child’s progress.

Visiting Hours

Visiting Hours are from 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. Siblings are allowed to visit. However, for their own safety, we ask that you keep them in your child’s room. In the case of an emergency, all visitors will be asked to leave.

Confidentiality

The health team members will keep you updated on your child’s condition throughout your stay at the Children’s Center. Patient confidentiality rules do not allow us to share information about other patients.

Kid Stuff

We have a playroom with toys, games, books and puzzles for your child to enjoy when his or her condition improves. Video games and movies are available and may be checked out at the nurses’ station.

Educational Opportunities

The department of pediatrics offers the following educational opportunities:

  • Infant and Child CPR for Parents
  • Tours of the Children’s Center Pediatric Unit
  • Sibling Classes

The Children’s Center is located on the 5th floor of Bridwell Tower.

What to Bring
  • Your child’s robe and slippers and favorite stuffed animal or toy (A favorite stuffed toy can serve as a “security blanket” and accompany your child into surgery, the recovery room or the intensive care unit).
  • Extra clothing for you and your child.
  • All medicines taken by your child (give to your nurse when checking in).
  • Insurance information and other important documents, including your child’s immunization record.
  • Any medications or other items parents will need while away from home.

Suggestions for parents

Child treatment specialists at United Regional suggest you prepare your child for his stay by considering these ideas:

  • If children are old enough to understand, tell them in advance about the upcoming hospital stay. Older children can be told about their medical condition, the procedures required and other details about hospitalization earlier than younger children. A younger child generally should not be told until a few days before the hospitalization.
  • Try to answer your child’s questions about the hospital honestly. You may want to try to explain what the child can expect while at the hospital.
  • Reassure your child that you or another family member will be nearby while your child is in the hospital to make sure he or she is all right.
  • Pack some special items from home. Familiar objects will help your child feel more comfortable in a strange place. A favorite toy can serve as a security blanket and can accompany your child into surgery, the recovery room or to the intensive care unit.
  • Siblings may find a child’s hospitalization almost as stressful as the patient does. The best way to alleviate their fears is to bring them with you on a visit to the hospital. Probe for and correct any misconceptions your children may have about a brother or sister’s illness or about hospital procedures. After the hospitalization is over, set aside time for communication and activities with each child individually.

Remember, our child treatment staff is here to help. If you need more information or would like to speak with a children’s specialist directly, please feel free to contact the children’s wing at 940-764-6550.

While your child is in the hospital, they can expect:
  • Time to play each day.
  • People to knock on the door before coming in the room.
  • Doctors and nurses to tell them their names.
  • People to understand that sometimes they need to cry when they are afraid or hurt.
  • Painful procedures to be carried out in the Treatment Room, so that their room may remain a place of relaxation and comfort.
  • You (parents or guardians) to be there to help take care of them.
  • People to laugh with them.
  • Safe, quiet times during each day.
  • People to tell them what’s going on and why.
  • Their room and bed to be safe places.
  • People to let them choose what they want when it’s O.K.
  • Their favorite toy from home to be with them and to go along to surgery and different places in the hospital.
  • A hug when they need one.

Will you need a place to stay while your loved one is hospitalized?

Visit the Rathgeber Hospitality House where each room accommodates up to four people and the minimum donation is only $35.00 per night. Call 940–764–2400 for details.

Need more information about any of our services?

For more information, please contact Call–A–Nurse at 800–982–9799, 940–764–8570 or use our online Call–A–Nurse form.