Being in the hospital can be a stressful experience for children and their families.   A hospital stay can be a frightening experience for a child of any age.  Your child will be less anxious and frightened if you can be positive, confident and honest.  Explain what will take place during the hospital stay in a way that your child can understand.  Be sure to mention that you will be able to visit anytime.

Children of all ages need all the support and understanding you can give before, during and after their hospital stay.  During hospitalization, children face separation from their families, unfamiliar and often painful procedures, and interruptions of the normal activities and development.  Parents can provide preparation and support to help children cope with the hospital experience.

Tours are available upon request for patients and their parents.  Please contact the Child Life Program at 272-2671 to make these arrangements.

Teens may have different needs than children.  Parents and care providers should acknowledge and support teenager's need for autonomy and privacy.  Teenagers should be involved in the decision to enter the hospital from the beginning and encouraged to discuss questions and concerns with the hospital staff.

The Jeff Apodaca Celebration of Life Computer Center is located on the third floor across from the Child Life Playroom and is open after school hours and weekends to patients and their friends.  The center is a retreat where teenagers can share with each other as well as enjoy recreational activities.

Your child's physical and emotional needs are our main concern, but your needs as parents are also important to us.  Children's Hospital strives to provide a family centered approach to health care.  We understand that the family is the constant in a child's life and that, as a parent, you are the most important person to your child.  Our staff is here to help in any way we can.

Brothers and sisters share much: companionship, common experiences, their parents' time, interests and love.  Brothers and sisters at home often feel left out, frightened, confused and upset when a brother or sister is faced with a health problem.  Allow children time to ask questions and talk about the situation.  Answer questions and acknowledge their concerns as simply and honestly as you can.

Despite changes that take place in a family when a child is ill, healthy brothers and sisters must not be overlooked.  Their need for information and support must be met in order for them to adapt and develop as individuals.

Children under 14 years of age are not allowed in the inpatient areas.  Siblings are NEVER allowed to spend the night in the hospital.  This is for the safety of all children, hospitalized and visiting.

We furnish hospital gowns, soap and a toothbrush for the patient.  It will be helpful if you can bring a little bit of home with you.  Your child may be more comfortable with his/her own pajamas, robe and slippers.  A favorite toy, photographs, schoolwork, books or a security blanket may go a long way in easing the discomfort of being in a strange place.  For teens, there are facilities for playing their favorite tapes.  Posters and other familiar favorites from home are welcome.  Please identify your child's belongings clearly.  Do not bring valuables of any kind such as jewelry or large sums of money.   Children's Hospital cannot be responsible for any lost items.  Do not leave any items of value i.e. purses, radios, etc unattended in the patient rooms.  Latex balloons are NEVER allowed in any area of the hospital.

Whether your child's admission is planned or unexpected, there are routine procedures that you can anticipate.  An admitting office representative will ask questions about you, your child, and how the hospital bill will be paid.  They will help you determine if you are eligible for financial assistance.

Once your child is on the unit, a nurse will check your child's height, weight and review his or her medical history with you.  At this time, you should tell your nurse if your child has a special nickname, favorite food or regular naptime.  We want to know as much as possible about your child so we can make his or her hospital stay less threatening.   If your admission to the Children's Unit is an emergency, these routine procedures may be altered.  If your child requires immediate medical care, paperwork is a secondary concern.  Once your child's condition has been stabilized, an admitting representative will visit your child's room to help you complete the necessary paperwork and obtain information required by your insurance company.

Waiting areas for families and friends are located near each unit.  A large waiting room, which includes a quiet room for family-physician conferences, is located outside the General Pediatric Unit.  Children who visit MUST be supervised at all times.  Please be courteous and keep these areas clean.  Do not leave any personal items unattended, as they are not secure.