Preparing for your child’s stay at Levine Children’s Hospital
It’s common for children and families to be nervous about an upcoming hospital visit. All children – both the patient and siblings – may need special preparation to ease their anxiety. Here are a few tips to help your family before you arrive.
Virtual hospital tour
Touring Atrium Health Levine Children's Hospital virtually will give your child a chance to discover the new environment in advance. It will show you the floor you’ll be staying on, amenities and you’ll even get to meet some of the care team along the way. This will help your child and family feel more comfortable when you arrive.
Just talk
Sometimes we forget that the hospital can be a scary and new experience for children. We encourage you to explain what will happen during your child’s stay. Be sure to ask your child what is on their mind, as this can go a long way in helping them relax.
Make a list
Many of your children's questions will be easy for you to answer ("Will you be there when I wake up?" "Can I eat ice cream?"), but sometimes they may ask a tough medical question. When your child has a question you can't answer, start a list. Bring it to your next appointment or call us at the Family Resource Center Library at 704-381-2110.
Read all about it
Our Family Resource Center Library offers books about visiting the doctor and the hospital. There are even specific books about common procedures like getting ear tubes and having tonsils taken out. Rather than reading about your health issue online, come see our librarian.
- Get free healthcare information in the library
- 2nd floor – Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5 pm.
- You may also call the librarian at 704-381-2110
Talking with your child's doctor
When your child's health is in question, you will focus on their needs, or you may even feel intimidated by unfamiliar medical terms. Remember that our doctors are here to help and support your needs and the needs of your child. Be prepared and make the most of your time with your child's doctor.
Before your visit
- Start preparing for the visit by identifying your concerns and be prepared to discuss them. It's helpful to write down your questions before your appointment – that way you won't forget them.
- Don't be afraid to ask questions. Your pediatrician is there to help you and your child! We encourage you to ask follow-up questions until you're comfortable with your understanding of the situation.
- Write down any answers and instructions given by your child's doctor.
Helpful tip: Remember to follow any instructions given by your child's doctor about eating and drinking before admission.
Questions to help you talk with your child's doctor
When speaking with your child's doctor, ask questions if you are confused about something. If you don’t speak up, the doctor may assume you understand. Asking questions until you understand will help you and your child. Be sure to write down all instructions. Below are some helpful questions that you can use in your discussions.
- What will be done while my child is in the hospital?
- Who can answer questions about my child's care during this time?
- How long will test results take and how can I learn about the results?
- Do I need to schedule a follow-up appointment after my child's hospital stay is over?
- What can I do to help my child's treatment/hospital stay be successful?
- What is the name of the medicine? What will it do?
- Will it affect my child's allergies or interact with other medications?
- How should I give the medication? At what time each day? With or without food? If the medication is liquid, what is the best way to measure a dose?
- How long should my child continue taking the medication?
- When should I expect to see an improvement?
- Are there any side effects? What do I do if my child has one?
- Should my child avoid any food, drink or activities while taking the medicine?
- Do you know of any other local or Internet-based resources for help?
- Are there any support groups where I can connect with other families?
- Do you have any written or printed information I can use to learn more about my child's health needs?
What to bring with you to the hospital
Make your child feel more comfortable by bringing a few favorites from home. Remember to label any items you bring from home.
- A favorite toy, book or game
- A favorite blanket or pillow
- A favorite photograph
- Comb, brush, toothbrush, toothpaste and shampoo
- Pajamas or nightgown, robe, slippers and socks
- Comfortable clothes and shoes to wear home
- Any special items your child uses (glasses, splints, retainers, etc.)
- School books and assignments
- List of child's medications (including dosage) and pharmacy telephone numbers
- List of any allergies to food and medicine
- Any hospital records you have
- Pediatrician’s address and telephone number
Pack for you, too
Don’t forget to pack for yourself! Invite your child to help you pack so they'll know that you're going to be there with them. Here's a list to get you started:
- Any medications you take
- List of important telephone numbers
- Money for cafeteria or other food options
- Notepad and pen
- Comfortable clothes and shoes
- Personal-care items like shampoo, toothbrush, toothpaste and brush
- Small projects or books for quiet times
Helpful tip: Don't forget to bring your child's Social Security card, health insurance information or Medicaid card and child's medical history. If you have health insurance, talk to the insurance company about your child's procedure and any required authorizations before going to the hospital.
Tips to help organize your child's healthcare
Sometimes the volume of information regarding your child's health care can be overwhelming. You may find it helpful to get organized. The list below will help you get started.
- Keep a journal, three-ring binder or some other filing system to organize your child's healthcare records
- Create a contact sheet to keep important names and telephone numbers
- Organize financial information into categories and label them for easy reference
- Understand your insurance plan, benefits and coverage plus any special guidelines you must follow
- Keep thorough records of medical bills and payments to ensure proper payment
- Write down any questions you may have to help you remember them for your child’s care team
- Make written lists to help you keep track of important issues that may arise
- Share research information with your child's primary physician
- Ask for help from friends, support groups and counselors if you feel overwhelmed.
Helpful tip: Write everything down! Take notes during phone call conversations, including the date of the conversation, whom you spoke with, important details, their fax number and their follow-up telephone number. Use these helpful conversation logs to help you recall details when you need them.