When Your Child Stays in the Hospital

A hospital bed or crib. A hospital bed has guardrails on the sides for extra safety. The head and foot of the bed can be moved up or down with a set of controls. This allows your child to rest comfortably. Cribs also have guardrails.

A call button. This can be used to call a nurse or healthcare provider if your child needs assistance.

A TV. Your child will have a remote control and can watch TV shows and movies to pass the time.

A phone. This is within reach near the bed. Your child can speak with friends and family directly.

A bathroom. A nurse or healthcare provider will assist your child if they need help getting to the bathroom.

Basic emergency equipment. This includes a resuscitation bag, oxygen, a flow meter, a suction canister, and a suction machine.

Healthcare providers. They are responsible for your child’s care and treatment. Your child will have a primary healthcare provider who may be aided by residents, nurse practitioners, or medical students.

Registered nurses (RNs). They create care plans for your child and can answer questions about your child's care. Registered nurses are responsible for the daily care that includes administering medicines to your child. RNs may be assisted by a licensed practical nurse (LPN) or a licensed vocational nurse (LVN). Nursing assistants, sometimes called patient care technicians (PCT), may be available to assist with daily care such as bathing and obtaining vital signs (blood pressure, heart rate, respiratory rate, and temperature).

Pharmacists. They make sure your child gets the right medicine in the correct amount and on schedule.

Patient support assistants. They help clean equipment and stock supplies.

Therapists. They help assess and improve your child’s breathing, speech, strength, movement, and flexibility.

Clinical nutritionist or dietitian. They help with your child’s nutritional needs and can teach you about any special diets your child may need.

Child life specialist. They help your child understand what to expect during their time in the hospital and cope with the experience.

Social worker. They can help you deal with problems concerning your child’s hospital care. They can offer support, provide counseling when you have questions, and refer you to community resources.

Chaplain. They can provide spiritual and emotional care and counseling for you and your child.

Check your child’s vital signs (respiratory rate, heart rate, blood pressure, and temperature)

Do a physical exam on your child

Give your child medicines

Deliver a meal tray

Assess your child’s pain

Help your child with personal hygiene, such as bathing

Check IV (intravenous) lines and insertion sites

Check wounds or incision sites

Change dressings on wounds or incisions

Empty bags, such as urine bags

Your child may need to stay in a special room if they have an illness that could spread to others. Staff may need to wear special gloves, masks, or gowns when treating your child. Visitors may be limited or need to wear similar protective items to prevent illness.

Items such as flowers, balloons, food, candy, and toys may not be allowed depending on your child’s condition. Check with your child’s healthcare provider about any rules that you should know.

Ask your child’s healthcare providers if you can be present during treatments and procedures.

Stay with your child in the hospital as much as you can. Most hospitals allow you to sleep in the hospital room with your child. Sometimes there are cots or special chairs that convert into beds. Check with a member of your child’s healthcare team about the visitation rules at your child’s hospital.

Comfort your child by touching them often. Stroke your child’s hair or hold their hand.

Allow your child to describe their feelings and emotions. Let your child know that it’s OK to cry or be afraid or upset.

Spend time doing activities with your child. Play games, watch videos, read books, or play music with your child. This can help your child relax and pass the time.

Bring comfort items from home, such as your child’s favorite blanket or stuffed animal. Familiar items can help ease your child’s fears and anxieties about being away from home.

Encourage your child to call or write to family members and friends. Sharing letters or photos can help your child feel connected to home or school.