What to Expect

Before You Arrive

You may be nervous about your child's hospitalization; we can answer your questions, so you know what to expect. Your child will take cues from you, so if you understand what is going to happen and are relaxed, you will lessen your child's fears.

Your child's primary care team will include people from various professions. All staff wears identification badges with photo and name. Be sure to ask who is caring for your child if an introduction is not made.

A Registered Nurse (RN) on each shift is assigned to care for your child. The RN is your main contact with other members of your child's healthcare team. This nurse will teach you and your child about their care during and after a surgery or hospital stay.

The Attending Physician is your child's main doctor while they're at the hospital. The Attending Physician leads the team developing the treatment plan for your child. Your child will also receive care from Resident Physicians and Fellows. These are licensed doctors who are receiving specialized pediatric training. They keep the Attending Physician informed about your child's progress.

Our Approach To Care

You are an important member of you child's healthcare team. As the main source of nurturing and support for your child, we hope you can continue to take care of their basic needs. If you need to be away from your child for long periods of time, you may want to ask a relative or friend to fill in for you. If this is not possible, we'll try to have a Volunteer visit your child on a regular basis. Please ask one of our staff if you need this help.

Be direct with us in asking for what you and your child need. Each nursing floor has more information once your child is admitted. If you have a concern or question, please do not hesitate to let our staff know. Learn more about our Patient Relations department that is available to you.

For more information about our patient and family rights, see Rights and Responsibilities. You may also fill out a Suggestion Card at any elevator lobby or call Patient Relations at (361) 694-4035.

You can be with your child during most tests and procedures, except during surgeries. Most procedures are done in treatment rooms away from your child's bed. Staff and Child Life Specialists will explain to you and your child what to expect, when something may hurt, and how to minimize pain. Your child's doctor will prescribe any necessary pain medicine. Your child's nurse can help you understand and assist with your child's pain management needs.

Inpatient Rooms

Your child will be assigned to a room based on their diagnosis, age and sex. Most rooms are private with only one patient per room. On rare occasion, it is necessary to have two children per room and so we ask that you be respectful of other children and families. Each inpatient room has a TV, VCR, and phone.

Your Child's Health and Safety

• Make sure that your child wears their identification bracelet and you wear yours also at all times.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water.
• Check with your child's nurse before leaving the floor.
• Limit the number of visitors in your child's room. Most nursing floors allow two visitors at a time. Other visitors can wait in the Main Lobby or Cafeteria.
• Talk with your nurse before you bring in other food for your child.

Play and Teen Activities

Ask our staff about:

• Child Life Specialists trained to help children deal with the emotional changes challenges of being in a hospital.
• Special therapeutic play programs that may include music, art, the Clowns Who Care, storytelling and interactive computer programs.
• Our Playrooms with toys and activities to support children and teens during their hospital stay.
• Our new Teen Room
• Trained Volunteers who enjoy spending time with children and teens.