7 Tips for Parenting in the Hospital
Understanding your role when your child is admitted to the hospital helps you be their best advocate and support.
You and your child will have many questions about what is happening, what’s next, and what it all means. Here are a few basic tips to help you remain informed about your child’s care and your role as the best source of comfort:
- Questions are welcome.
You are definitely NOT bothering someone by asking questions. You’ll receive a lot of information quickly from many different sources. It helps to be sure that you’re asking the right person (look for “Know the Players” post for more on this.) Keep a running list of your questions (in a notebook or even your phone) so you don’t forget something important with so many people coming through.
2. Participate in rounds.
There may be a lot of professionals in this once-daily meeting of the medical staff (usually in or outside your child’s room), but you are the best expert on your child. By being present you’ll get to know the team, learn about the daily plan and goals, and offer your insight about how your child is doing. It can be intimidating and confusing amid all of the jargon, but trust your gut instincts — if something doesn’t make sense or seem right, speak up.
3. Redirect to your child.
It is not uncommon for staff to begin their assessment by asking the parent how the child is feeling. Begin by redirecting the question first to the child. Their response may be incomplete, especially if they’re not feeling well, but you can always elaborate after your child has finished. It is crucial that your child feels respected and heard at a time when almost everything is out of their control.
4. Home remedies.
Look to your regular tricks from home to supplement the medical interventions. It’s amazing how far easy things like silly games, ice packs, music, or just a soothing touch can go to reduce discomfort.
5. Cluster the care. Sleep is notoriously elusive in hospitals because of stress, noise, and frequent interruptions. Request that staff’s nighttime bedside visits are grouped so that vitals checks, blood draws, and medication are coordinated to allow more uninterrupted sleep.
6. Do not disturb.
Sometimes the patient needs a break from everyone. The nurse can place a sign on the door asking staff to check in before entering the patient’s room. Unless it’s urgent, it is ok to ask everyone from cleaning staff to physicians to come back another time.
7. Please disturb. Post a contact number for you in the room in case you’re out when someone wants to find you. If you leave to go home, discuss what circumstances warrant a phone call update — like a change in your child’s status, or major new treatment orders.
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Of course this isn’t an exhaustive list, and you’ll develop your own “musts” based on your child’s unique situation and your own preferences.
What’s worked for you? Write in your own favorites and I’ll share more here.
