Preparing for Your Visit
Common Questions
What is there for me to do while
I'm at the hospital?
The Child Life Specialist may suggest group activities
such as arts and crafts, cooking, music and games. We also
have aMedical Museum,
Patient's
Library, playrooms in the inpatient units and an outdoor
playcourt. Check out the Arts and Events Calendar, too.
Bedside activities are available to children who cannot
leave the room or for those who have special needs.
What is the hospital like?
Take ourvirtual
tour, and see it for yourself before you get here.
Will I have to get a shot?
Shots are not required for every visit. There are
different reasons shots are used, and the doctor or nurse
will tell you if you're going to need one. You may also
want to readadvice from
other kids to find out what will happen during your
procedure.
What and when will I eat at the
hospital?
There is a variety of food available on the kids'
menu, so you're sure to find something you like. The
nurse will let you know if your diet is restricted due to
medications or other reasons, but some examples from the
general menu are chicken strips, hamburgers, hot dogs,
macaroni and cheese, French fries, and ice cream. Breakfast
is served at 7:45 a.m., lunch at 11:45 a.m., and dinner at
4:45 p.m. If you get hungry between meals, the nurses also
keep a limited supply of items within the unit, including
Spaghettios, ravioli, soup, and graham crackers.
What will my family eat?
Family and visitors may enjoy meals from any of the
cafeterias and cafés available throughout the
hospital. If able, you are welcome to join them in these
areas as well. See our patient and visitor information (LINK
directly to meals/snacks page) for more details.
Can I have visitors?
Yes. Your parents, grandparents, and guardians are
encouraged and welcome to visit you any time and as much as
possible. Most units even have a place for one of your
parents to sleep in your room with you. Siblings are welcome
to visit, if accompanied by an adult, and friends may visit
with your parents' consent. Visiting hours differ from
department to department, but general visiting hours are
from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Will I be allowed to leave my unit by
myself?
If you are 14 or older and have your physician's and
parent's permission, you may leave the unit by
yourself. Make sure to sign out at the front desk.
How long will I have to stay?
It depends why you are coming, and can vary from a few
hours to several days or weeks. Our physicians, nurses, and
staff will do everything they can to make your stay as short
as possible.
Can I keep up with my schoolwork while
I'm in the hospital?
Yes. The Hospital Tutoring Program offers tutoring to patients who have missed or
will miss more than a week of school or will be returning to
the hospital repeatedly. Bring your textbooks, worksheets,
and assignments. You will be scheduled for time in the
classroom, and bedside tutoring is available if
necessary.
What should I wear?
Wear something comfortable and loose-fitting. In most
cases, you will be allowed to stay in your clothes, but may
be asked to change into a hospital gown if necessary.
Can my parents come in with me?
For many procedures, your parents can be in the room with
you, and they are allowed and encouraged to stay with you if
you have to stay overnight.
Can I eat before my visit?
In many cases, eating before you come is fine. There are
several instances in which you should not eat beforehand,
but your doctor or nurse will tell you ahead of time.
Questions about specific procedures
(This list is updated often, so check back to read about
additional procedures.)
|
